5 things you can do to improve your home’s value this spring

As a homeowner you have to think about making a comfortable place to live but also a place to eventually gain wealth through. Some people may know how long they will be living in their home for, others don’t so let’s discuss some timeless options for improving your home.

#1 Landscaping

Let’s start with something that will for sure set a good first impression. Clean landscaping. The curb appeal as well as the real estate increases in value. Alex Niemeria from Virginia Tech recently did a study that showed a nicely landscaped home had a 5 to 12 percent advantage to a home without landscaping. That is $16,000 to $38,000 extra in value on a $300,000 home. Landscaping allows for people to be drawn in by first glance, and eliminates a majority of competition.

#2 Energy Efficiency

Having an energy-efficient home will save you money now and is more valuable in the long run. You could consider double-paned windows, insulated attic, LED lighting. Just by adding vinyl windows you could earn 70% return on what you spent, this could increase your home value by $12,000! 

#3 Remodeling

Redo and update! When remodeling with the intention to sell take into consideration that everyone has different taste and to avoid too bold of a statement. Consider focusing on minor fixes, such as appliances and fixtures. Minor kitchen remodels give an 81% return in money while major remodels only give about a 59% return. Appliances, fixtures that are functional and new are commonly preferred. Same with bathrooms, sometimes less is more!

#4 Flooring

When buyers walk through your house, you want them to feel like they are walking on a fresh new start to their life. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, 54% of home buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors, about $2,100 extra. New, updated floors are a huge home improvement that is sure to impress buyers.

#5 Space

To point out the obvious, bigger houses sell for more money. Adding square feet can add value, even by knocking out pointless walls to open up the space could make a huge difference. If you don’t want to go big by adding a whole new room you could add a nice deck out front or out back!