Dear Olivia,
My home is in decent shape, but I want to give it added value in case I decide it’s time to move on and find a new home. What home improvements should I focus on that are simple yet have a good return on investment?
Sincerely,
Ready for an Upgrade
This is the million-dollar question and one that I get asked a lot! It seems like there’s always something to fix, update, or add to our homes, but some renovations offer a much better return on your investment than others. Let’s look at three of the best renovations that are relatively simple to do yet increase the value of your home.
Update the Paint
Painting one room – let alone many rooms or the exterior of your home – is hard work. However, paint is perhaps the one thing that makes the biggest impact on your home.
New paint makes even tired and drab homes look and feel new. Depending on the color of the paint, you can make a room feel warmer and cozier, more open and bright, or fresh and inviting.
And since painting the interior of your home results in a return on investment of 107%, it benefits you when you sell your home! So, in 2023, consider rolling up your sleeves, buying some cans of paint, and tackling this easy-to-do home renovation!
Freshen Up the Landscaping
You can have the nicest home on the block, but you can kiss buyers away if the landscaping is lacking. As they say, you only get one chance at a good first impression, and a sad yard is not the way to lure buyers!
You don’t need to do a complete overhaul of the landscaping to have a significant impact on curb appeal, either. Trimming existing bushes and trees, adding new flowers and mulch in the spring, and keeping the lawn mowed will all go a long way in making your home inviting to buyers.
If you want to take a few extra steps, focus on the front entry. Consider updating exterior lighting, painting the front door a bold color, or adding furniture or decor to the entry to draw buyers’ eyes to the entrance of the home.
According to Angi’s List, a healthy, attractive, green lawn offers ROI of up to 265%. That’s crazy! Not everyone loves to work in the yard, but it might be time to plan your springtime yard projects for that kind of return!
Do Minor Updates to the Kitchen or Bathrooms
As much as the curb appeal of your home matters for a first impression, it’s the kitchen and baths that actually sell the home. If these spaces need some love, but you aren’t able or willing to do a total overhaul, minor updates can go a long way.
Just like with painting walls, painting cabinetry can bring new life to the kitchen or bathroom. Add some updated hardware to go with the new paint, and you can have a completely different-looking kitchen without busting your budget.
If the countertops, sink, or faucets need updating, those will be more expensive upgrades to make. However, with a 71% ROI, making these minor updates in rooms as important as the kitchen and baths will help you maximize the value you can get for your home.
As always, if you have other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Wind River Realty at 307-856-3999!
~Olivia