When people begin thinking about selling their home in Montgomery County, upgrades can be a first step many people take. However doing too much, or upgrading things that don’t provide much return can be a waste of time and money.
We have put together our list: of 3 upgrades to invest in and 3 to forget about.
3 Upgrades To Invest In:
Do: Paint
Reviving a room with a fresh coat of paint is an easy and effective way to brighten up any space. To ensure broad appeal to potential buyers, it’s recommended to stick with neutral colors and add pops of color through accent pieces such as throw pillows or artwork. Painting is an affordable upgrade that can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of a room. Moreover, a fresh coat of paint can cover up any imperfections such as dings in the wall or nail holes, making your room appear more polished and attractive to buyers. By investing in a fresh coat of paint, you can refresh your space and give it a new lease on life, enhancing the overall appeal of your property and making it more desirable to prospective buyers.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Facelift
You might have heard that an upgraded kitchen and bathroom are two of the best areas to focus on when upgrading your home. However, you can do some smaller upgrades that will make a big impact without costing a fortune.
New faucets, drawer pulls and resurfacing your cabinets are affordable ways to revitalize the space. Some appliance manufacturers sell new and alternate colored faceplates.
For example, swapping out the front of your dishwasher to match the other appliances is a great way to save money and tie things together.
You can take the same principles to give your bathroom a quick makeover. Vinyl tiles can go on the floor, right over what you currently have. Do a deep cleaning of the grout, and re-grout if needed.
Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware. (Wobbly towel racks, etc.) Another option to a complete shower renovation is to install a pre-fab cover. This is much cheaper than doing a whole shower overhaul.
Do: Landscaping
Planting some flowers out front or covering dirt with a pretty, fast spreading ground cover will give your home instant curb appeal. If needed, have trees and bushes trimmed and keep the lawn mowed nicely.
Depending on your climate, you can plant succulents or lay down pretty rocks to keep the space well maintained, but low-maintenance.
Maybe throw a fresh coat of paint on the mailbox or hang up a bird feeder and some hanging plants. Small touches and a well-groomed yard will draw anyone in.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Finish The Basement
Undertaking a major renovation project on your property can be both expensive and time-consuming, and the return on investment may not justify the effort. In most cases, prospective buyers will want to make changes to the property to suit their personal tastes, such as converting a space into a game room or adding extra bedrooms. Therefore, it may be more effective to price the home accordingly, accounting for any unfinished or unimproved areas, and let buyers know that these factors are reflected in the pricing. By taking this approach, you can avoid the expense and hassle of undertaking a major renovation and still appeal to buyers who are looking for a property with potential. Ultimately, it’s important to keep in mind that homebuyers will have their own vision for the property, and they may not place the same value on the renovations that you’ve made. By pricing the home appropriately, you can still attract potential buyers while avoiding the risk of over-investing in your property.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Adding a deck or a pool to your property can be a costly investment that may not provide a significant return on investment. In many cases, it’s more effective to focus on tidying up and beautifying existing spaces using plants or pavers, which can add value to the property without the expense of a major renovation. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that the preferences of potential buyers may differ, and they may not place the same value on a pool or a deck that you do. Furthermore, a pool can actually deter some buyers, especially those with small children who may be concerned about safety, or those who do not want the hassle and expense of maintaining a pool. By avoiding costly additions and instead focusing on improving existing spaces and maintaining a well-kept property, you can increase the appeal of your property and attract a wider range of potential buyers without risking over-investment.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
When preparing your property for sale, it’s important to avoid over-improving the space with a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely necessary due to water or fire damage. The cost of such a project may not justify the return on investment, especially since homebuyers will have their own tastes and preferences. Many potential buyers would prefer a credit to the home price, allowing them to upgrade the property according to their own specifications and on their own terms. In summary, it’s recommended to keep it simple and avoid over-improvement when preparing your property for sale. By focusing on basic improvements and maintaining a well-kept appearance, you can appeal to a broader range of buyers and increase your chances of a successful sale.