With the current housing situation, our new mantra should be “Don’t move, improve.” Homeowners should do some research and work on improving the way their house looks, so ultimately they can get more money when it is time for move out. With that being said, I have created a list of things homeowners can do to improve the look of their houses.
1. Add an extension to your home. Experts say -if done properly-this could add 10-50 percent to the value of your home. For example, if you have a small kitchen, add on a cooking island, or something to make it appear more spacious. It’ll cost a few thousand but be worth more in the end.
2. Updating a kitchen is the number one absolute must when improving your home. It could potentially add about 10 percent to the value of your home. It’s where families spend the most time in and the first place potential buyers look. Choose a look that adds on to the character of the house (contemporary kitchen for a modern home).
3. Replace old tiles or flooring! Nobody wants to walk on dirty old carpet or cracked tiles…
4. Revamping your bathroom will appeal to buyers. Fit on a new sink, new lighting, new floor tiles and re-tile the walls to give it a fresh look. Give it that day at the spa feel.
5. Updating the exterior of your home can add on 15 percent more value to your home. Clean the windows, re-paint the front door , repair the gutters and do some gardening. Think about it. Nobody will go inside if they don’t like the outside.
6. They say wallpaper is coming back in style. It’s classier than paint. You could even combine the two. Find a style that goes with the rest of the house. Create a mood/theme. If you don’t have the money for wallpaper, wall stickers are “in” this year. It’s a cute feature to add to the value of your home.
7. Deal with basic issues before you rush out of your house. Some buyers wants a fixer-upper, but most people expect to get a problem-free house. That means fix the plumbing, woodchip wallpaper and restore wood. Rip out old carpet and replace it as well.
8. If you want to “Think Green” at a low price, then you can buy recycled or antique furniture or anything that has been made. Adding recycled building materials can create a stylish fresh look in any room of your house.
9. Turn a neglected plot of land into a beautifully landscaped garden. You can buy plants and flowers at a low price and watch them instantly brighten up your home. If you had the money, you could even build a greenhouse.
10. Maybe your home just needs a good cleaning. Cleaning can turn a war zone into a cozy living environment.
With these tips, you will be well on your way to improving the value of your home and getting more bang for your buck. ..or should I say buck for your bang?
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