Before you sell, you should consult a real estate agent. They have the knowledge and experience to help you with what buyers want, what sells in your area, and other useful tips. Talking to them is free, so you have nothing to lose and only insights to gain. Their expertise can help you get the best price for your home. Ask your real estate agent about things that will increase the value of your home. Here are some things to consider when you talk to them:
Kitchens are King Modern/updated kitchens are a top priority for first-time home buyers. In a survey of millennials, the largest group of first-time home buyers, one in three said that an updated kitchen was their ideal home feature—consumer Reports You don’t have to do a complete makeover to boost your kitchen’s value. Replacing appliances with stainless steel ones, changing countertops to granite, updating flooring, painting the walls, and even adding new kitchen hardware can give a fresh and clean look.
Versatile space over Size Size is not everything in today’s real estate market. What matters more is how you use the space. Open floor plans that allow for flexible living space were second in the Consumer Reports survey. As more people work from home, think of how smaller rooms like the library, the nursery, or the den can be used as a home office that can also serve as a guest bedroom. Baby boomers may want a dedicated playroom for their grandchildren. Think of flex rooms. As Air BNBs become more popular, finishing the basement or the attic may be a way to add more living space. Think of mother-in-law suites, casitas, or whatever you call them. They can also be used as a home for adult relatives, as the name suggests. Smaller rooms and even a closet can be turned into an upstairs laundry, a popular idea with younger buyers.
Green is in According to a 2015 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, “energy-efficient” was the second most important attribute that would influence a purchase decision, after “safe community”. Web source: http://time.com/money/4185900/boost-home-value/ . Increasing the insulation, upgrading the HVAC system, and installing efficient water heaters can all add value to your home. The best part is that you can start saving money before you sell. Energy efficiency can start with smaller changes like LED lighting and high-efficiency windows. Every bit of savings will help you and increase the value of your home when you sell.
K>I>S>S> Keep it simple. Many of today’s home buyers, especially first-timers, are looking for a simple and stress-free solution for their homes. Carpets, elaborate decorations, and stain-prone stone countertops all mean more work for today’s buyers. Upgraded and well-maintained systems like water, plumbing, HVAC, roof, and electrical are big winners with first-time buyers. They may have spent most of their savings on the down payment, so they don’t want to worry about fixing things. Having fewer things to fix is a huge plus for them. Think long-term use By 2040, there will be 80 million seniors in the United States. Homes with narrow walkways and doors, and showers that require stepping over a tub wall, are not designed for walkers or wheelchairs. You might want to consider a comfortable height toilet or a master bedroom on the main floor.
Paint A new coat can make any room look clean and fresh. Choose neutral colors and high-quality paints. This alone can add 1% to 2% to the value of your home.
The Outdoors Think of the outdoors as an extension of your living space. A patio, a built-in grill, or a fire pit add extra space with low maintenance. Pools, for example, require a lot of maintenance, so today’s buyers may avoid them.
Smart home technology Millennials grew up with smartphones.