Improving your property does two things: it increases your satisfaction and comfort, as well as boosts your home’s value. The latter is of particular concern if you’re planning to sell your property in the future. In fact, real estate agents will tell you that even the smallest changes can have a big investment impact.
Indeed, when it comes to real estate improvements, you can trust your real estate agents. This website shows how recruiters find the best people, so rest assured that you’re working with top-performing professionals in the field. Besides, real estate agents deal with houses every single day; thus, they should know what things can make your home more valuable in the eyes of buyers.
All that being said, here are some simple but impactful home improvements that you can undertake ASAP:
Add More Usable Space
If you have a bigger budget to work with, one of the best things you can do is to add more usable, livable space in your home. This is particularly true if you’re in an area where there isn’t a lot of available real estate. Some of the things you can add include a home office, a guest bedroom, or even a powder room for guests.
If you have a limited budget, consider turning one room into a convertible space. For example, you can have a home office that converts into a guest bedroom when needed. You can invest in convertible and/or built-in furniture for this project, such as ottomans that double as storage chests or tables that fold into the wall.
Update Fixtures
Certain home fixtures may be small, but they can certainly make an attention-grabbing impact. For example, light switch plates and outlet covers can make a room’s theme feel more cohesive. The same goes for door knobs, faucet handles, and curtain rods. These small updates to your home can make it look like a million bucks.
What’s even better is that you can also DIY the installation or customization of these fixtures for lower costs. You can find video instructions online for most if not all of the procedures, and many products also come with manuals that you can follow.
Paint the Kitchen Cabinets
One of the most expensive areas at home to remodel or renovate is the kitchen. If you want to give it a new look, you can start with the cabinets. They’re the most visible furnishings in the space and can even dictate the overall look and feel.
The quickest fix is to either paint or stain the cabinet doors. White is a pretty safe color, and is also a great choice for brightening up the space. If the cabinets are hardwood, however, staining them might be the better option. You should also update the hardware, from the handles to the hinges. If they’re still in good shape and in style, simply give them a good polish. Hinges and drawer tracks, in particular, should be lubricated to prevent squeaking and sticking. Like updating fixtures, these home improvement projects are very much DIY so you can save on costs.
Restore Hardwood Floors
Does your home have wall-to-wall carpeting? Check underneath—you may have hardwood flooring that’s waiting to be revealed and restored. This will take considerably more investment compared to the previously mentioned improvement projects, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run.
Get Energy-Efficient Upgrades
What makes energy-efficient upgrades appealing to buyers is that it lowers the costs of being a homeowner. Of course, you’ll also benefit from the energy savings while you’re still living in your house. It’s best to start small, such as installing a smart thermostat, lights, and switches. Doing so allows you to conveniently manage most of your house’s electronics, which can translate into lower utility costs.
If you have the budget, you should also update your electronics. LED lights are a great start, if you don’t have them already. For appliances, prioritize getting an inverter refrigerator and air conditioner.
Add a Low-Maintenance Lawn or Garden
Moving on to the exterior of your home, a good way to boost curb appeal is to add a low-maintenance landscape or garden. Pick some hardy shrubs that don’t need constant trimming; wildflowers are also a great choice and can even help attract local insects for better pollination. Then, instead of a grass lawn, consider stone pavers or rocks to minimize the need for watering.
Paint or Wash the Exterior
Last but certainly not least, you can improve the looks and therefore the value of your home by giving it a fresh coat of paint. If you’ve recently repainted but the color already looks dull, try giving the walls a good wash. Even if you end up hiring people and renting equipment for either, it’s still not going to cost you too much.
With these simple but impactful real estate improvements, you can increase buyers’ interest in your property. Even if you end up not selling for whatever reason, you’ll still be able to enjoy the upgrades for years to come.
