Selling your home can be exciting but stressful. One common question homeowners ask us is: Are there any critical home improvements to make before selling?
While certain updates can boost your home’s value and attract more buyers, not all projects are worth the time or money. We’ll guide you through the home improvements that are worth it and those that might not be.
Why You Might Want to Think Twice About Making Some Home Improvements Before Selling
1. New Owners May Have Different Preferences
Neutral, modern designs appeal to most homebuyers, so going overboard with personal touches or bold design choices could have a negative impact. A clean slate is often more appealing than a customized look, so potential buyers can easily imagine themselves in the space.
Key Takeaway: Instead of guessing what buyers might like, focus on universally appealing updates like fresh paint, decluttering, and minor repairs.
2. Neighborhood Housing Values May Be Capped
Depending on the market, your home may already be at the maximum limit in terms of value in the neighborhood. If your home is already among the ones valued higher than other nearby homes, putting in more money toward the property could be a waste of money. It’s a good idea to leave some room for a home to increase in value over the years. If a significant amount of investment is made to improve the home but falls outside of the value range for the neighborhood, it could be a huge turnoff to buyers, resulting in fewer offers.
Key Takeaway: If your property is valued at the top of its neighborhood’s price range, adding expensive upgrades might not yield a higher sale price. Consulting with a real estate agent can help you determine the ceiling value for homes in your area.
3. Hidden Costs of Renovations
If your goal is to sell your home as soon as possible, the last thing you want is to get involved in a lengthy renovation project. Renovations often uncover unexpected issues, like outdated wiring or structural problems, that can delay your timeline and inflate your budget.
Key Takeaway: For sellers with a tight timeline, skipping major renovations and focusing on simple updates can be a wiser choice.
5 Home Improvements To Make Before Selling
Here are some home improvements that we recommend for high returns and low risks.
1. Fresh Paint
- Painting is inexpensive and instantly makes your home feel new, clean, and modern.
- It’s best to refresh your walls with neutral tones like soft gray, beige, or white.
2. Minor Kitchen Updates
- Even small changes can make your kitchen look brand new without the high cost of a full renovation.
- Replace outdated cabinet hardware, install a stylish faucet, update light fixtures, or add a beautiful backsplash.
3. Enhance Curb Appeal
- First impressions matter! Do some affordable improvements to the outside of your home to make it more inviting.
- Clean up landscaping, add potted plants, and repaint your front door.
4. Repair and Refresh Bathrooms
- Bathrooms are a key selling point; simple updates can go a long way.
- Fix leaky faucets, re-caulk tubs and showers, and replace worn-out fixtures.
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5. Declutter and Deep Clean
- A spotless home signals to buyers that it’s been well-maintained and it’s a worthy investment.
- Remove excess furniture and personal items to make your home look larger and more appealing. Put anything away that does not need to be out for the prospective buyers to see.
How To Decide What Home Improvements Are Worth It
Every home is unique; the right improvements depend on your property’s condition and the local market. A knowledgeable real estate agent can help you decide which updates will maximize your home’s value without overspending.
Make Smart Investments with Expert Guidance
Investing in the right home improvements can make all the difference when it’s time to sell. Before making any decisions, meet with a trusted real estate agent to get expert advice tailored to your home and market. At BlueWest Properties, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more!
