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It’s widely known that certain home upgrades can boost the value of your property. With nearly 80% of South African homes needing improvements, chances are that your own home could benefit from some upgrades. However, some homeowners hesitate to make changes before selling their homes due to the fear of lengthy and expensive renovations. The truth is, you don’t always need a complete remodel to unlock your home’s potential. Many budget-friendly upgrades can make a significant impact on your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers.
Selling your home “as-is” may seem like a daunting task, and you may wonder why you should bother sprucing up a property that you won’t be living in for much longer. The reason is simple: today’s buyers prefer move-in-ready homes. In fact, research shows that 71% of potential buyers are hesitant to purchase a home that requires any type of upgrades. To increase the chances of selling your home quickly and for maximum profit, it’s wise to make some fast and strategic updates that will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
You can boost the value of your home with a range of quick, low-budget, and most importantly, easy upgrades. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to increase its value, there are many cost-effective options to consider. Here are 12 upgrades that won’t break the bank but can help you add value to your home without breaking the budget:
1. Focus on first impressions
The first impression that buyers get when walking through the front door of a potential forever home can leave a lasting impact on them. That’s why it’s important to consider what kind of experience you want to create for them right from the start. To make a great first impression, ask yourself these questions:
- What kind of experience do I want buyers to have?
- What kind of tone do I want to set?
- What mood should people be in when they enter my home?
However, keep in mind that first impressions start before potential buyers even step inside your home. It begins with the curb appeal, the exterior color and texture, and the state of the landscaping. Even the house numbers and address can make an impression. Consider making small updates such as swapping out your house numbers for a more modern font, adding a pop of color with low-maintenance seasonal flowers, or picking out a friendly welcome mat to create a welcoming atmosphere.
2. Paint Cabinets And Cupboards
Kitchens are notorious for being the most expensive room to renovate, even for smaller projects. However, there is an easy and budget-friendly way to spruce up your cooking area: painting the existing cabinets. By choosing to paint your cabinets instead of replacing them altogether, you can save loads of time, money, and stress. And this home hack isn’t limited to just kitchens!
Applying fresh paint to bathroom vanities or shelving can have the same transformative effect, all on the same budget. Experts suggest sticking to bright neutrals when painting to sell, as it creates a blank canvas for buyers to envision their future home. So, as much as you may adore lime green accent walls or terra cotta rooms, they won’t help you achieve the home sale you desire. Opting for neutral shades can increase your home’s value without undergoing extensive and unnecessary updates.
3. Paint or replace exterior doors
As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this rings true for your home’s exterior. The front door is the focal point of the facade and a great place to make a statement. A cost-effective way to add charm and character is by painting the front door with a bold color. Whether your home is traditional or modern, a vibrant door can make it stand out from the rest. Not only is this a budget-friendly upgrade, but it also has the potential to significantly increase your home’s value. And don’t overlook the garage door, as it can also benefit from a fresh coat of paint or even a replacement.
4. Shed some light on great windows
It’s recommended to replace windows every 15-20 years, but that can be a costly expense. However, there are affordable ways to ensure your windows don’t turn off potential buyers. For instance, replace any broken or faded blinds with soft, neutral curtains. Touching up chipped trim paint and ensuring crystal-clear cleanliness of your windows can also make a difference.
Moreover, bigger windows allow more natural light into your home. If you’re planning to repair your windows anyway, consider enlarging them for added appeal. Modern windows are a significant attraction that instantly enhances a home’s value. If you lack wall space or time, even painting the window casing to match the wall color can make a significant impact. Removing window casing contrast creates a timeless and less dated look. Don’t forget that sometimes, less is more!
5. Power-wash siding and walkways
A power-washer can work wonders on your home’s exterior, and it’s an affordable and simple upgrade that can add significant value to your property. Even overlooked features, such as walkways, can become the focal point of your yard after a thorough power-washing. It’s easy to forget how dull things have become when we see them every day, but a deep clean can help us realize their full potential. Instead of expensive replacements or repainting, consider brightening up your home’s exterior by power-washing it. Whether you have brick, limestone, siding, or stucco, a good power-wash can make an immediate and impressive transformation.
6. Refinish hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are a sought-after feature in homes due to their durability and longevity, but over time they can become scuffed and outdated. It’s hard to believe that in the not-too-distant past, people actually covered them up with tile, carpet, or vinyl. However, with minimal investment, these diamonds in the rough can be transformed into a major selling point for your home.
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a cost-effective way to add sophistication to your home without losing its original charm, and it’s a great option for maximizing its value. Instead of going through the hassle of replacing the flooring, refinishing it can bring back its natural beauty and make it look brand new.
7. Install a kitchen backsplash
A contemporary kitchen backsplash can add a touch of sophistication without breaking the bank. Subway tile backsplashes are a popular trend, offering both texture and color to the space. However, there are many other tile options available, from Moroccan-inspired designs to unconventional shapes, each offering a unique flavor to your kitchen.
The great thing about tiles is that they are relatively easy to install yourself. While you can always hire a contractor for assistance, a few instructional videos online may be all you need to add value to your home without spending too much money. And let’s not forget about the grout! It’s a chance to play around with contrast, color, and patterns that many homeowners tend to overlook.
8. Upgrade light fixtures
That’s right! Updating your light fixtures is an easy way to bring a fresh look to your home and increase its value. And with so many styles to choose from, you can find one that fits your personal taste and the overall aesthetic of your home. You don’t have to spend a lot of money either – there are many affordable options available at home improvement stores or online retailers. And as you mentioned, choosing a style that is on-trend in your area can make your home more appealing to potential buyers.
9. Prioritize landscaping
Investing just a day or two in landscaping can have a big impact on your home’s value. It’s a smart move that can yield great returns with just a minimal budget and some effort on your part.
So, roll up your sleeves and start beautifying your yard. Trim the shrubs, apply fresh mulch to the flowerbeds and around the trees, and take care of your lawn by reseeding or mowing it. If you really want to take things up a notch, consider hiring a professional tree-trimmer to remove any branches or debris and boost your home’s overall appeal.
10. Swap out hardware
Adding new hardware to your home is like putting on the perfect accessory to complete your outfit. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to elevate the look of your kitchen and other areas of the house while also increasing the value of your home. From drawer pulls to doorknobs, updating hardware is an affordable home improvement that can look luxurious if done well.
Choose hardware finishes that are currently popular, such as brushed metal finishes like chrome or muted brass, to give your home a modern touch.
11. Deep clean grout
Regular cleaning can only do so much for tile floors, but grout can be particularly stubborn to clean. Spending some time to scrub away the grime buildup can make a world of difference and give your floors a brand new look without having to replace them entirely. This is a cost-effective solution that can give your home an updated and refreshed feel.
12. Address any deferred maintenance
Even if you have been living in your home for years, it’s likely that there are small repairs that you have been neglecting. It’s important to take care of these issues before putting your home on the market. Whether it’s a closet door that’s been sticking, a broken basement window, or peeling paint in the pantry, addressing these repairs can make a big difference in the eyes of potential buyers. While these repairs may seem minor, leaving them for buyers to fix can negatively impact your sale.
In Conclusion
There’s no need to stress or break the bank when preparing your home for sale. In fact, there are plenty of easy and enjoyable ways to give your home a refresh. You deserve to get the highest return on your investment, even after selling, so taking the time to make pre-listing updates can help you achieve that. By prioritizing these updates, you’ll be able to sell your home for more and invest in your future.
Speak to one of our property experts for more info regarding high ROI upgrades:https://1stchoicefamilyhomes.co.za/agents/
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