Although the real estate market shows signs of improvement in some parts of the country, most homeowners are cautious when it comes to investing in expensive home improvements. Spending thousands of dollars on cosmetic renovations may not be a good idea, but there are ways to make a home more comfortable and appealing to owners and buyers.
"Landscaping
As a general rule, approximately 10 percent of a home's value should be spent on landscaping, and this includes far more than just shrubs and lawn. Costs include extras like pathways, lighting, water features, swimming pools, outdoor living areas, decks and fire pits. Outdoor rooms, designed to be visual extensions of the indoor area, and decks top the list of popular ways to gain extra space for a reasonable price. Homeowners should work from a plan, installing landscaping in stages if necessary. Adding sprinklers and using environmentally friendly plants go a long way toward making the lawn manageable and affordable for future owners.
"Curb Appeal
Landscaping makes any home more appealing, but the front of the home should welcome new buyers at first sight, as well. Adding fresh coat of paint to the door and shutters, replacing discolored hardware, and making sure the entryway is clean and unobstructed are signs that a house has been well-maintained. A new welcome mat, a colorful pot of flowers, and a matching bench are all it takes to complete the look.
"Staging
Model homes appeal to buyers because the lack of clutter and personal items allow them to see themselves living there. Homebuyers can create the same feel by making sure a house is sparkling clean, clearing off counters and shelves, reorganizing overfilled closets, and getting rid of excess furniture and personal items.
"Adding Space
Unfinished attics and basements can be converted into additional living space, increasing a home's allure to buyers by offering more square feet for the money. These improvements, along with adding decks or outdoor rooms, allow homeowners to recover most of the cost when selling. Adding a portico to protect from the weather or removing a nonstructural wall to ease the flow of traffic also make a home more attractive and functional.
"Inexpensive Updates
Little improvements, such as installing dimmers to create mood lighting or skylights to increase natural light, pay off in the long run. The brighter the light, the bigger a room looks. The softer the light, the cozier it seems. If appliances need to be replaced, eco-friendly options may mean tax rebates, cheaper utility bills and greater appeal to buyers. Sticking to neutral floors and walls is usually a safe bet; but wall-to-wall carpet is a little riskier. When possible, a better idea may be to refurbish wood floors or re-grout old tile. With freshly painted molding, they add vintage charm for a fraction of the cost of new flooring.
Real estate markets vary widely, and so does the return on improvements. As a general rule, homes should be clean, in good repair, well-landscaped, and decorated in neutral tones to sell quickly and profitably.
"Landscaping
As a general rule, approximately 10 percent of a home's value should be spent on landscaping, and this includes far more than just shrubs and lawn. Costs include extras like pathways, lighting, water features, swimming pools, outdoor living areas, decks and fire pits. Outdoor rooms, designed to be visual extensions of the indoor area, and decks top the list of popular ways to gain extra space for a reasonable price. Homeowners should work from a plan, installing landscaping in stages if necessary. Adding sprinklers and using environmentally friendly plants go a long way toward making the lawn manageable and affordable for future owners.
"Curb Appeal
Landscaping makes any home more appealing, but the front of the home should welcome new buyers at first sight, as well. Adding fresh coat of paint to the door and shutters, replacing discolored hardware, and making sure the entryway is clean and unobstructed are signs that a house has been well-maintained. A new welcome mat, a colorful pot of flowers, and a matching bench are all it takes to complete the look.
"Staging
Model homes appeal to buyers because the lack of clutter and personal items allow them to see themselves living there. Homebuyers can create the same feel by making sure a house is sparkling clean, clearing off counters and shelves, reorganizing overfilled closets, and getting rid of excess furniture and personal items.
"Adding Space
Unfinished attics and basements can be converted into additional living space, increasing a home's allure to buyers by offering more square feet for the money. These improvements, along with adding decks or outdoor rooms, allow homeowners to recover most of the cost when selling. Adding a portico to protect from the weather or removing a nonstructural wall to ease the flow of traffic also make a home more attractive and functional.
"Inexpensive Updates
Little improvements, such as installing dimmers to create mood lighting or skylights to increase natural light, pay off in the long run. The brighter the light, the bigger a room looks. The softer the light, the cozier it seems. If appliances need to be replaced, eco-friendly options may mean tax rebates, cheaper utility bills and greater appeal to buyers. Sticking to neutral floors and walls is usually a safe bet; but wall-to-wall carpet is a little riskier. When possible, a better idea may be to refurbish wood floors or re-grout old tile. With freshly painted molding, they add vintage charm for a fraction of the cost of new flooring.
Real estate markets vary widely, and so does the return on improvements. As a general rule, homes should be clean, in good repair, well-landscaped, and decorated in neutral tones to sell quickly and profitably.
SHARE
