Invest Smarter: Home Upgrades You Actually Need Before Selling

With housing prices at their highest annual gain since 2005, homeowners may be considering placing theirs back on the market and upgrading themselves. Compound the rising prices with low interest rates, and it’s hard not to jump on the bandwagon. Before you can get out the For Sale sign, though, you may be better off getting out a little elbow grease. With the housing market such an inviting place right now, you aren’t the only one—so what’s going to make your home stand out to buyers? We’ve made a list for you:

To-Do: While you may think you know exactly what your home needs to stand out, you may want to put the custom wallpaper down and back away. Instead, check out a few smarter investments:

• The roof is the first thing prospective buyers will see when they pull up to your home, so you’ll want to make sure it’s in the best shape possible. You may even want to change the roof style entirely, depending on the style and climate of the location your home is in. The money you spend to upgrade your roof will definitely increase the value in your home, and may even help you get a break on your taxes.
• The front door is the next thing your potential buyers will be looking at, so you want to make sure it’s an impressive gateway to your fortress. Unlike your roof, your front door may not need to be completely replaced: a fresh coat of paint can make it seem new without cutting into your remodeling budget.
• Finally, a back-up generator is a luxury that’s beginning to make its way onto buyers’ lists. Especially in areas that are heavily hit by storms or where power failure isn’t uncommon, a back-up generator can be the difference between your house being sold over the similar home down the street.

Do-Not’s: Of course, there will always be a few things that seem like a good idea but can actually end up hurting your home’s value. Instead of making those mistakes, here’s what to avoid:

• Kitchen renovations may seem like a good idea, but unless your kitchen is as old as your grandmother you should avoid messing with it too much. Although you may love the new cabinetwork, your potential buyers may not—and you don’t want minor taste differences standing between you and your home being sold.
• Bathroom renovations are similar: no matter how fond you are of the Jacuzzi tub or the open shower design, it’s a matter of what your buyer’s tastes are. Instead of spending your budget on uncertainties, you’d be better off investing in upgrades you know will impress.
• Actually, heavy remodeling in general is something to avoid when you’re putting your home on the market. Any drastic changes—unless completely necessary—could end up costing you time, money, and prevent you from selling your home. As tempting as it may be, hold off on doing anything drastic.

When it comes to putting your home on the market, a simple coat of paint can make a world of difference—good or bad. Instead of getting crazy on remodeling to set your house apart from others on the market, only spend your hard-earned cash on investments you know will return value to the home. For more questions on your home and potential remodeling or roofing, contact us! We’d love to help you make your home its best yet!