If you’re planning to sell your home, you want to maximize its value before putting it on the market. However, increasing your home value often requires an investment, and you may not necessarily want to sink too much more money into the property.
Fortunately, there are many cost-effective ways to boost your home value without breaking the bank. Below are some surefire steps you can take to maximize your property value with minimal investment.
- Work on Your Home Curb Appeal
How your home looks from the street or driveway — is your first chance to make a good impression on a potential home buyer. A home’s exterior needs to make a prospective buyer want to walk through the front door. Make sure existing landscaping is well-maintained. If your yard seems dull in comparison with your neighbors, consider planting flowers or repainting the front door.
Quick Read: How to Improve Your Home Curb Appeal
- Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
There are many ways to improve your home’s efficiency, and they don’t all involve tens of thousands of dollars in upgrades. Consider double-paned windows, enhanced attic insulation, LED lighting, and efficient appliances as a way to increase home value and entice energy-conscious buyers.
Other ways to improve your home’s efficiency and value include replacing old, leaky windows, buying energy-efficient home appliances and adding insulation to your home.
- Declutter and Organize Your Home Space
Clean up and organize. Clutter and dirty surfaces detract from the value of a home significantly. If you are not good at either of these things, you can hire a professional or ask a friend who is to help out! This could either be a nominal cost or free to you, but it could add a lot of value as homes show significantly better when things are clean and organized.
In addition, remove all your personal belongings, such as family photos, that will hinder the buyer’s ability to put themselves in the house. Get storage boxes and consider getting short-term off-site storage for all your items that don’t fit neatly into cupboards. Remember buyers will be opening everything and looking everywhere, and neatness suggests a house that is in good order.
- Apply Paint on High Traffic Areas
The one thing you can do to maximize the value of your home without sinking too much more money into the property is to add a fresh coat of paint to high-traffic areas, i.e., hallways, the kitchen, bathrooms and family rooms. A fresh coat of paint can make even dated exteriors and interiors look fresh and new, and it’s not that expensive, either. It’s amazing how a fresh coat of paint can make a space come to life!
- Upgrade Doors and Windows
Aside from looking stylish, new doors or windows make your home more energy efficient and can lead to more affordable household running costs and a more environmentally-conscious property, which many buyers are attracted to.
- Stage Your House
Once your house is updated and cleaned, it’s time to stage your house. Staging involves placing new furniture and unique design elements in your home to show buyers your house’s potential. While this step may appear unnecessary, staging is a popular real estate practice that truly helps maximize a home’s value. Consider consulting a professional if the design is not your area of expertise. Remember to focus on the small things you can do to beautify your house without going overboard or spending too much money.
Quick Read: Benefits of Staging A Home for Sale
Want More Home Value Tips?
Now you’ve got the best ways to increase your home value without breaking the bank. But if you want even more confidence to get the highest value for your home when it’s time to sell, especially if you’re planning to sell soon, get advice from a real estate agent in your area. To easily find an agent who won’t pressure you to do things their way, reach out to us. We only recommend agents who care about your financial goals and know how to help you get the most value for your home.
