The housing market is incredibly competitive, and home improvements give you the edge you need to sell your property. Unfortunately, many people don’t have the time or money to invest in extensive renovations, and it’s difficult to know if you’ll get a good return on your investment.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of five projects you can tackle to make a big impact on a small budget.
Apply a fresh coat of paint
By the time you sell your property, it often needs a new coat of paint. Colors can fade over time, walls get dirty, and new paint makes a home more eye-catching.
When you’re competing with others for curb appeal, it helps to have that fresh coat of paint. Warm, neutral colors like beige or tan help buyers imagine themselves in the property. Fortunately, paint is one of the least expensive ways to spruce up a home before it’s listed. Not to mention, it tends to be far more effective per dollar spent compared to other renovations.
It also doesn’t require any professional know-how and can be accomplished over a weekend.
Spruce up the exterior
The exterior of your property will welcome or deter a potential home buyer. While a new coat of paint will help with this, sharp and tidy landscaping, and staged outdoor spaces do wonders for your home’s resale value.
It costs very little to add a few quick touches to your front yard. Start with a fresh lawn trim (replanting any bare patches), and add some carefully placed flower beds with new mulch or rock. If you want to spruce it up further, add a tasteful path such as a stone tile walkway.
It’s possible to go overboard here, though, so make sure you’re only putting in plants that will increase resale value without breaking the bank.
Remodel your kitchen—on a budget
Kitchen renovations make a great first impression, but the kinds that turn buyers’ heads are often too large and expensive to tackle right before listing. Instead, do some kitchen touch-ups. Replace old appliances to give your kitchen that new look. Make sure there are no leaky faucets and treat the silver so it shines again.
Refinish cabinets to give them a modern look without having to invest in new ones. Replace the backsplash, as it can become faded over time. Finally, check the tiles for cracks and note any issues with the grout that needs a touchup. Switch to vinyl floors which are far more cost-effective than they used to be.
All of this is accomplishable with a quick trip to the hardware store, easy enough to finish up in one weekend!
Replace the carpet
Carpet suffers from faster wear and tear than other flooring. Even standard foot traffic will embed dirt deep into the carpet, and if you have pets, it’s exponentially worse. Carpets should ideally be replaced every 5 to 15 years. The more heavily trafficked the area, the sooner it needs to be replaced.
If that isn’t an option, though, steam clean your carpet instead. Rent a steam cleaner from a variety of locations, including many local grocery stores. You’ll be amazed at how deeply it cleans, and how much nicer your carpets look, and feel. Carpet refreshes make a massive difference in the immediate appeal of your property.
Check for common roofing problems
Often, appraisers will demand the roof be redone before you sell your house, and you don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re handling an unexpected bill from contractors.
Take a good, hard look at your roof to see if there are any problem areas worth fixing. You’ll want to check for leaks, mold or dampness in the attic, and cracked or curling shingles. All of these problems are far less costly to fix, while extending the lifespan of your roof by several years.
The average property owner can do a quick Google search for “roofers near me” to find and compare local roofing companies to get the job done right the first time.
Maximize your home’s market potential
A few strategic, budget-friendly updates can make a significant difference in your home’s appeal and value. Once your property is market-ready, professional real estate photography ensures your updates shine and attract the right buyers.
Virtuance’s industry-leading HDReal® images help showcase your home in the best light—schedule your photoshoot today to stand out in a competitive market.
FAQ
Some of the most cost-effective renovations include applying a fresh coat of paint, sprucing up the exterior with landscaping, and doing small updates to the kitchen like refinishing cabinets or replacing the backsplash.
Many of these projects can be done yourself with basic tools and supplies. However, tasks like roofing repairs may require professional help to ensure safety and quality.
Simple upgrades like fresh paint and cleaning carpets can significantly boost your home’s overall appeal, while larger renovations like kitchen remodels are great but should stay within your budget to avoid overspending.
