What Updates Are the Best?

Top 5 Improvements that Increase Home Value

Did you know that not every home improvement gives you a dollar-for-dollar return or even a ‘good’ return on your investment?

Knowing which home improvements matter and will give you a good return on your investment is important, especially if you’re thinking about selling your home soon.

Minor Kitchen Renovations

Renovating your kitchen doesn’t mean demolishing the entire kitchen rendering it useless for a week. Instead, the best return on your investment results from minor, yet helpful kitchen renovations. Many consider them giving your kitchen a ‘facelift’, such as:

• A fresh coat of paint
• Upgraded appliances
• Refinishing the floors

These simple changes may provide as much as a 100% return on your investment.

Minor Bathroom Renovations

Minor bathroom renovations are just as profitable as minor kitchen renovations. In the bathroom, buyers are concerned about square footage, so don’t think you have to add in a soaker tub – if anything, opt for the walk-in shower and updated cabinets and countertops.

If your bathroom has any of the following issues, repair/replace them and you’ll see around a 75% ROI:

• Replace cracked tiles
• Update light fixtures
• Update faucets
• Replace/repair countertops
• Refinish the floors

Update the Curb Appeal

It may not seem like much, but your curb appeal can increase your home’s value incredibly. Many sellers see well over a 100% return on their investment. Curb appeal is important because it’s the first thing buyers see.

A well-kept exterior often means the interior is in good condition too. Poor curb appeal turns buyers away. To update your curb appeal, all it takes is:

• Manicuring the lawn and landscaping
• Replacing dead/ugly bushes or trees
• Adding a few flowers
• Cleaning the siding/painting it if necessary

Paint your House

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a house. This is especially important if you painted in colors that may be more of a personal preference than well-liked.

Stick with neutral colors and paint the entire level. A neutral white or tan color will open things up and make your house look more welcoming to buyers. Painting doesn’t cost much but you’ll see well over a 100% return on your investment.

Repair/Replace Flooring

Flooring is a focal point in the house. If your flooring isn’t ‘pretty’ or needs repairs, it could take away from the home’s value.

If you can repair it, go for it. Otherwise, consider an affordable and neutral flooring option that opens things up and really makes the house feel ‘new.’ It’s amazing what a new floor can do. Like paint, flooring can provide a return that’s well over 100%.

Choose your Home Improvements Wisely

While you should fix up what you want on your house, if you’re doing it for value, focus on the home improvements that provide a decent return on your investment. Why throw money out the window when it won’t affect buyers? If you’re moving within the next few years, these are great improvements to keep in mind to make the most of your investment.