Tips on getting the best return for your money.
When considering developing your home to add value, you have to carefully consider what improvements you are going to make. In truth, many imrovements people make, don’t actually make money, and rarely cover the cost. If you are considering moving, and would like to spruce up your house to create a higher sale value, check out the tips below. They will show you the top 10 areas that will improve the value of your home, and which areas you should be considering for development. There are also some simple ideas that should help you get your home ready for sales and presentation to potential sellers:
1. Removing clutter from your home: It may seem obvious, but de-clutter! If you have a basement full of old cardboard boxes - store them at a friends house, or better still, put them in storage! It’s very important to let people see your home with little or no clutter around - its can help people relax when viewing your home. Keep all the house clean and fresh during open hours, when people will be viewing your home.
2. Brighten up your home: It’s important to keep your home light and bright. Replace any old bulbs, and put in brighter ones. Keep drapes and curtains open, and windows too, to keep the air fresh.
3. Your Garden: How is the front of your home looking? Does the garden need updates? DOes it look a bit tired? If so, why not get a gardener in, or a professional landscaper. You’d be amazed at the difference they can make, and add huge value to your home. Make sure your lawn is healthy looking, and as green as you can get it!
4. Electrical and plumbing maintenance: You should consider replacing any old wiring or plumbing in your home - do you need a new boiler? Are there unsighly wires anywhere? Do you know anyone that can do a good job for you? Any friends who can recommend the right man for the job? Shop around in your local area, and get several estimates.
5. Home Staging: You may not have heard of ‘Staging’. There are some companies who can do this for a fee, but with common sense, you can do it yourself, and save more money! What would liven up your home? Fresh flowers? New furniture? Lamps, or a new fireplace? It might be a good idea to get rid of that sofa you’ve had for years. Have a look on the internet - find some inspiring images from sites or interior magazines. You can also temporarily hire furniture, that will look great.
6. Rennovate Kitchen and baths: Is there nothing worse that a toilet or nath that looks old? Theres nothing better to add value than a fabulous kitchen or bathroom! New kitchens and bathrooms can be cheap to source and fit, and they make an incredible difference to the buyers. They can imagine being there more easily if the place looks great. If you don’t want the expense of changing whole rooms, then replace old fixtures, and things that are looking worn. Even a new bathtub can make a difference. Re-doing caulk and grout around sinks and baths can be a great tip too - its help the rooms feel fresh.
7. Repian any tired looking rooms:What a difference a paint job can make! You know yourself - you walk into a freshly painted room and it looks good. Make sure your house is presented in the best possible manner - you can repair all knocks and chips in any walls too, and paint in nice, neutral colours any rooms that have been painted in colours that potential buyers may be put off by. You want to present the house in a way that people will be welcomed by, not challenged. Magnolias, cremes and light yellows are always easy on the eye.
8. Replace old carpeting: You may not notice it, but perhaps your carpets are looking tired. Have a look around - lighter coloured carpets are always succeptible to dirt and wear. If the carpets are still in good condition, then you can find someone to professionally clean the carpet, or you can do it yourself. If you find rips or tears then its time to put new ones in. They’ll make a big diffrence too.
9. Doors: Check your interior and exterior doors. How are they looking? You can clean then if they’re looking ok, or sand and paint them if they have nicks and chips in them.
10. Exterior painting: This is a big selling point for you - the first impression- How does the exterior look? the game can be lost or won here! How much time have you spent on the exterior of your home for selling? If its not alot, then this is your opportunity to do more, and add value. We mentioned landscaping earlier, but what about a new paint job? How’s the front door looking? Is it bright and fresh? Is it colourful? The fence and the gate? Maybe you can add some garden furniture if you need have the space. Have you cleaned all the windows? Maybe you can ask some friends for advice - get them to have a look at the outside of your home and have a look, they may have some great ideas!
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