Six Simple Strategies To Increase Your Homes Value

The home price is right

If you’re considering selling your home, it’s time to think about what you can do to increase its value to potential buyers.

There are plenty of projects you can undertake to make your property stand out and add to its overall value. Often there’s no need to spend a lot of money; a few simple tweeks is all it takes for your home to make a serious impact.

1) Make the first impression count

Improving the exterior of the property makes a huge difference to the perception of its value. A tidy garden, fresh coat of paint, and a new letterbox instantly increase a home’s appeal and potential asking price. Replacing old doors and windows also updates the look of your property, with the added benefit of making it more energy efficient.

2) Banish bad smells

A house that smells of pets, stale cigarette smoke or pungent foodstuffs is a huge turn off. While they might not bother you (you may not even notice them), lingering odors decrease the value of a property. Find a way to neutralise them before your open for inspection – it might be as simple as opening a few windows, scrubbing down surfaces and removing certain items of furniture or upholstery.

3) Clean and declutter

Clear clutter, scrub down surfaces and consider a new coat of paint where necessary. Any old light fixtures should be updated – a well lit home is a must for buyers. A clean, uncluttered house makes a great impression during inspections and can command a higher price.

4) Aim for mainstream appeal

While you might adore crazy colour schemes and quirky collectables, they won’t be to everybody’s taste. Play it safe by removing any oddball bits and pieces from the home during inspections, and consider repainting bright walls in a neutral shade – you’ll increase your chances of getting a great price when buyers can easily picture their own belongings in the space. People will be willing to pay more for a home that they don’t need to redecorate after moving in.

5) Consider the kitchen

A kitchen renovation is often touted as a surefire way to increase value, but think carefully before doing a major overhaul. A fancy kitchen is nice, but in an older house it might be at odds with the overall style of the property. In some cases, a state-of-the-art kitchen can have the unintended effect of leading buyers to mistakenly assume the property is out of their price range. Ensure the space is functional and the appliances up-to-date and energy efficient, but anything extra might mean spending money you’re unlikely to recoup when selling.

6) Factor in floors

Old, musty or stained carpets should be replaced. Carpets can be time-consuming to maintain; in some cases you’re better off doing away with them entirely and sticking to floorboards. Some studies have shown that homebuyers prefer hardwood floors because they’re stylish and easy to care for, so think about what will appeal to buyers in your area – that’s what they’ll be willing to pay for.

Simple updates like these are quick and affordable method’s of potentially adding thousands to the value of your home. Just remember, if you give the buyers what they want, your property is sure to command a great price.

Let us know if you have any more great ideas below.