Transitioning to a new home isn’t just a matter of shopping around for listings in a neighborhood you love; it also means putting your current home up for sale and sealing the deal with extra money on hand. You might be sitting in a potential goldmine considering the equity it has accumulated over the years, especially if you’ve owned your home for more than 10 years.
However, equity shouldn’t be the only factor determining whether your home sells for a high price. You can boost its resale value and fuel more cash into your next home purchase by doubling down on improvements that matter the most to motivated buyers. Before listing your home, here’s a quick list of upgrades that can make buyers competitive for your property.
1. Enhance curb appeal
Many buyers prefer to live in homes that match their visual style. They want living spaces that align with their personalities, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise if you receive a high offer from buyers who want your home based on the exterior. Consider putting curb appeal improvements at the top of your priority list. Since it’s your home’s outward appearance that buyers see first when they browse through local real estate listings, you may have to opt for improvements that guarantee a high ROI and push certain buyers into locking in on the property.
Changes to your landscaping might as well be a good start, so consider revitalizing your lawn by edging, cutting the grass to an optimum height, and aerating the soil. If you have room in your budget, consider adding outdoor fixtures such as an illuminated walkway and water features like a small pond or fountain. You might also want to upgrade the vegetation around your property by setting up a flower bed and planting climate-appropriate trees and shrubs. Whichever the case, an impressive exterior should be enough to get buyers to match your asking price.
2. Work on your bathroom
Motivated buyers are not only interested in what’s on the outside. Some may even base their final decision on critical interior areas. There’s always a good chance that they will ask to view the bathroom and what features it contains.
Being a space that secures their privacy and offers utmost comfort, the bathroom could either make or break a deal, depending on what upgrades you’ve invested in and the issues it might still have. Poor ventilation and worn-down fixtures are some of the major turn-offs for homebuyers. You would be fortunate if anyone is still interested in purchasing your home, but that’s because they’re in the best position to bargain.
It matters to know what upgrades are guaranteed to convince buyers without diminishing the final selling price in the end. You can start by replacing broken or outdated fixtures with new ones that are more durable and easier to maintain. Make sure that these fixtures and your entire improvement plan for the bathroom follow a coherent style or theme.
You may also want to incorporate features such as a large vanity mirror and a rainfall shower. Luxury improvements are also worth their hefty price tags, so long as you can afford such upgrades. Look to heated floors, ambient lighting, and tiles made from natural stone if you’re planning to turn your home into the best high-end option in the local market.
3. Go for energy-efficient upgrades
Whether you’re selling your home to high-end buyers or a general demographic, adding energy-efficient upgrades could give your home the boost it needs in terms of attracting buyers who have no problem paying around your asking price. That’s because homebuyers generally want to pay less in energy costs. This could be due to either a desire to reduce carbon footprints or save more money from electricity and heating bills.
Whichever the case, it pays to zero in on energy-efficient upgrades that are a major draw among energy-conscious buyers. Aside from installing a programmable thermostat and ensuring your HVAC system is in optimal condition, you might also want to replace your windows with ones that perform well in your locality’s climate.
If you’re living in south-central Pennsylvania, go for a set of replacement windows Harrisburg residents rely on for their added insulation that prevents significant heat loss. These upgrades and more will have buyers seal the deal without prolonging the negotiation.
4. Remodel your kitchen
It’s not just your home’s curb appeal and bathroom that make buyers want to move in right away. A substantial number of offers that come in will highlight the need for a refurbished kitchen. When you create a listing for your home, the kitchen area is one component you shouldn’t overlook. For one, it’s that part of the property (aside from the curb appeal) that makes a good first impression. Other buyers may also base their decision to purchase on the overall condition and atmosphere that the kitchen area gives.
Keeping all this in mind, it pays to focus on kitchen remodeling projects that are guaranteed to make buyers swoon and beat each other into placing a good offer. Aside from installing extra storage spaces such as cabinets and shelves, replace outdated appliances such as the gas stove and refrigerator with more energy-efficient ones. Consider adding other features such as a countertop or center island and replacing the floor with material that’s long-lasting and easier to clean.
Endnote
As you think about putting your home up for sale this year, remember what upgrades are sure to get buyers excited. Use the list above as your guide to making the most out of a negotiation and transitioning to your next home without delay.
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