Best Foot Forward: Updating Your Home for Sale

First impressions are important. When a potential buyer comes to your house, will they be wowed or wary?

Whether it is wear and tear or changing style trends, you may need invest in some updates to increase the price and salability of your home. You can hire a contractor or tackle some of these projects on your own. Lots of great resources are available online than can guide you from budgeting to completion. Some of our favorites include Better Homes & Gardens (www.bhg.com), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com), and Bob Vila of This Old House fame (www.bobvila.com).

Projects that Pay Off

HGTV [ https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures], a popular resource for do-it-yourselfers, lists bathroom remodels at the top of the list for ROI. “It costs about $10,500 to replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. You’ll get back an average of $10,700 at resale, a recoup rate of 102 percent.” Other top projects include landscaping (average $3,500) and minor kitchen remodels ($14,000-$15,000).

Some great, low-cost improvements are easy to do and can make a big impact. Consider these small projects for a big difference.

Show Them the Door. Painting your front door can improve your curb appeal and update the look of your entryway. For the price of a gallon of paint (average cost $40-$75) and a few hours work, you can prepare your home for its new owners. Use black or another neutral color for maximum return.

Go Green. Both indoors and out, use plants to bring life and color to your space. You can use potted plants to spruce up your entryway and increase curb appeal. Inside, use house plants like Iron Plants and Mother-In-Law’s Tongue that need little light to flourish.

See the Light. Introduce lamps into dim spaces and maximize natural light. These small changes can help your space to look larger, cleaner, and more welcoming.

Keep Cool. Make sure to select neutral colors that enhance natural light and open up your space. A potential buyer needs to be able to envision herself and her stuff in your home, so keep things light. White paint may seem boring to you, but it can make a room feel bright and clean.

Big Ticket Remodeling

What should you do with a room with more than an outdated look? Some projects, especially big kitchen remodeling, can run you $30,000-$50,000. Deciding whether to tackle that work or leave it to the buyer can be stressful, so keep these things in mind.

Appliances are Inspected. When your home is inspected by a professional, they will test to make sure they are in working order and will note that on their report. This could prompt a buyer to ask for an improvement allowance, which is money you would allow for them to spend on repairs or replacements.

Updates Are Available. Does your dishwasher work great but looks outdated? You can buy a new front panel in fashionable stainless steel or other finishes for your appliances. These can run $100+ at home improvement stores like Lowe’s (www.lowes.com) and Home Depot (www.homedepot.com) but can be found in fashion colors for less on Etsy (www.etsy.com).

Professionals Preferred. In big projects for your kitchen and bathroom, some professional help may be in order. A plumber, electrician, and carpenter can tackle some jobs more safely, but their expertise comes at a price. Consider whether you have the skills to complete these tasks or if investing in a pro would be worth the price.

Get a Second Opinion

Sometimes it takes new eyes to spy trouble spots. Talk to your realtor or have a friend with a great eye for design come walk through your house and give you feedback. Take notes and consider which projects make the most sense, financially and practically. With an item as expensive and important as your home, this exercise is an important part of maximizing your return.

As Is

Sometimes, circumstances limit the amount of updating you can reasonably manage. If you lack the time and cash for remodeling, consider using a home buyer like ZVestors. Zvestors buys homes in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. As real estate investors, they can absorb the costs of remodeling your home and offer you the best possible price on your house. To sell your home right away, contact a ZVestors agent at 703-259-0570.