Everybody wants to put their best foot forward when selling their home, and the best way to sell a home quickly and for the most money is: curb appeal. You only get one shot to make a great first impression, and getting people into the doors will help you maximize the potential for moving the property quickly.
If you have clients coming to you asking for advice for home improvements that can add value to their home, you can suggest some of the following additions:
Get Rid of That Popcorn Ceiling
Many people will simply walk away from a home or property that has a popcorn ceiling, it is that bad. It’s possible that it contains asbestos, which can cause serious health issues if the particles are disturbed. If the house was built before the 80s, there is a good chance that it was applied with chemicals containing asbestos. There are ways to test the property’s ceiling for asbestos, however, no matter the outcome it’s probably a good idea to get it removed.
It is far from a do-it-yourself project, but relatively inexpensive and will add a lot of value to the home.
Give Your Kitchen a Facelift
If the kitchen could use an update, they don’t have to revamp the entire thing in order to see a rise in value. Suggest that they do a mini-remodel and make simple but impactful changes. Change the paint. Add some color with a new backsplash. Retile. Go stainless steel—a hot ticket item for many buyers. Invest in a hanging pot rack with brand new pots and pans to give your kitchen a modern and stylish feel to any and all who enter.
Combine any and all of these smaller projects for a big effect on the overall value.
Bolster the Bathroom
Just like the kitchen, the bathroom is one of the rooms that gets the most use. And also like the kitchen, there doesn’t need to be a complete overhaul to see great returns. If the floor or tiling is old and discolored, it can be replaced with easy-to-install vinyl. They will likely not even have to take the old floor back up, simply place the new one right over the old one.
Bathrooms are no longer simply a utilitarian feature; people want to feel the luxury of a spa inside of their home. Replace that old drop-sink with an under-mount sink and install a granite or marble countertop. The bathroom counter is a much smaller space and is the ideal spot to begin the first granite or marble project in the house.
Upgrade the Lighting
Familiarizing yourself with strategic lighting is going to help you through any and all of your open houses. The right lighting can make the home look bigger, warmer and more desirable. It can create a dramatic mood, draw attention and help potential buyers imagine their future in this space. It’s also relatively inexpensive when compared to many renovations. For a room that may seem too small, you can visually trick the eye into expanding it with the help of lighting.
Real estate lead generation websites can help bring potential buyers to the next open house or visit. It’s your job to help direct your clients to the make the right renovations to make their home as desirable as possible!
Images from il1h Apartment in Kiev by Sirotov Architects
