When people begin thinking about selling their home in COLUMBIA, 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
A fresh coat of paint can easily brighten up and revive a room. Try to stick with neutral colors and add in pops of color elsewhere, such as throw pillows or artwork. Painting is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can have a big impact.
Plus a fresh coat of paint will cover and dings in the wall, nail holes, etc.
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.
Smaller upgrades in the kitchen and bathroom can indeed make a significant difference without breaking the bank. For instance, simply updating faucets and drawer pulls, along with resurfacing cabinets, can breathe new life into these spaces. Additionally, swapping out faceplates on appliances like dishwashers to match the overall aesthetic of the kitchen can create a cohesive look without the expense of replacing the entire appliance. These changes may seem minor, but collectively they can refresh the space and enhance its appeal.
Similarly, in the bathroom, simple upgrades like laying vinyl tiles over existing flooring, deep cleaning grout, and fixing any cracked tiles or wobbly hardware can dramatically improve the look and feel of the room. Installing a pre-fabricated shower cover can also offer a cost-effective alternative to a complete shower renovation, providing a fresh appearance without the hefty price tag. By focusing on these smaller upgrades, homeowners can achieve a noticeable transformation in their kitchen and bathroom spaces without undergoing major renovations.
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.
Enhancing your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Simple steps like planting colorful flowers or using a fast-spreading ground cover can instantly uplift the appearance of your front yard. Regular maintenance tasks such as trimming trees and bushes and keeping the lawn neatly mowed contribute to a polished look that invites admiration from passersby. Tailoring your landscaping choices to suit your climate, such as opting for low-maintenance succulents or decorative rocks, ensures that your outdoor space remains beautiful with minimal effort.
Incorporating small decorative elements like a freshly painted mailbox or hanging plants adds personality and charm to your home’s exterior. Installing a bird feeder not only attracts wildlife but also creates a welcoming atmosphere. By focusing on these details and maintaining a well-groomed yard, you can make a lasting impression on visitors and potential buyers alike, showcasing your home in its best light from the moment they arrive.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Finish The Basement
This can turn into a major project that can be both expensive and time-consuming. The numbers show you won’t end up getting back anywhere close to what you put into it.
Overall, most homebuyers will want to fix up the space to their taste anyhow. Maybe they want an open game room, or to add a couple of extra bedrooms.
When pricing the home, account for the unfinished space and let buyers know that is reflected in your pricing.
Undertaking a major landscaping project can indeed be a significant investment of both time and money. Despite the effort and expense, the return on investment may not always justify the cost. Homebuyers often have their own vision for the space and may prioritize different features, such as open game rooms or additional bedrooms, over-elaborate landscaping.
When pricing your home, it’s essential to account for any unfinished or less-than-perfect aspects, including landscaping projects that may not have the desired return. Transparency is key, so make sure potential buyers are aware of how the pricing reflects the unfinished areas. By setting realistic expectations and acknowledging the potential for customization, you can attract buyers who appreciate the value of your home and its potential for personalization to suit their preferences.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Again, this can be very pricey, without much return. If you have an open area, use plants or pavers to tidy up and beautify the space. If the new homeowners want to build a deck, they can do so, but with their tastes and specifications in mind.
Adding a pool can cost a fortune, without providing a huge increase in what you will be able to ask for the home. In addition, a pool may actually deter buyers.
Prospective buyers with small children may worry about safety and many people may not want to worry about the hassle and upkeep of maintaining their own pool.
Indeed, opting for more cost-effective and low-maintenance solutions can be a wise approach when enhancing your outdoor space. Instead of investing in major projects like building a deck or installing a pool, consider simpler options like using plants or pavers to tidy up and beautify open areas. By leaving these spaces open for customization, you allow potential buyers to envision and implement their own preferences and needs.
Pools, while they can be attractive amenities, often come with hefty price tags and ongoing maintenance costs. Furthermore, some buyers may view pools as a potential safety hazard, especially those with young children. Others may be deterred by the added responsibility and upkeep associated with pool ownership. By avoiding major investments like pools and instead focusing on enhancing the overall appeal of the outdoor space in a more practical and cost-effective manner, you can attract a wider range of potential buyers and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Don’t waste your money with a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely necessary due to water or fire damage. The cost does not make sense, especially when homebuyers will have their own tastes. Many homeowners would prefer a credit to the home price allowing them to upgrade on their terms.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… keep it simple!