Selling your home can be a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be. While there is a lot to prepare before you begin listing your home, the question may become more about what you can do to maximize your value.
But should you spend time renovating before you sell? Howard Hanna Real Estate Services are here to assist you the whole way through the process. We’ll help you figure out what actually pays off and where you should focus your attention. Here are five renovations that can make a big difference.
1. Focus on First Impressions (They Pay the Most)
First impressions can be a game changer. Curb appeal tends to be critical because buyers form their opinion within seconds of arriving at your home. Simple upgrades can be huge and boost perceived value. Think of things like landscaping, a clean entryway or even repainting your front door.
2. Kitchens Sell Homes—But Don’t Overdo It
An updated kitchen can go a long way. People love to have nice kitchens that are comfy to cook in. Here you should aim to focus on cost-effective upgrades like updated lighting, new hardware and refinished cabinets. But it’s important to not overdo it. While remodeled kitchens may attract buyers, they don’t always return their full cost.
3. Bathrooms: Clean, Bright and Neutral Wins
When it comes to bathrooms, buyers want them to feel fresh and move-in ready. They’ll be looking for bathrooms that have little personalization and that don’t feel outdated. You can start small in them, which makes for an easy renovation. Replace fixtures, regrout tile or add neutral finishes. These can leave a lasting impression that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
4. Fresh Paint Is One of the Highest ROI Projects
While it may be overlooked, a fresh coat of paint can have one of the highest returns. A new coat of paint can help your house feel brand new. It’ll modernize the home and help it look well-maintained at the same time. But be sure to stick to light, neutral colors so that it appeals to the widest range of buyers.
5. Fix What Buyers Will Notice (and Inspectors Will Flag)
Finally, addressing obvious repairs such as cracked walls, leaky faucets or faulty wiring can help you avoid any red flags during inspections. It’s important to take care of issues up front. It will save you money and build buyer confidence at the same time.
Conclusion
In the end, renovating before you move isn’t about doing the most, but rather doing what matters. An easy tip to keep in mind is simply work on what you would want improved if you were moving in for the first time again. Don’t know where to start? Reach out to your local Howard Hanna agent today and they’ll help get you on the right track.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 15 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
