Thinking about selling your home? Before you put your property on the market, you need to consider making some key home improvements to maximize your return on investment. From remodeling your kitchen and bathrooms to enriching your curb appeal, several renovation projects will increase the value of your home.
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Practical Tips for Best Home Improvements to Do Before Selling
When you’re thinking about selling your home, choosing the right home improvements will up the value of your property and catch the eye of potential buyers. Whether you’re tackling a kitchen makeover, sprucing up the bathroom, or giving the place a fresh coat of paint and new flooring, smart upgrades will give you a big bang for your buck and get your home ready for the market.
1. Kitchen Remodeling
When you’re getting ready to sell your home, a kitchen remodel will make a big impact.
Pro tip:
Remodel your kitchen with new appliances, countertops, and cabinets to improve the look and functionality of the space.
Many potential buyers love a house with a modern kitchen because it shows that the property is well taken care of and gives them a kitchen that’s ready to use without needing any extra work or money for home improvements. Putting money into a kitchen remodel will bring you a nice return on investment, so it’s definitely a smart move when you’re prepping to sell your home.
2. Bathroom Remodeling
For bathroom remodeling, we recommend installing new fixtures, like a sleek bathtub or trendy sink, to change how your bathroom looks and works. Give your tiling a modern twist and add in things like a rainfall showerhead or smart lighting to create a fancy space that catches the eye of potential buyers. Upgrades will make your everyday life more enjoyable; they’ll give you a solid return on investment when you’re ready to sell your home.
3. Adding a Deck or Patio
Add a deck or patio to your home to up your outdoor living game. When you invest in outdoor remodeling and repairs like decks or patios, you’re creating functional spaces where you will kick back, relax, and entertain in ultimate style.
Outdoor hangouts are enjoyable and smart investments, catching the eye of potential buyers who are on the hunt for extra spots to chill and socialize.
4. Repainting the Interior and Exterior
Give your home a makeover by adding a fresh coat of paint, both inside and out. It will totally transform and modernize the whole vibe of your place.
Neutral colors are the real MVPs here. They have this magical ability to catch the eye of a wide range of potential buyers. So, when you’re picking out paint colors for your home, go for soft whites, warm grays, and gentle creams. They create a versatile base that works with any decor style.
We recommend using neutral tones. A fresh coat of paint gives your home serious curb appeal, drawing in interested buyers and leaving a killer first impression.
5. Floor remodeling
When you’re looking to freshen up your home and catch the eye of potential buyers, remodeling your flooring is a solid move. Consider bringing in new flooring options like hardwood, laminate, or tile to give your space a whole new vibe. Hardwood floors bring a touch of timeless class, while laminate is all about durability without breaking the bank.
Remember, tile – versatile, easy to clean, and perfect for high-traffic areas. Pick the right flooring material to create a cleaner, more modern space that will increase your home’s value on the market. So, whether you’re going for elegance, durability, or easy maintenance, the right flooring will give your home that wow factor.
6. Improving Curb Appeal
When selling a home, you want to make sure it has that curb appeal to really catch the eye of potential buyers.
A neat lawn and some carefully planned landscaping will up the overall look of your property, making it more appealing to buyers. Add some fresh paint, cool outdoor lighting, and a welcoming entrance to leave a lasting impression and get buyers excited even before they step inside.
A good-looking exterior shows that the property has been taken care of, giving buyers a positive vibe right from the start and making them see the home as more valuable.
7. Replace Windows and Doors
When you replace your old windows and doors, you’re improving its insulation. New windows and doors increase energy efficiency. With their modern designs and high-quality materials, they regulate indoor temperatures.
Pro tip:
Keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer to lower energy bills and have a cozier living space. Plus, the improved security features in new windows and doors, like multi-point locking systems and impact-resistant glass – provide excellent protection against both intruders and rough weather. An extra layer of security will bring you some serious peace of mind.
And let’s not forget about the aesthetic benefits. Stylish windows and doors will:
- amp up your home’s curb appeal
- make your property more attractive to potential buyers
- increase its market value
8. Secret Trick to Multiply Your Investment
After 20 years of remodeling homes and offices, we are certain that every dollar invested in upgrading your home before selling will multiply through the final sales price. The eighth secret remodeling work to consider, if it fits your budget, is adding a fireplace to your living room. Such an investment might be expensive, but it can increase the final sales price by thousands of dollars.
The more luxurious and vintage the fireplace, the greater the impact. This type of work will extend the finish date by two weeks, but it has always had an excellent effect and ROI.
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Home Improvements?
1. Research and Get Multiple Quotes
You should kick things off by diving deep into researching potential contractors and collecting quotes from a few of them to weigh your options.
Pro tip:
Find a contractor who works with your budget and matches your unique requirements. Gather multiple quotes to effortlessly compare prices, services, timelines, and the quality of work. It gives you all the info you need to make a smart choice, knowing exactly what each contractor brings to the table. Spot any warning signs or differences in proposals, making sure you pick a reliable and skilled contractor for your project.
3. Licensed and Insured
Make sure that the contractor you choose is licensed and insured to protect yourself and your property. When you work with a licensed contractor, you know they’ve met certain standards and qualifications set by regulatory bodies, showing off their expertise and professionalism. Insurance coverage is for accidents or damages during the project; it also keeps you safe from potential legal headaches.
Images taken from StockCake
On the flip side, going with an unlicensed or uninsured contractor is like playing with fire. You could end up with shoddy work, financial setbacks, or even legal issues if things go south. That’s why it’s fundamental to do your homework before hiring any contractor – it’s all about looking out for yourself.
4. Have a Detailed Contract
Have a detailed contract to prevent misunderstandings and make sure that both parties are on the same page. Include key elements in a contract, like the scope of work, to give a clear outline of the renovation project. Both you and the contractor will have a mutual understanding of all the tasks involved.
Timelines are super important, too, because they lay out expected deadlines for different stages of the project, keeping your renovation on the right track. Make sure payment schedules are clearly outlined in the contract to specify when and how payments will be made. Confirm financial transparency throughout the whole process.
And don’t forget about warranties! They detail guarantees on workmanship and materials, giving both parties added protection in case any issues pop up after the renovation is done.
Returns on Home Improvements
Calculate the possible returns on remodeling to make smart choices about which home improvements to tackle before you sell.
1. Increased Sale Price
Look forward to boosting your sale price and getting a solid return on your investment.
For example, giving your kitchen a modern touch with new appliances, countertops, and fixtures makes it look better and adds functionality, making it a major selling point for potential buyers.
Similarly, sprucing up your bathrooms with stylish features like a walk-in shower or a double vanity will set your home apart in the market, resulting in a higher resale value.
2. Faster Sale Time
When you nail home remodeling, you will up the game on your property and get it off the market quicker. Whether you’re bringing the kitchen and bathrooms into this century or adding smart features like solar panels or smart thermostats, there are plenty of ways to boost your home’s appeal.
Pro tip:
Explore the latest design trends and be sure everything’s running smoothly. Make your home stand out from the crowd and cut down the time it takes to find the perfect buyer.
3. Attract More Buyers
Think about how a fresh coat of paint will instantly liven up a room and give it that sleek, modernized vibe. And don’t underestimate the impact of new flooring – it will add a touch of luxury and freshness to your space.
In terms of attracting potential buyers, don’t forget about the curb appeal. Simple landscaping, a well-kept exterior, and a warm, inviting entryway will set a positive tone right from the start.
Pro tip:
Focus on important areas to make your home attractive to a wide range of people with different tastes and preferences. Increase the chances of selling your home quickly and at a price you’ll be happy with.
4. Avoid Negotiations and Price Reductions
When you address potential issues through the home improvement process, you will sidestep long negotiations and price reductions. Preemptive improvements will present your property most favorably, leaving buyers with fewer reasons to bargain for lower prices.
The Best Time to Do Home Improvements Before Selling
Strategically timing your home improvements will maximize the impact and guarantee your home is ready for the market at the optimal moment.
1. Consider the Market Conditions
Understand the current market conditions to decide when to start your home improvements. Factors such as housing demand and prevailing interest rates are important in determining the optimal timing for your remodeling projects. When the demand for housing is high, property values tend to rise, making it an opportune time to invest in home improvements.
Pro tip:
Follow fluctuating interest rates and gauge when it might be more beneficial to secure financing for your renovation plans. Stay attuned to market trends; plan and execute your remodeling for maximum impact and return on investment.
2. Plan for Seasonal Home Improvement
Adjust your home improvements to seasonal changes and avoid annoying weather-related delays or price shifts.
For example:
- Getting the exterior painting done when it’s warmer out means the paint dries properly and sticks better, giving you a finish that lasts longer.
- Schedule roof repairs in the fall, before winter storms swoop in; it will save you from costly water damage down the road.
- Align your renovation plans with the seasons to snag some discounts and better availability from contractors during their slower periods.
That way, you will get the most out of your budget and guarantee top-notch quality in the work that’s done.
3. Give Yourself Enough Time
You’ll have the best negotiating conditions if you have enough time to complete home improvements before listing it.
Proper planning and having sufficient time guarantees the work is done to a high standard. It reduces the stress and pressure on you as a homeowner. Rushing through home improvement works will lead to subpar results and may even end up costing you more in the long run.
Pro tip:
Properly time your home improvement project to increase the overall appeal of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and ultimately increasing its market worth. It’s all about setting the right pace and prioritizing quality to achieve a successful home-selling experience.
FAQ
What are the best home improvements to do before selling a house?
The best home improvements to do before selling a house is updating the kitchen and bathrooms, adding curb appeal, and completing necessary repairs.
How much should I budget for home improvements before selling my house?
The amount you should budget for home improvements before selling your house will depend on the current condition of your home and the extent of the remodeling you want to do. Set a realistic budget and prioritize the work that will have the biggest impact on the sale price.
Based on our experience, for each dollar you invest in remodeling before selling, you should get two to three dollars. It’s obviously a great ROI, and it’s been such for two decades.
Is it worth remodeling before selling my house?
In most cases, it is worth renovating before selling your house. Home improvements will attract more potential buyers and increase the value of your home, ultimately resulting in a higher sale price. However, it’s important to carefully consider the cost of the home improvement and the potential return on investment.
What are some inexpensive home improvements to do before selling my house?
Some inexpensive remodeling works to do before selling your house include adding a fresh coat of paint, updating light fixtures and hardware, and decluttering and staging the home. Small changes will make a big difference in the overall appearance and appeal of your house.
Should I focus on cosmetic or structural home improvement before selling my house?
In general, it’s best to focus on cosmetic work before selling your house. They are more cost-effective and will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home. However, if your house has major structural issues, it’s important to address them before putting it on the market.
When is the best time to start home improvement before selling my house?
The best time to start home improvement before selling your house is typically 3-6 months before putting it on the market. This will give you enough time to complete the remodeling and allow for any unexpected delays. Consider the current real estate market and the timing of your desired selling date.
