Are you thinking of putting your home on the market? Depending on what the interior and exterior of your home looks like, you might want to pump the breaks before hiring a real estate agent. You’ll need to make sure that you are getting the maximum value on your home before selling. This means you might need to make a few improvements to get as much money in your bank account as possible. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out our list of four different ways to increase the value of your home before selling.
New Countertops
Adding new countertops to your kitchen and bathroom is the easiest way to completely revitalize the look of your home. Marble is a popular natural stone that is often used in both homes and businesses. The iconic white and grey stone brings a touch of class and sophistication to any home.
It’s typical to find marble slabs featuring shades of white, gray, and black. But rare slabs of marble can also include different shades of brown, green, and even pink. Marble is a durable yet malleable stone. These countertops can withstand blows from pots and pans. However, the stone is gentle enough that it can be carved to add intricate designs to the stone itself. Consider hiring an artist to really personalize the slab inside your home.
Marble requires a little maintenance to keep its brilliance. They are easy to clean but homeowners will have to get the countertops sealed every few years to protect from chips, stains, and scratches. But marble countertops are the easiest way to rapidly boost the value of your home. Marble is usually priced between $40 to $100 per square foot. You can work with a contractor to find marble slabs that work within your price range.
Efficient Energy
More homeowners are looking for different ways to save on their power bill. Energy conservation is a popular topic among Gen X and Millennials, especially between new or aspiring homeowners. Many want to reduce our dependence on energy while keeping money in their bank account.
You can attract energy-conscious shoppers by transitioning to double-paned windows, LED lightning, and more energy-efficient appliances. These changes will also lighten up your power bills while you continue the renovation and selling process. You could even consider adding solar panels to your roof. A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors found that solar panels increased perceived property value among potential buyers. Make sure to reach out to experts before making this commitment.
For those interested in creating a more energy-efficient home, there are special mortgages that allow new homeowners to get lower interest rates to increase their purchasing power. Extra funds at a lower interest rate will allow homeowners to fully improve the energy sustainability on their home.
Get Smart
Buyers want smart appliances in their home. This growing list of technology includes smart thermostats, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, kitchen appliances, and security cameras. All of these devices can be controlled through a smartphone while you’re sitting on the couch or sitting in traffic.
Buyers who consider themselves as technology-savvy will be very interested in buying a “smart” home. Others might be intimidated but the technology will attract plenty of curious people looking to make their day-to-day lives a little easier.
Smart technology not only raises your home’s value but also the home’s appeal. Potential buyers can spot the devices during the tour and won’t have to worry about installing the technology themselves or paying an expert to get the job done. You can usually add several devices to your home for less than $1,000 while increasing your home’s value by at least several thousand.
Curb Appeal
You can’t place all of your efforts on the interior of your home. It’s important to make sure your house has the right amount of curb appeal. You’ll need to attract potential buyers before they cross the threshold into your home.
There are a few easy ways to renovate the exterior of your home. Make sure that all bushes and trees are trimmed and looking proper. Consider planting flowers or adding on to your current garden. This includes flowers that will thrive throughout the entire year. Don’t plant flowers that will only succeed during certain months. This takes more upkeep over time. You’ll want to make sure your front yard stands out beautifully in comparison to your neighbors.
You’ll also want to create a focal point for your entryway. Consider adding a bold shade of paint to your front door. This will draw attention to the most important door in your home. Compliment the entryway with brilliant lightening or unique decor. These colors and selections should complement the exterior of the home. You don’t want your styles to clash in a negative way. Don’t pair art deco designs with a Tudor style home!