Improvements That Can Increase Home Value Best

You may live in your home for the rest of your life. If you ever sell, however, simple improvements can increase your home’s value tremendously. Of course, they also make your home suit your personality better, if you don't.

One of the things that many people often ask real estate agents is what improvements increase a home's value best? If you're like others getting the most bang for your buck, especially when it comes time to sell is important.

Having an interior designer or Realtor check your home is often well worth it. Many real estate agents do this as a courtesy, but a designer will more than likely charge a consultation fee, probably less than $100 an hour.

You will receive several ideas for needed improvements, with some as simple as furniture placement or paint color, or if a new paint job will help. The exterior of your home will be a consideration as well.

Besides general cleaning, most people will recommend planting flowers or painting your front door as high returning investments. Where you will get the most bang tAQAhQough it the kitchen!

Improving Your Kitchen Can Increase the Market Value of Your Home Tremendously

It cannot be said enough. The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where most people spend their time. It makes sense that most home buyers would put the kitchen at the top of the list in terms of importance.

Some simple changes you can make to your home will increase its value--possibly by as much as three to seven percent--are to the kitchen. In one survey of Millennials, an "updated” or “modern kitchen” was the number one thing listed as an ideal home feature. Your kitchen is one of the top features that will help sell a home.

For years, buyers have focused on the kitchen. More than a third listed this as the most aspect of the house. You can increase the value of your home greatly for as little as $10,000, by adding new flooring, appliances, and a new countertop--to give the kitchen a fresh look.

Potential home buyers will think your kitchen has been updated if you add stainless steel and granite counters. These are both hot home buying features! Believe it or not, if you paint older cabinets white, add granite and new appliances, you'll change the entire complexion of your kitchen. It will look night and day different.

Make Low-Maintenance Changes

Changes don't need to be complicated. Many home buyers are afraid of buying a house that will need constant maintenance. Replacing the roof, water heater or furnace may give potential home buyers peace of mind and cause them to take a second look at your house. Structural and mechanical improvements can go a long way with a buyer's peace of mind.

Replacing old worn carpets always goes a long way. If it's in the budget replacing carpet with wood floors is also a thought. Wood remains very popular with all age groups. If you have worn hardwood floors, refinishing them can give your home a completely new feel.

These are the kind of changes buyers will notice right away.

Consider Energy Costs

Lowering energy costs in your home will save money while you live there and increase the value of your home if you ever sell it. A 2015 survey by the National Association of Home Builders showed "energy-efficient" second to "safe community" as the most desirable attributes to influence a purchase decision.

Buying a new water heater for $1,800 to $2,400 can impress potential buyers, as this accounts for 16 percent of energy costs in the typical home and is a way to impress energy-conscious buyers.  Energy Star certified windows can lower a home's energy bills by 7 to 15 percent and will be a selling point with buyers. 

Even having LED lights can increase your home's value. Making your home energy efficient can increase the selling price by up to three percent.

Some simple improvements can increase the value of your home by a huge amount.

Inspect Your Home Before Selling

One of the most valuable things you can do before selling is to have a pre-listing home inspection. While nearly every buyer has a home inspection, most sellers do not. For what you spend on a home inspection, it is well worth it! Preparing for a home inspection can be the difference between having a smooth sale or having to put your home back on the market.

Buyers don't like surprises, especially when they are significant. Being ready for the buyer's home inspection means you know the exact condition of your home. The inspection will allow you to correct any significant problems before the buyer's inspector ever discovers them.

You may find repairs that need to be done, you were unaware of, such as termite infestation, deteriorating roofs, or an outdated electrical system. You'll also find out the current condition of your heating and air conditioning.

These are high ticket items that buyers always expect to function properly. If you want to sell, you need central air to be working, especially if you are in a hot weather climate.

Final Thoughts

When you are selling a home, the condition, amenities, and features always stand-out to a buyer. A significant percentage of buyers will opt for turn-key homes. So many people lead extremely busy lives today. They don't have the time to make sweat equity a major part of their life. Many don't even want to think about lifting a hammer.

Hopefully, some of these home improvement tips have hit home.