Last updated on November 13, 2024
According to a recent report, nearly 65%
Before revealing the list of the best projects to tackle before selling, it is imperative that you understand that this is a general list, compiled using national data. After reading this list, your next order of business should be to find an experienced real estate agent in your area who can talk to you about the exact elements you should consider improving to maximize the sale of your home.
Now that you understand that caveat, here are the most common improvements sellers make before putting their home on the market.
fresh paint
If you're selling your home in the future, you can bet there will be paint cans involved. Buyers are looking for a fresh, neutral canvas to imagine their new life in their home. The best thing to do is to repaint all the walls with pale neutral paint colors. Cool gray paint colors were trending years ago, but today's buyers crave warmer spaces. Stick to warmer neutrals like Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan, Edgecomb Gray or Classic Grey.
If it's been a while since you touched up the trim or it looks dirty, it's also a good idea to repaint it to keep it looking clean and crisp.
While you're at it, you may have to show your exterior some love with a more modern paint color. Curb appeal improvements are especially important when selling, so if your home needs a new or updated coat of paint, don't overlook this investment.
If your exterior has seen better days and even the most current color can't fix it, it might be time to replace your siding. The latest Cost vs. Value lists this investment as a great value, and owners can expect to recover between 88 and 94% of their costs.
Curb Appeal Improvements
The goal with the right curb appeal is to welcome buyers into your home. It's mentally difficult for buyers to get over a bad first impression, and for that reason, exterior and curb appeal improvements are often at the top of sellers' to-do lists. These are the best improvements that can be made based on return on investment:
- Liner replacement
- Garage door replacement
- Paint your front door
- Entry door replacement (steel)
In addition to these big-ticket items, in a recent survey by Zillow, investing in landscaping topped most sellers' lists. Ranging in cost from $500 to $3000, if you're willing to put in some effort here, you can save a lot of time.
How about a new roof? How does that compare in terms of ROI? Unfortunately, replacing a roof at the end of its useful life is not something that will necessarily increase the value of your home, as it is something that buyers expect to be in good condition. Keep in mind that a roof that needs a lot of care and attention will be flagged on an inspection report and may give buyers cause for concern.
New lighting
Now here's a task you can easily accomplish in a weekend: contemplate the power of proper lighting! About a third of sellers seriously upgrade the lighting in their home before listing. What's more, a recent report showed that upgrading lights to LED lighting is associated with a 1.5% sales premium.
While we're talking about lighting, don't underestimate the power of lamps! Lamps create a cozy atmosphere that simply cannot be recreated with overhead lighting. If you're missing a good number of lamps in each living space (ideally at least 3, but the more the better), it's time to turn to Home Goods or Target to invest in some ambiance.
Bathroom Updates
Many sellers think they have to clean out outdated bathrooms before putting their home on the market, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Minor bathroom updates are where sellers see the biggest return on their investment. Things like replacing outdated lighting fixtures, adding framed mirrors, replacing worn knobs and plumbing fixtures, and refinishing a worn bathtub are worthwhile investments.
Minor updates in kitchen.
Spending money to invest in the appearance of your kitchen just got easier, as the Cost Vs. Most recent value indicates that a minor kitchen remodel typically returns over 96% when it comes time to sell. With an average cost of $26,000, a minor kitchen remodel includes:
- New shaker-style door and drawer fronts
- New hardware
- new appliances
- New sink/faucet
- RVP floors
- New countertops/backsplash
As with all major investments you make before selling, it's best to talk to your real estate agent before starting any large-scale project. Look for a real estate agent with local experience; You want an expert with knowledge of your local area who knows what projects are worth doing based on the price of your home.
If you are seriously considering selling your home soon, we recommend a physical exam! Whether you're planning to sell soon or stay in your home for years to come, a home physical exam can help you save money in the long run by helping you make smart decisions when remodeling or repairing your home as it ages. If you are ready to receive a complete โcheckupโ on your home, the real estate experts at Allen Tate are here to help. Fill this form To start today!
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Allen Tate is the largest real estate company in the Carolinas with more than 70 offices and 1,800 real estate agents in the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle, High Country, Upstate SC, Highlands/Cashiers and Asheville/Mountain regions. Allen Tate is a partner at Howard Hanna Real Estate, the largest private real estate brokerage in the U.S., with 500 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title and escrow services offices and 15,000 sales associates and staff. in 13 states. For more information, visit www.allentate.com and www.howardhanna.com.
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