As homeowners, we are always looking for ways to increase the value of our homes. Knowing which upgrades to make to yield a greater return on investment is crucial.

When it comes to home improvements, here are two important factors to consider. Will the upgrade increase the value of the house to you? Will it increase the value to others, if and when you decide to sell your home?

Whether you’re considering listing your property with Estelia Mesimer in the near future or simply want to make smart upgrades to your home, here are some sleek finishes to consider that may help to increase your property’s market value:

Upgrade the finishes in your kitchen. While a full kitchen remodel may not be necessary or cost effective, a few easy upgrades include switching out the faucet, adding new cabinetry and replacing your countertops. There are plenty of great resources for learning about updated kitchen design trends that are appealing to future home buyers.

New front door. Take a good look at your front door. If it has dings and damage, or the door jam, hinges or screen door are beat up, make them look nice. You want your front door to make a great first impression.

Install new vinyl windows. Today it is all about energy efficiency and a longer shelf life. Vinyl windows are a better design, more energy efficient, and will last longer than aluminum ones.

Install a new roof. This improvement can be a tricky one. Before you decide to go the route of replacing the roof, get a certification from a licensed roofer stating the estimated remaining life. If it is viable for another five to seven years, there is no need to replace the roof. If not, then you will need to decide to either replace it yourself or you may end up negotiating a shared cost between you and the buyer.

Invest in some simple landscaping. People enjoy open and private space, reasonable to low maintenance, and an established yard plan that’s clean and shows some pride of ownership. Make sure the grass is cut and cleaned up, sidewalks and driveways are swept, flower beds are weeded, etc.

Keep in mind that while upgrades are good, you never want to over-improve. When your upgrades feel overboard for your neighborhood, you risk alienating buyers on two fronts – buyers who are drawn to your neighborhood won’t be able to afford your home and buyers who can afford a home of your caliber will prefer to be in a higher end area. Being a little nicer than the other houses around you can be a selling point, but being vastly more luxurious is not.

Bottom Line: Pursue home upgrades for your own enjoyment, but don’t trick yourself into believing you will more than recoup the cost of the improvement in the form of a higher listing price when it comes time to sell. Instead, opt for the projects that have the best potential to attract qualified buyers.

For more advice and help putting you home on the market, please contact:

Estelia@Estelia.com
727.686.2859