Simple Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home

home-value

Thinking of selling your house, but worried you won’t get a good return on investment on the price you paid for it? The property market quickly changes and will be very different from the time you originally bought your home.

There are plenty of ways you can quickly improve your property’s asking price. In a crowded marketplace, you need to make your home stand out from the crowd. You might have to spend a little, but these tips are sure to mean that you can ask a higher price when selling and make a bigger profit.

Browse our list of the best value-adding home improvements to make before you sell.

When Setting Your Asking Price…

  • Make sure it reflects any upgrades you made whilst living there. If you installed hardwood floors or replaced the kitchen sideboards but haven’t included these in your pricing, you can ask for more.
  • If you’re struggling with garnering interest, relisting or simply editing your property’s listing can attract buyers who didn’t see your ad before.
  • Complex consumer psychology means that a higher price makes your home more desirable to prospective buyers… Use this knowledge to your advantage, but also make sure the condition of your home reflects this higher price. Read on for ways to make your home more attractive to buyers.

Add a Driveway

driveway

If you don’t already have one, private driveways make homes exponentially more appealing to buyers. We all know the hassle of having to park away from home, so adding a driveway is a huge investment towards the value of your house.

Do some research into the best asphalt contractors in your area, and the types of asphalt that can be used. Discuss the desired look of your driveway with the contractors so that it complements the overall outside look of your house and doesn’t end up an eyesore.

Don’t completely convert the front garden if you can; buyers prefer some greenery at the front of the property.

Deep Cleaning

Before an influx of viewings, thoroughly clean the inside and outside of your home, including windows, gardens, kitchen, bathroom, carpets, etc.

Make sure everything that will be given the most attention, like shower cubicles, bathtubs, en-suites, wardrobes, cupboards, and the front entrance way are glistening and looking like new.

This will present the impression that the home has been well-looked after and important facilities like the boiler have been tended to, therefore presenting the idea that little extra costs will be necessary to bring the home up to buyer’s standards.

Make Conversions

home-value

If you have perfect loft space for a simple conversion, do it. It doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive and could increase your asking price considerably. Added value like this is very rare not to make a profit on. Leaving it to the new owners means you’ve missed out on making money.

If you don’t have the cash to do the conversion yourself, you can add value simply by securing the necessary planning permission and selling it as a viable option to potential new owners.

During Viewings…

  • Open all curtains and turn on lights – buyers like brightly-lit homes.
  • Make great first impressions – set out fresh flowers, tidy away children’s toys, ensure there is no unsightly pet mess around, etc.
  • Create a sense of homeliness – like your house has been cared for and loved but also lived-in. Touch up paintwork, polish fixtures, put out personal effects like picture frames, etc.
  • According to Nationwide, 55% of potential buyers are put off by untidiness, and 75% are turned off by unpleasant household smells! Clear away clutter and keep the air fresh by cracking windows open and using home scents around the house.
  • Prospective buyers will ask about local schools, transport links, energy bills, what you liked about living there, why you’re leaving, and the expected timeframes for moving. Prepare answers for these and research any you’re not clear on.
  • Be clear and honest about any issues with the property – discuss with your real estate agent about how to deal with and present any problems.

Getting your home sold needn’t be a headache. If your property has languished on the market for a long time, get realistic advice from your real estate agent.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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