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Increase Home Value with Interior Improvements

 

So you want to increase your home's value with inexpensive home improvements.  Great, if you haven't read our exterior article, I'd recommend you start there.  It is the first thing buyers look at.  Next, once you have the outside of your home looking clean and presentable, it's time we move inside the home to work on the little "wow" factors.

Where do you start?

I suggest you first start with putting yourself into your prospective buyers’ shoes.  Start by walking through your home and check the following:

-        Cabinets

-        Sinks and Faucets

-        Floors

-        Bathtubs

-        Overall Cleanliness

Cabinets

The kitchen and bathroom cabinets draw the most attention when viewing both areas.  They can easily be repainted for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. If the job is done properly, at first glance you could mistaken them for being new.  If they are in great shape, you could think about just changing out the hardware.  It's amazing what new handles can do for that updated look you are trying to achieve.

Sinks and Faucets

I would recommend you replace the faucets if they are older than 10 years.  They can be cheap to buy and install.  New Faucets are a fantastic way to show buyers that you are willing to go the extra mile to keep your home updated and maintained.

Floors

If carpet is in descent shape, you might just want to have a professional come and do a thorough cleaning.  Also, have them do spot treatments for any high soiled areas.  You can usually get this done for under $100 and it's worth it.  If however, you have tile floors you should consider re-grouting which I've found to not be cheap.  If you check around, you can find companies that will use steam and clean the old grout.  This is less money than replacing the grout with almost the same effect.  Replace any chipped tiles while doing the grouting.

Bathtubs

Bathtubs should always be clean.  As a Realtor, I show a lot of buyers, and they always comment on cleanliness of the showers and bathrooms.  A quick and easy fix is to buy a $2 bottle of caulk.  Cut away the old dirty caulk, then re-caulk for that fresh new look.  You will be happy with the outcome.

Overall Cleaning

If some of the above projects are not within your budget, you will have no excuse for this one.  It doesn't cost anything other than good-old-fashion work.  Get out the cleaning gloves and cleaners.  Start in the kitchen.  Clean every crook and cranny.  Then move to the bathrooms and do the same thing.  Once you have a complete and thorough cleaning, you can maintain it easily throughout the week.  You never know when a buyer may want to see the inside of your home.  Cleanliness is overall one of the most important factors in the sale of your home and doesn't cost any out-of-pocket money.

Conclusion

Do the above items and you can count on your home getting noticed immediately when it hits the market.  Once they are in the door, you'll want to show them how nice and well kept you keep your home.  Trust me on this one…it’s worth every penny for a quick sale and to get the most money while increasing your home’s value.

Thanks,
Jeannie Rogers
Rogers United Realty
832-885-5445

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