When selling a home, we all want to get the most out of our property. The resale value is directly linked to the condition of the home, and making certain improvements can help you get top dollar.

However, figuring out what changes to increase your home value can be daunting.

Are you unsure of how to increase your home’s value before selling? Worried that you won’t get top dollar for your property?

Prospective buyers are always looking for the best deal possible, and they want a home that is energy-efficient, updated, and move-in ready. Failing to meet their expectations can result in a lower offer, or even worse, no offers at all.

One solution is to consider a cash-out refinance to pay for home improvements that will boost your property’s value. Energy efficiency upgrades like new windows, insulation, and appliances are great investments that future buyers will appreciate.

Other home improvements like fresh paint, landscaping, solar panels, and kitchen and bathroom updates can also increase the value of your home. Talking to professional real estate agents can also save you time and help you decide on the best investments as a home buyer.

Keep on reading to learn what you can do to make your home more attractive to prospective buyers and get the most out of your property. With a little effort and investment, you can significantly increase the value of your home and get top dollar when it’s time to sell.

Clean and Declutter.

Potential buyers want to envision themselves in your home and imagine how they would utilize the space. This can be difficult if your home is cluttered or unclean, and takes away the most value from your property.

Before putting your home on the market, it’s important to take the time to clean and declutter to showcase your home’s features and help potential buyers see its full potential.

Start with outdoor space such as the yard, patio, and porch. Make sure they are well-maintained and clutter-free. Add a fresh coat of exterior paint or do a minor remodel as needed.

Consider pressure washing the exterior of the house, including the garage door, to give it a fresh and clean appearance. If your home has a pool or spa, make sure it is sparkling clean and in good working order.

Inside, it’s important to remove any personal items such as family photos, children’s artwork, and other items that could be distracting to potential buyers.

Here are some additional cleaning and decluttering tips:

• Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger and add living space to your home.
• Store extra items in the garage or a storage unit.
• Clean all windows and mirrors to allow more natural light to enter the space.
• Dust and vacuum regularly to keep the master bedroom and other rooms in the house looking its best.
• Organize closets and drawers to show off storage space.
• Remove any signs of pets, such as litter boxes or dog beds.

Add Square Footage Where Applicable.

Every square foot will matter to potential buyers when they are making a decision. If possible, consider adding additional square footage to your home by converting an extra room or space such as the garage, attic, basement, or even a shed.

Alternatively, you can also look for ways to make your home more functional and livable. Think about how you could expand closets or convert unused space into a home office, playroom, or storage area.

These types of improvements can make your home more desirable to potential buyers and add value to the property. Consider getting a personal loan or a home equity loan to finance these improvements.

Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient.

As energy costs continue to rise, many buyers are looking for homes that are more energy-efficient. Making your home more energy-efficient can not only help you save money on energy costs but can also boost the value of your home when it comes time to sell.

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels are two great ways to make your home more attractive to buyers who are looking for an efficient and eco-friendly property.

These types of energy-efficient upgrades are also great investments that will pay for themselves over time. Try to get estimates from multiple contractors before investing in any upgrades and make sure you are getting the best price possible.

Additionally, look into energy-efficient rebates and grants available in your area to help offset the cost of these projects.

Even the National Association of Home Builder Remodelers said that opting for improvements such as energy-efficient upgrades can significantly increase the value of your home.

Paint Your Home

Getting fresh paint for your home before putting it on the market is always recommended by every real estate agent. According to Forbes, national average cost of painting the interior of a 1,000-square-foot home is $3.50 per square foot, which would cost around $3,500 for the entire project. For a 2,000-square-foot home, you can expect to pay around $7,000, and for a 3,000-square-foot home that could rise up to $10,500.

While painting your home can be a costly project, it’s worth the investment. Not only will it make your home look more attractive to potential buyers, but it can also help cover up any minor issues that could lead to further problems down the line.

Whether you are planning to sell your home in the near future or just looking for upgrades that will eventually help you add value to your property, fresh paint is always a good choice.

Remodel Your Kitchen

Real estate professionals and many homeowners always say that the kitchen is one of the busiest places and it is also one of the most important rooms in a home. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to invest some time and money into your kitchen before putting it on the market.

Remodeling your kitchen can be as simple as updating fixtures or painting cabinets, or you could go all out and get new countertops, new appliances, or even smart home technology that allows you to control your kitchen from anywhere in the world.

While these types of projects may be expensive, they can make all the difference in a potential buyer’s decision and will add considerable value to your home when it comes time to sell. Personal loans to finance these projects may be necessary, so make sure you shop around and get the best rate possible.

Bathroom Upgrades

For home renovations such as bathroom upgrades, a personal loan may be the best option for financing. Upgrading your bathrooms can be as simple as replacing fixtures, adding a new vanity, or even installing a heated flooring system. All of these upgrades will add value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.

After all, the bathroom is where everyone starts and ends their day, so it’s important to make sure it looks fresh and modern. You can also opt to remodel your bathrooms completely to give them a more luxurious and relaxing feel.

This can include anything from whirlpool tubs, steam showers, and heated towel racks to rain shower fixtures and new flooring. While the initial cost may be high, these upgrades can add a lot of value to your home and attract potential buyers.

Stage Your Home

The last on our list of upgrades to add value to your home is staging. Staging involves transforming a house into a more attractive product for potential buyers by adding furniture and accessories that make the house look more livable and inviting. The cost of staging can vary depending on how much work needs to be done, but it typically ranges from $800-$3,000.

Staging is important because it allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house and makes them more willing to pay full price for it. If you are having trouble selling your home, staging may be a good option to consider as it can help make your home more attractive and increase its value.

The Bottom Line