Guest Post By: Emily Miller, BroadBandSearch.net
Home upgrades can feel like a necessary evil – yes, they’re crucial to the good state of your home, but they can be so expensive. And with $400 billion spent every year on renovations, they better be worth it.
The good news is that you are not just throwing that money away; if you choose wisely and spend your money strategically, you’ll get a nice return on your investment with upgrades that increase the value of your home. That’s one of the top priorities for any homeowner, especially if you plan to sell your house.
And because not all upgrades are made equal, let’s take a look at what are the best home updates that give you the most bang for your buck.
Structural integrity
1. Roof repair
While cosmetic upgrades are always more visible and more exciting, the very first thing you should be tackling is the structural integrity of your home. First stop: the roof. A leaky roof is a deal-breaker for the majority of buyers, so it’s not wise to spend money on fresh paint and shiny new countertops if you haven’t taken care of the roof.
The good news is that this type of repair or replacement is also likely to get you an almost full return on investment, and will for sure bring in more interested buyers than just selling your house as is, leaky roof and all
2. Window replacement
The other important upgrade? Windows. Old windows that are falling apart can create a lot of issues, like damp from the rain, wind, cold – and make it difficult – and expensive – to heat the property. While some buyers will be willing to purchase it and then invest in new windows themselves, you’re going to have to lower the price significantly to make it worth it for them.
It’s just a better deal for you if you repair or replace the windows yourself. If you live here a little longer, you’ll be comfortable and save money on energy bills. If you sell your house, you’ll stand to get over 85% of your costs back, so all in all, a solid investment.
Major interior renovations
3. Bathroom & kitchen
The best thing you can do for the comfort and value of your home? Tackle your bathroom and kitchen. They say it’s the bathroom and the kitchen that sell a home, so this is a good place to put your money into.
You can never have enough bathrooms, and especially if you’re going to sell your home a few years down the line, buyers will be more willing to pay more for a property that has a ground floor bathroom, and especially a larger master en-suite.
The kitchen is the heart of the home for many families, so you also want to dedicate more time, money, and attention to this part of the house. Some new counters and appliances, a big island, and a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets can make it feel like a brand new space.
The best thing about it? Bathroom and kitchen remodels can double or even triple in value in particularly competitive markets, so your investment is 100% safe.
Details & comfort
4. The latest technology
There is no modern life without tech integration anymore, so if you want a safe upgrade to invest in, this is the one. A strong internet connection with sufficient bandwidth is absolutely crucial for Millennial buyers, especially in this age of remote work.
In addition, buyers are also looking for – and implicitly willing to pay extra for – smart technology and devices. Smart doorbells and cameras help people feel safer, and devices like an Amazon Echo have been creeping up in every household, so it’s a great place to spend your money.
5. Hardwood floors
If there’s one thing people get excited about, it’s hardwood floors. If you already have them, all they need is a quick refinish and that will add value to your home and will impress buyers.
If not, replacing your floors can be a hassle, but investing in beautiful, high-quality wood will be a big plus in value and a great feature to show off to potential buyers when you’re ready to sell your home.
Curb appeal
6. Home facelift
One very important thing to take into consideration is curb appeal. What do people see when they first lay their eyes on your house? If you’re going to sell your home, you cannot overlook this aspect.
Luckily, the outside of the home is not often an area that requires a big money sink. A fresh coat of paint or new siding is not outrageously expensive, and it tends to have a nice return on investment. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also paint or replace the door.
7. Spruced up porch
Would you buy a home with a decaying porch? Probably not. And if you do, you’d want a discount. Why not dedicate some time to fixing and sprucing up your porch or patio and enjoy the added value and interest in your property?
Outdoor space is very important for buyers, especially after 2020, so a nice, solid porch that’s been recently painted can make a great impression and even be the detail that sells the home to a certain kind of buyer.
Final thoughts
If you’re going to sell your home, sprucing it up and even undergoing some big renovations is usually worth it. Basic things like repairing roofs and windows should be a given, but taking a gamble on a kitchen reno or a more attractive front yard can also pay off. The issue is that not everyone has the time, the funds, or the skills to pull it off, but thankfully Ohio Cash Buyers can help out with that. But wait, you might be thinking, where’s #8 on this list? It’s simply this:
8. Skip the Hassle and Sell to Ohio Cash Buyers
Save the time, money, and headaches and sell your home as-is to us for cash. No fees, no commissions, no hassles.