Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or simply want to spruce it up for your own enjoyment, your Milton real estate experts have put together the best tips on how to increase the value of your home.
Let the light in
Lighting can make or break a home’s value instantly, and is one element that makes the most difference in how people feel when they’re in their home.
Everything from a lighting dimmer switch to sky lights or sun tubes, noticeably enhance the appeal of a home and help to increase the ambiance of your space.
| To make small spaces feel larger
Use high wattage bulbs |
To bring warmth to empty spaces
Use soft lighting |
If you’re selling:
- Fix broken window panes
- Open your windows and window blinds during showings
- Consider light dimmers or motion detecting lighting
Stay on top of maintenance
When homeowners consider renovations and improvements, the first things that come to mind are fancy kitchen or bathroom upgrades.
And while that is the area of the home that benefits most in terms of home value, addressing the basics first is most important.
- Insulating the attic
- Repairing plumbing
- Deep cleaning or replacing worn out flooring
- Replacing or repairing windows
- Basic landscaping or garden maintenance
If you’re selling:
Placing an importance on maintenance and repairs can make a huge difference to a sale, because buyers are generally more attracted to homes that are newer and require less work.
Upgrade your curb appeal
Your home’s outward appearance is just as important as the interior, because it’s the first thing people will see from the street.
By upgrading your front entry with a brand new front door, façade accents, or building a front porch or portico, you are adding a welcoming entrance to your home.
If you’re selling:
Gain the interest of your potential buyers with an emphasis on curb appeal by doing basic landscaping like trimming overgrown shrubs or planting new plants in the front yard.
Making minor repairs to the façade, like repainting the front door or adding decorative urns, can deliver quick results.
Interior improvements
Neglecting the interior is a major downfall of many homeowners, and is something that can easily be done in most cases.
There are an endless amount of upgrades that can be done to your home’s interior, so where do you start?
It is best to think toward the future, and make upgrades that will not only beautify your home, but also make it functional for years to come.
- Make improvements to your home that will benefit every age group
- Main bedrooms on the main floor
- Bathroom improvements that include walk-in showers or toilet upgrades
- Modern upgrades to the kitchen, including upgraded appliances and countertops (two important features to note are stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, because they offer the most value to your home)
If you’re selling:
One mistake homeowners make when they’re trying to sell a home is keeping their bright, wild wall colours or simply leaving walls chipped and dull.
Painting walls a neutral colour, like whites or off-whites, will help your home sell faster because buyers will be able to envision themselves living there and projecting their own personal tastes into the space.
Think energy efficiency
The health of the environment is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, and for good reason!
Considering the environment and implementing eco-friendly practices into your home adds valuable benefits to your energy bills, your lifestyle, and the health of the planet.
Plus, the lower a home’s energy cost, the higher a home’s overall value will be.
If you’re selling:
- Installing eco-friendly, high-efficiency windows and lighting in your home help to lower energy bills
- Energy efficient water heaters and solar powered units are also worth considering
Keep it simple
The most important thing to remember is to keep these upgrades simple and stress-free, by choosing and installing the right things.
For example, marble countertops are divine and add unmatched elegance to your kitchen, but they are also high-maintenance and are prone to stains and scratches.
Today’s home buyers are factoring in how much work and effort is required with each home feature, so it’s worth taking that into consideration when choosing areas of your home to upgrade and renovate.
If you’re selling:
- Upgrading the roofing will get rid of fears associated with water damage, ice storms, pest infestations, and other issues that come from having an old roof.
- Replacing carpets with hardwood flooring is becoming more popular as it’s longer lasting and adds to a home’s overall appeal and aesthetic.
Want more information?
Whether you’re selling your home, or just want to make your home more livable, we want to make sure you invest your money and time in the right place.
Contact us today so we can help you make an informed decision about your home.