7 Cheap and Easy Ways To Improve The Value of Your Home

Choosing Projects With the Best Return on Investment. 

We all want to live in a beautiful and well-maintained home, yet it can be pricey to take on large-scale remodeling projects. Whether you want to improve the value of your home to get it ready to sell, or you simply want to refresh it for the New Year, there are some ways you can achieve your goals without breaking the bank. Some of these small and inexpensive projects can raise the value of your home by as much as 10%.

Paint Your Cabinets

One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers is outdated cabinets. Buyers often put most of their attention on the kitchen, so by doing something as simple as painting your cabinets you can improve your home’s resale value and give the kitchen an instant facelift. If you want to go a step further, you can also have your cabinets professionally refaced, and although it is more expensive than simply painting them, it’s  much less costly than installing all new cabinets.

Clear the Clutter

Many home sellers don’t understand just how much of an impact simply clearing the clutter from their home can have not only on its appearance but its value. Use the start of 2016 as a time to get rid of the unnecessary items, and organize what’s left.

Regrout Tile

Old, dingy and dirty tile can immediately turn a buyer off from your home, and it also tends to make spaces feel more dated and less cared for. Take a weekend to regrout the tile in your home and you’ll be surprised at how fresh and clean everything seems.

Add A Bedroom

You may be thinking that adding a bedroom isn’t an easy or inexpensive project, but depending on your home’s layout, you may actually be able to tackle this project on your own in a weekend. If you have a den or formal living room that goes largely unused, consider transforming it into a bedroom, particularly if you’re aiming to sell your home soon. You could also divide a large bedroom in half, or turn a playroom, attic or office into a bedroom to instantly up your resale value.

Swap Light Fixtures

Dated light fixtures can drastically age your home, but they’re easy to replace. Shop for a few statement-making light fixtures that don’t break the bank and swap them out. Your home will instantly look modernized and more stylish.

Trim Overgrown Landscaping and Spruce Up Your Lawn

No one wants to approach a home and get the feeling it’s unoccupied or abandoned, yet that’s the feeling unkempt landscaping can evoke. Take some time to tame unruly landscaping, prune shrubs and trees, and do a little cleanup. You don’t need a professional to tackle the basics. Keep growth away from windows and doors and make sure everything looks tidy to appeal to more buyers.

Give Your Front Door an Upgrade

First impressions are everything, and that holds true in the real estate world. Evaluate your front door and what surrounds it, and think about small changes you could make to ensure it’s appealing. Consider a fresh coat of paint to the door and railings, add potted plants and clean up any clutter. You can also add a hanging flag for a bit of charm and character.

Rising Home Values in 2016

Home values are increasing throughout much the U.S. and that’s a trend expected to continue throughout 2016. It’s a great time for owners to think about selling, and by doing some of the things listed above you can maximize the price you get for your home, with minimal investments of time and money.