If you’re a homeowner seeking how to increase the value of your home before selling it, there are thankfully many ways you can do this in today’s housing market. Ultimately, the key to increasing the value of your home — whether it’s a studio, a one-bedroom apartment, a condo or a house — is ensuring that it is as clean and updated as possible in all respects.
Tips To Follow
Here are a few tips separated by categories in the home for you to follow to achieve this goal.
Clean & Update Landscaping
Low-maintenance landscaping — like buying plants native to your region or drought-tolerant plants — can significantly help raise the value of your home. These types of plants require less water and can thus help you save money. This could cost you as low as $200.
Remodel the Kitchen
A full kitchen remodel (floor-to-ceiling) can cost you up to $3,000, but it can end up being a smart investment. According to DIY Network, kitchen updates net an 80-85 percent return on average. Sometimes, an update can mean just switching out an old and dirty sink or replacing a few cabinets or drawers. This can make a much bigger difference than you might imagine.
Remodel the Master Bathroom
Just like a kitchen remodel, updating your master bathroom can substantially help raise your home’s value. Whether it’s replacing the floor tiles, wallpaper, lighting or a sliding shower door that has become rusted (or even a sink or mirror that have quickly become dirty), this simple step (which can also cost somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 for a full remodel) can make a major difference.
Upgrade Appliances
Unfortunately, many appliances don’t last forever, so making sure you upgrade to newer and more energy-efficient models can also help increase your home’s value and give you less trouble. Whether it’s an old microwave, fridge or an oven, get rid of it and try to replace it with one with an Energy Star label that uses 10-50 percent less energy and water than traditional appliances. Upgrading your standard water heater for a tankless model can also be a great way to raise your home’s value. These types of home improvements can cost you between $750 and $1,000 on average.
Replace Carpeting
Replace any old rugs or carpets with clean carpets, and get rid of any dust while you’re at it. Old carpets often contain allergens and contaminants. Hiring a professional company can help you assess whether or not they need replacing. A firm can examine your indoor air quality. It’s also important to note that it’s usually easier to keep hard-surface floors clean, so keep this in mind.
Updating/Replacing Fixtures
Energy-efficient fixtures like a decorative and functional ceiling fan can offer much-needed light and let in a soft breeze during the summer months. This can serve as a great alternative for costly air conditioning. However, you should ensure this type of fan is stable and not loud. Other key fixtures you should ensure for your home include TV wall mounts, shutters and blinds, and smoke detectors. These fixtures can cost you between $200 and $400 on average.
Routine HVAC Maintenance
Like any other system, HVAC requires regular care and maintenance. The HVAC maintains clean and comfortable air within your home. Therefore, inspecting and changing filters, cleaning and removing debris, and checking the condensate drain are all important. You should also be sure to check the thermostat settings and inspect all exhaust outlets.
Keep the House Clean
Ultimately, the key to increasing your home’s value is simply ensuring it is as clean as possible. Nobody wants to move into a home filled with clutter, dust, roaches, or broken parts and appliances. Treat your home like a space that is safe and pleasant to live in and you should not have any major worries. If you don’t trust yourself to do it yourself, hire a professional cleaning service (same with repairs).
Speak to a Professional Title Company
Speak to the experienced professionals at Mathis Title Company in Fairfax, Virginia, to learn more about the best ways to raise the value of your home.
Mathis will help you with all steps in the homebuying and transfer process, through to the closing. They will guide you through the initial contract preparation to ensure all of your rights as a homeowner are respected and that no legal issues like lawsuits or title fraud befall you. Robin Mathis is an attorney who was sworn into the U.S. Supreme Court and who has performed thousands of closings, both residential and small commercial. She has experience dealing with both the buyer and seller sides of the homebuying process and can also assist you with settlement, refinancing, and mechanics liens. Contact Mathis Title Company today online to learn more.
