Tackle these upgrades to boost your home’s appeal to its next owner
Getting ready to sell your home? It’s time to take a look at your current space through the eyes of potential home buyers. Many modern buyers crave a move-in ready space, but that doesn’t mean that a floor-to-ceiling redo is necessary to capture interest.
In fact, there are many simple upgrades that will positively impact buyers. While these upgrades won’t raise your home value significantly, they could help buyers fall in love with your home and encourage them to make an offer quickly.
Digital devices like smart thermostats and video doorbells not only add a modern touch to your home, but can also attract buyers. That’s because smart devices make it easier to maintain day-to-day home operations, which can translate to cost savings.
A smart thermostat, for example, can be accessed remotely by a smartphone or Wi-Fi-connected device so homeowners can adjust the temperature even when they’re not home. A future home buyer will appreciate the ease of pre-installed smart home technology, without installing the systems themselves.
Want to give buyers peace of mind about buying your home? Install a few brand-new appliances that won’t conk out as soon as they move in. If you don’t have the time or budget to commit to a full kitchen upgrade, you can still swap out older appliances for new energy-efficient models.
Stainless steel is a preferred appliance look as it’s both easy to clean and blends well with almost any style of kitchen cabinetry and design. Consider the age of some of your household workhorses like the washing machine and dryer and the HVAC system when deciding which appliances to upgrade. Buyers won’t necessarily launch a bidding war over these items, but it will likely check off a box on their house hunting wishlist.
Drafty old windows run up energy bills. New models that conserve energy will save money, which is typically music to home buyers’ ears. In fact, many real estate listings mention when a home has recently had its windows replaced as a potential selling point for buyers.
But don’t panic if your home has dozens of windows—no need to replace them all. To keep your costs down, replace only front-facing windows to maximize energy efficiency and curb appeal.
A backyard built for entertaining and relaxing is a must-have for many homeowners. It’s almost essential in regions with year-round temperate weather, but high-quality outdoor space is valuable in almost every market.
Depending on the size of your backyard, you can create an outdoor entertainment center that is an outward extension of the indoor living space, complete with a pool, patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen. If you’re working with a smaller space, ensure your yard is well-maintained, clear of clutter, and features a small seating area so that future home buyers can envision themselves sipping coffee or cocktails in the backyard.
A manicured lawn and garden might capture the attention of would-be buyers, but many people will likely admit they’re not too keen on the work it requires to keep it looking beautiful at all times.
Concrete and pavers are one way to go, but even hardscaping requires some degree of maintenance. To keep up your curb appeal, opt for greenery that is easy to prune, requires minimal rainfall or watering, and looks good year-round. Consult with a local gardening expert to see which plants and flowers will thrive in your plant hardiness zone.
