Looking to Sell? 7 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

If you are planning to sell, a few smart upgrades can make a real difference in how fast your home sells and for how much. The trick is spending on what buyers value, not just what you like. Many homeowners pour thousands into redesigning a space to their own taste, only to find buyers do not care.

Here are seven updates that tend to deliver the best return before you list.

1. Take Care of Maintenance First

Buyers expect a sound house. A leaky roof or failing gutters can cost a buyer thousands, and those problems will outweigh even the prettiest kitchen or bathroom. Basic upkeep matters more than a dated but working bathroom, so start here. Our basic home maintenance tips are a good checklist.

2. Boost Your Curb Appeal

If the outside does not draw buyers in, many will never see the inside. Fresh landscaping, a new coat of paint and an inviting front porch all help. See our curb appeal ideas that add value for more.

3. Add More Space

Square footage is one of the biggest drivers of value. A National Association of Realtors study found that adding 1,000 square feet can raise a home's sale price by as much as 30 percent. Adding a bathroom may also be a better investment than updating an existing one. Before you build, compare your home's size and value with others in the neighborhood so you do not over-improve. Learn more about the benefits of home additions.

4. Install Hardwood Floors

Replacing worn carpet with hardwood is one of the easiest upgrades buyers notice. Wood floors look cleaner, feel more upscale and tend to improve resale return. Read what type of wood flooring is right for you.

5. Paint in Neutral Colors

Neutral walls make rooms look larger, cleaner and more current, and they help buyers picture their own furniture in the space.

6. Update Your Lighting

Swapping dated fixtures for fresh, modern ones is an affordable way to make the whole house feel newer.

7. Refresh the Kitchen

Once maintenance is handled, look at the kitchen. Updates can be as simple as new cabinet hardware or painted cabinets, or as involved as new countertops and a tile backsplash. Even subtle changes make a kitchen feel fresh and clean. Our guide to kitchen upgrades has more ideas, and getting the best ROI from a remodel explains where your money goes furthest.

Get Expert Advice Before You List

Not sure which projects are worth it for your home? Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling will walk through your house, factor in your goals and give you honest feedback based on years of experience in the North Georgia market.

Getting ready to sell? Call Tracy Tesmer Design and Remodeling at 678-450-1700 or schedule a consultation today.