It’s time to sell your home and as you start looking around you begin to see everything that needs to be fixed. While it might seem overwhelming thinking about all of the tasks that need to get done, the good news is, you probably don’t have to worry about all of them. The truth is, you might actually save money in the long run by not renovating your home. While there are some updates that are almost a must, others can be skipped or modified to maximize your return on investment.
Add value
One of the top rules when renovating your home with the idea of selling in mind is to think about renovations that add value. That means updates that improve your home, without a huge investment. Major kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are out, while minor renovations are in. If your home needs a new roof or there are other major repairs like a new HVAC system, your best bet is to consult with your realtor about your market, to see if it might be worth it to sell your house as-is.
Get painting
If your home’s exterior or walls are worn, it’s likely a good idea to give them a fresh coat of paint. While painting is an investment, you are likely to recoup the cost at sale time, by helping your home put its best face forward. The key is to go for a neutral color palette that refreshes your home without making it an eyesore. The same goes for your home’s interior, and while an accent wall can be a nice addition, neutral is key.
Make small kitchen and bathroom updates with a big impact
One of the greatest home improvement projects to take on is a full renovation of your kitchen and bathroom. Agents talk about how this kind of renovation isn’t likely to recoup costs at sale time and instead, they often suggest minor renovations, like repainting cabinets, replacing hardware, and updating faucets, caulking, and backsplashes. These updates can give your space new life that will appeal to buyers without setting you back financially like a full remodel can.
Give your yard a little TLC
An unruly front or backyard is an absolute no-no when it comes to selling your home. Hiring a landscaper for updates is one option, but you can also start with some DIY projects. Weeding is an obvious place to start, as well as replacing any bare areas of your grass with mulch, or a rock garden. You can refresh your front door with planter boxes filled with colorful flowers for that extra wow factor or what agents call “curb appeal.”
Should you renovate your house before selling it? Absolutely, but it’s also about how you do it and making “smart’ updates. While you definitely want to get your home looking its best, if you are renovating to sell your house, then you also need to consider your return on investment. It can be best to consult with your realtor to weigh any big renovation projects before taking them on. You want to get your home in shape — without breaking the bank.
Juan Farr is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
