Increase Home Value With Upgrades Under $100
Don’t assume that only big-budget home renovations will produce valuable results. These upgrades under $100 can pay off for homeowners when it comes time to sell:
Curb appeal- When it comes to your yard, definitely sweat the small stuff. Make sure to mow your lawn as needed — potential homebuyers frequently drive by unannounced. Get rid of weeds and add some in-season plants and flowers to your walkway or in pots on your front porch. Clean up clutter and have it hauled away or store it in the shed.
Update your front door- It’s the first part of your house that potential homebuyers see. Give it a fresh cost of paint and consider switching out your current lock-and-handle set for a sturdy, more modern piece of hardware.
Paint- At about $30 a gallon, paint is one of the most inexpensive ways to spruce up your living space. Add paint in neutral, earth-tone colors to bring out the best in each room.
Let light in- Ditch dark and heavy drapes for simple mini blinds. Update or add lighting fixtures — wall lights, lamps, ceiling fans with lights — to give the rooms a bright, more updated look.
Give kitchen appliances a facelift- Mismatched appliances can make a kitchen look outdated — but that doesn’t mean you need to replace them. Many appliances can be updated with new doors or face panels.
Don’t neglect the bathroom- Simple fixes can make a bathroom look more modern in no time. Get a new shower curtain, switch out the old toilet seat with a new one.
Fix minor electrical & pluming problems- It’s worth your while to take care of these problems before a potential buyer uncovers them during a home inspection.
Energy updates- Evaluate your home’s energy efficiency by going to the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. There, you can get tips to make improvements that sellers will appreciate. Also visit your power company’s website for ways to make your home more efficient. For example, Piedmont Electric has a $15 electric water heater efficiency kit that can reduce your power bill. Click here for energy saving tools from Piedmont Electric. Another example from Duke Energy suggests that you maintain your air conditioner by changing your filter monthly. Click here for energy saving tips from Duke Energy to lower your power bill.
These helpful tips to boost the value of your home are provided courtesy of REALTOR Connie Shuping, MBA of Great Triangle Homes.