7 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

 

 Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or sometime in the future, home improvements can make your home more functional and enjoyable, while delivering a better price when it’s time to sell. Some improvements will give you more bang for your buck than others. If you’re looking for simple, budget-friendly ideas, here are 7 that shouldn’t put too much strain on your wallet. 
 

Enhance the curb appeal. First impressions can make or break a sale. A well-maintained exterior and uncluttered yard will be attractive to buyers. Make sure windows are clean, paint is fresh, and grass, trees and bushes are trimmed. Pull weeds and fill in patchy areas. If your garage door looks outdated, consider updating it. If you’re putting in new plants, choose ones that are native to your region for low maintenance. Tip: If you’re not certain what kinds of plants would work best, take a picture of your home to your local garden center to get some expert suggestions.

Take care of the basics. You may no longer notice your home’s creaks, squeaks or leaks, but a potential buyer will. Repair plumbing leaks, fix squeaky floors, lubricate hinges, and patch and paint or replace rusty rain gutters. These fixes can go a long way toward helping buyers see themselves as your home’s new owners.

Increase energy efficiency. Potential buyers want to pay as little as possible for energy, so spending time making your home more efficient makes sense.

Upgrade the kitchen. For many, the kitchen is the main hub for activity, so it pays to give this room extra attention. Don’t have the funds for a full renovation? Coordinated appliances, neutral flooring, refinished or freshly painted cabinets and updated hardware can quickly modernize the space.

Make over the bathroom. Your bathroom should look inviting, fresh and clean. So, if the room is a little dark, bright natural lighting around a mirror or an updated light fixture can take it from drab to fab. And, you’d be surprised at the difference you’ll see just by painting a tired, old vanity, adding new hardware or installing new tile. Has your tub seen better days? Consider refinishing/re-glazing.

Create extra space and function. Many home buyers are looking for a bigger house or more storage space, so flexibility will be important. A finished attic or basement “flex room” that can serve a variety of purposes, from a home office to a guest room to an in-law suite, can make home buyers see more potential in your home. But there are also small things you can do, like installing closet organizing systems, above-door shelving, under-stairway storage, simple built-ins and electrical outlets with USB ports.

Freshen up the interior with paint. A sleek, smooth coat of paint can liven up an entry door or change a room quickly. Focus first on high-traffic areas such as front and back doors, the kitchen and bathrooms to impress potential home buyers. When painting to sell, avoid dramatic hues and go with neutrals or all white for interior walls.

 

It’s exciting to make upgrades to your home, whether your goal is to make it more functional or attractive or you want to get it ready to sell. 

And remember that we can help you finance any home improvements to your current home as well as the purchase of your new home! From home equity lines of credit to mortgage loans of any type, we are here to serve you! To find out more, contact our Mortgage Department at 901-380-7530 or at mortgages@firstsouth.com.