9 Ways to Maximize Your Home’s Value

By Mark Spain Real Estate

Whether you plan to sell your home soon or further down the road, selling for the best possible is a universal goal. By making intentional upgrades and taking steps now to improve your home, the return on your investment will pay off in the long run. We have provided 9 ways to maximize your home’s value.

1. Hire an Inspector to Measure Your Home’s Value

Hire an inspector for a proactive approach to help you discover hidden problems before they get out of hand. Something as small as a slow leak can turn into a big problem with time and negatively affect your home’s value. Putting off care and maintenance is an easy way to do a lot of damage and cost you money. An inspector will aid in avoiding this and will report on every issue that needs to be addressed.

 

2. Lower Home Energy Costs

Energy conservation and increasing the efficiency of utilities such as heating, air conditioning and lighting will cut energy costs and make your home more appealing to buyers. Inexpensive, eco-friendly updates like replacing light bulbs with LEDs and weatherstripping doors are easy ways to make a difference.

3. Boost Your Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing a buyer will see. Since there’s only one chance to make a first impression, the outside of your home is just as important as the inside. Make sure the lawn is neatly manicured and consider replacing your mailbox, adding potted plants and refreshing outdoor furniture to add additional appeal. Be mindful of trees and bushes to avoid tangling and overgrowth.

 

4. Increase Your Square Footage

Square footage has a big impact on value. Larger homes sell for more so creating more space will maximize the value of it. This can be done by adding a room but don’t feel limited to that. Knocking out a wall or two can also make more space. Even adding an outdoor deck or finishing a basement will help.

5. Update the Kitchen

Many homeowners consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home. Buyers pay close attention to appliances, cabinets and countertops. Consider modernizing these items to gain the largest return. While remodels can get pricey, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to spruce up the kitchen. Think about repainting your cabinets, adding a new backsplash or swapping out handles and hinges.

 

6. Revamp the Bathrooms

Bathrooms are another one of the most important rooms, especially the master bathroom. Refreshing it will command a higher value for your home. Replace bath and sink faucets with a more modern design to instantly give your bathroom a more contemporary feel. Swap out old light fixtures for new ones for another easy way to give your bathroom the boost it needs. If the bathroom is dated more upgrades like replacing countertops may be necessary to consider.

7. Paint in Neutral Tones

A buyer wants to be able to picture themselves in your home as their own. Neutral tones will help buyers feel like they have a blank canvas in front of them and increase your home’s value. You may be a fan of mustard accent walls, but remember to decorate the home you are selling with potential buyers in mind. An easy fix is a fresh coat of paint in colors like gray or cream. In addition, keep the colors consistent throughout the home to help the buyers bring their vision with them room to room.

 

8. Deep Clean Everything

It goes without saying that a clean home has a higher value than a dingy one. A great home won’t sell if it feels dirty. A deep clean of your home will enhance it and make it feel like new. If you have time available, choose a weekend where you can fully invest in cleaning your home top to bottom. If time is not available, hire a cleaning service to help. They will be able to get the nooks and crannies that are oftentimes neglected in a basic cleaning.

9. Get a Professional to Take Photos

So you’re home is finally ready for market and you want to unveil it to the world. In this day and age, much of the home searching process is done online. A buyer will see photos of your house long before they see it in person. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, make sure your realtor gets a professional to take photos of your home before you list. A professional photographer will ensure your home is captured in it’s best light, making it more attractive to buyers and increasing its value.

Have additional questions about how to maximize your home’s value? Contact us today!

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Mark Spain Real Estate is grateful to serve all of Metro Atlanta and Athens in Georgia, Charlotte and Raleigh in North Carolina, Orlando and Tampa in Florida, and Nashville in Tennessee!