Selling or Not, Increase Your Home’s Value With These Homeowner Tips

Every home owner should be conscious of getting the most out of their property, while they’re living in it and when it’s time to sell. Maintaining your home’s worth is an investment in your future.

Home sellers routinely ask Realtors^® what they can do to add value, and strengthen their bargaining position. It’s certainly understandable that value would be top of mind for home owners, but what they don’t always consider is the length of time the home will remain on the market. The longer a listing sits unsold, the less bargaining power the home seller has. Proper maintenance and well planned updates over the duration of homeownership can address both of these concerns.

A few typical comments from potential home buyers about a home with longer than the average days on market are:

There must be something wrong with it.
It must be overpriced.
Are the Sellers refusing to do repairs?
Troublesome neighbors or neighborhood?
Did an appraisal come in low?

Limiting the time your home spends on the market is equally as important as maximizing its value. Fortunately there are a few critical points you can address now to ensure a quick and profitable sale later.

5 Essential Tips to Increase Your Resale Value and Decrease Days on Market

The key to boosting the value of your home lies in specific upkeep and upgrade practices that, in the long run, may prove to be worth a lot more than you might think. So what’s the game plan? Focus on the most noticeable areas of your home. Home buyers will appreciate the effort and so will your wallet.

Even if you’re not thinking of selling your home any time soon, these five tips will help you maintain and in some cases increase its value.

1. Make sure the façade and main entrance are in great condition
First impressions count. Insure that the exterior is properly painted or surfaced, and touch up chips or cracks. In addition, the path leading to the entrance and the whole entrance area should be clean, neatly groomed and welcoming. Exterior lighting should be in good working order and the design should complement the style of the house.

2. A clean, efficient home is always more saleable
Thoroughly clean carpeting and rugs. Repair cracks or imperfections in walls and floors. Sustainability is also important to today’s home shoppers. Some basic steps to increase the energy efficiency of your home might include: quality insulation, repairing and re-sealing windows, heating and cooling systems that are Energy Star rated along with smart or programmable thermostats.

3. Focus on improving the kitchen as much as possible
Kitchen elements are mostly long-lasting and some appliances will remain, so it is important to invest in energy-efficient appliances, and durable islands and countertops that will boost overall home value. What’s more, the kitchen is the heart of the house, precisely why this room will be under a magnifying glass while your home is for sale. The layout and organizational structure of the kitchen should allow for efficiency and freedom of movement.

4. Notice bathrooms as well
The bathroom is probably the second most influential contributor to your home’s value. The objective should be to achieve an attractive space that offers both a timeless and modern look. Remember that even if you love colorful tiles or unique pieces, potential buyers may not. In addition to keeping things simple and classy, it’s important to create a spotless area that offers as much functionality as possible for the space available. If you are lucky enough to have plenty of natural lighting, make the most of it.

5. Take advantage of outdoor space
If your property has gardens, patios, decks or terraces, double-check that plants are healthy and attractive, surfaces are swept and debris removed. Well kept landscaping will present an image of attention to detail. Add homey outdoor furniture in moderation. Outdoor settings should be accessible and clutter-free for the perfect invitation to sit back and relax.

Overall, neutral and soft tones work best for resale value. They are appealing to a wider audience, the easiest pallet to customize, and neutral hues will make your entire space more visually open and elegant. With that in mind, renovation projects and updates made with the future in mind, are best inclined towards timelessness and minimalism.

Adapted from a blog by Diana Smith on RealestBlog.com. This material is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, no representation is made as to its accuracy. This material is not intended to be construed as legal, tax or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult your legal, tax or investment professional for specific advice. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2019. All rights reserved.