How to Increase Home Value Before You Sell

When it comes to getting a house ready to sell, doing anything that can set your listing apart from the rest is a high priority. But what home updates matter to potential buyers? Since you won’t be living there much longer, you might be understandably hesitant to spend any money on upgrades that you won’t get to enjoy yourself.

However, there are several things you can do to make your real estate offering more attractive that won’t blow your budget. These extra touches might be just what it takes to sell your house quickly and for your asking price. Keep reading to learn how to increase your home’s value with five under-the-radar upgrades.

Home upgrades that add value

When buyers tour a home for sale, they take note of all the things they will have to change to make it their own and what needs updating to modern standards. And whether it’s a mental list or one on actual paper, they might also add up how much time and money it will cost to make these home upgrades.

Often, the estimated effort is ultimately a turnoff and leads potential new homeowners to someone else’s front door. But if you make the following updates when prepping a house for sale, you can reduce the chances of that happening.

1. Install a smart thermostat

Whether or not you have a full smart home system, you can add automation to the heating and cooling aspect of your house by installing a smart thermostat. This helpful tech can efficiently control temperature and humidity levels, leading to overall comfort. Additionally, this puts home-seekers at ease because they know they’ll save on their monthly utility bills.

2. Add organization to closets

You may not realize what a wow factor closet organization systems can be for people buying a new house. Opening up a hall or bedroom closet and seeing that everything has its place tells the buyers that there is plenty of room for their belongings once they move in. Plus, they can take this update off of their own to-do list, making your home less of a project and more of a promising residence. Bonus points if you give the same level of attention to your garage storage area and laundry room.

3. Add organization to kitchen cabinets and drawers

Just as a put-together closet or garage is a top selling point, so are kitchen cabinets and drawers that have received the same treatment. Utensil dividers, shelf risers and other kitchen storage and organization solutions can make a big difference to someone who is considering buying your home. If your pantry space is on the small side, you could always add a freestanding storage cabinet and state in the disclosure that it is included with the sale of the house.

4. Upgrade overhead lighting

An easy fix that has a big visual impact is upgrading your home’s lighting. Outdated ceiling lights and pendants can be a turnoff to homebuyers who don’t want to have to do a lot of work after the closing date. Take this concern off their minds by selecting energy-efficient accent lights in a classic design that brings your home into the latest style. The same goes for outdoor light fixtures, which are the first thing people see when they walk up to the front door.

5. Freshen up outdoor living spaces

Speaking of the outside of your house, creating an inviting outdoor living space can help seal the deal with a home buyer. A well-maintained lawn and garden not only shows that your home is cared for, but it also provides additional square footage for entertaining and gardening. Even though you might not leave it behind when you move, it helps to set the stage with patio furniture so they can see themselves spending time outside when the house is theirs.

How to add value to your home with minimum effort

If you’re short on time and need to list your house as soon as possible, focus on updating your appliances. People looking for a home might second guess your listing if major kitchen appliances are old and worn out. It might seem counterintuitive to spend money on appliances you won’t be using, but it can make or break a house selling right away or sitting on the market for weeks or even months. Home buyers will figure a new washer and dryer into their offer, so you might as well be proactive and ease their concerns.

Another idea to make your home more appealing is staging it with furniture and home décor. This is especially key if you are planning to move before you put it on the market. As mentioned earlier, staged rooms and outdoor areas can help potential buyers see themselves living in your home, which is exactly what you what them to do. Even if you have to invest money into getting your house ready to sell, the goal is that you’ll get the funds back with a stellar offer.