There are plenty of things to check off your to-do list before your home hits the market. At the top of this list should be renovating your home to prepare for listings. You want your home to look as move-in ready as possible, especially during the most competitive time of year for sellers, and there are some renovations you can tackle to make that happen.
Of course, not everything in your home needs a renovation, but there are easy fixes to increase your chances of selling faster and increase your home’s property value. Here are a few things to consider when renovating your home.
Start with the kitchen
Great kitchens sell homes — that’s the truth. One of the top things on a potential buyer’s mind is what the kitchen looks like, and there are dozens of ways to make yours look stand out before it hits the market. The kitchen is one room that can make or break the sale of your house, so if the space seems worn, dingy, or outdated, you’ll miss out on potential buyers.
Ideally, renovating your kitchen should earn about a 70% return on investment (ROI) after your home has sold, but this entirely depends on the features and upgrades chosen at the time of renovation. Granite countertops are “in,” easily one of the top features buyers look for in a home. Consider upgrading your countertops to granite or quartz if you have the budget.
Keep the color scheme neutral and classic. You don’t want to alienate potential buyers by painting outlandish colors on your walls or cabinets. Stick to monochrome, neutral colors — something that blends in well with the rest of your house and your countertops. Don’t skip out on repainting your kitchen walls or cabinets — the newer it looks, the better the appeal for buyers.
When it comes to fixtures and features, switch out door handles and pulls for something shiny, stylish, and modern. Matte black and gold are still trendy fixtures in both kitchens and bathrooms.
Great additions for the bathroom
The kitchen may be your highest priority, but the bathroom should come second. A seller can never go wrong with stylish renovations for their bathroom, and you don’t need to go big — there are many small changes to consider to maintain the classic charm of your bathroom while making it look brand new. Remember, you don’t want to pay top dollar for a renovation with a low ROI. Focus on the parts of your bathroom that need a little TLC. Investing in a bathroom renovation is easily one of the best options for increased resale value.
Projects such as caulking the tub, replacing the vanity, replacing the showerhead, and switching out the faucets are simple upgrades with significant ROI. If you can, try to upgrade your shower. If you have a shower/tub combo, perhaps opt for a walk-in shower, since buyers favor this spa-like upgrade. If you have a separate tub, update it to fit seamlessly with your new spa-like atmosphere.
Don’t forget the exterior
While the inside of your home is a critical part of the sale, don’t forget to pay attention to the exterior. The first thing a buyer sees when touring your home is what it looks like from the outside. First impressions can make or break a sale, and the exterior of your home is the window to the rest of the house. Landscaping and curb appeal are relatively easy ways to spruce up your home and boost your ROI.
Update the landscaping by removing any high maintenance plants or trees (let the buyer decide if they want to plant their own flowers), clearing weeds, edging your sidewalks and driveway, trimming trees and bushes, or fertilizing the yard. These are simple tasks you can quickly complete independently, but if you want something more professional, you can hire a landscape designer to add plants that don’t require much attention.
If you have a raised front porch, take the time to furnish the space and keep it tidy, so it looks like a comfortable and homey place for all potential buyers. However, if there are foundation issues with your porch, definitely get it assessed to see if you can get it renovated without spending too much.
And while it may not seem important, focus on the front and garage doors. Repaint the doors if the paint is outdated or chipped — a freshly painted front door boosts your home’s curb appeal! When choosing a paint color, select a neutral tone, not something that could alienate a potential buyer. You want your home to look fresh, but you never want it to be an eyesore to potential buyers. Stick to a complementary color to your home’s exterior and opt for modern handles, doorknobs, and even house numbers to enhance your curb appeal.
Ready to list?
If you’re ready to list your property and are searching for the perfect agent to guide you through the process, contact the Munro Team to get started. Specializing in luxury real estate throughout New Canaan and the surrounding communities, there is no better team to work with when listing your home. Contact them today!
