Nothing sinks a homeowner’s heart faster than dropping home values (OK, except maybe some water damage). We here at GreatFence.com know that quality additions (like an aluminum fence) pours value into your home, especially in a time where so many of us are hardly staying afloat or trying to avoid the dreaded “under water” scenario. While most of us would like our home to be worth more now than when we originally purchased it, lately it seems that just breaking even for some folks is good news.
How can you increase your property value easily, without too much cost to you?
1. Outdoor Replacements & Aesthetics
According to realestate.com outdoor replacement projects (ahem, aluminum fences anyone?) are less expensive that crazy renovations and add more value, because they enhance the home’s curb appeal. Our friends at realestate.com suggest replacing siding, garage doors and front doors thanks to a 73% ROI!
2. Drought Resistant Plants
While we’re talking curb appeal, how’s that flower bed? If you’ve been avoiding sprucing up the lawn because you’re afraid of the price tag, why not let yourself be pleasantly surprised with drought resistant plants, especially if you live somewhere other than Florida or Portland? They’re a solid replacement that requires little care and significantly can increase a home’s value. While you’re at it, trim and prune those stray tree branches, weeds and limbs! Spruce up the shrubbery and add instant value to your property! You’ll be amazed what’s hiding under all those branches 🙂
3. Don’t Forget The Floors!
Got dingy carpeting? Or how about dated vinyl that suck up every last speck of dirt, making it impossible to clean? Our friends over at thisoldhouse.com keep stressing that floors matter! People want floors that accentuate the house, don’t squeak and (at least in my experience) look fairly easy to clean. In other words, floors have to look and feel good! The good news? Floors don’t have to be an expensive upgrade, in fact they can be a profitable one! This Old House states that with a “$600 to $900 floor investment brokers report that the return in value comes in at up to $2,000.”
4. Bathroom Beautiful
… or at least get rid of the shower stains! Everyone knows that bathroom and kitchen remodels are the fairest of them all – and come with heaviest price tag. But did you know that small upgrades (about $500 worth) in your bathroom could make a huge impact on your property value? This Old House urges us to “Replace frosted glass for clear glass, clean the grout, remove rust stains, apply fresh caulk, update doorknobs and cabinet pulls, replace faucets, and install a low-flush toilet.” These are easy, inexpensive and make a huge impact on a buyer’s opinion of worth.
5. De-Clutter
Closets make you want to scream? Has your junk drawer spilled out into the garage? If so, you could be hurting your property value. How is that possible? Leave it to HGTV to know the inside scoop. They say it’s simple – “a clutter free home appears cleaner and larger, which is more attractive to homebuyers and therefore more valuable.” Makes sense to us! Another perk? Even if you’re not looking to sell any time soon, at least you’ll have a spacious neat space to call home. You can find more info and photos here.
Do you have any property value enhancements you’d like to share with us? Is your perspective from the buyer or seller’s POV – or both? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
