Sell Your House For More Money
Making changes to your home can be a lot of fun. It’s enjoyable transforming an old room into one that’s modern and exciting. Besides being entertaining, home improvements can really help when it’s time to move. Not only can they entice buyers into making an offer, they can earn you more money. It’s the improvements that help sell your house for more money.
However, not every remodeling project helps you financially. Read on for some tips on picking the right project, including how to avoid some common home improvement scams.
Remodeling For Resale
If you are hoping to raise your home’s sale price, then there are some home improvements to avoid. As CNBC explains, most projects directed to your particular tastes will not translate into added value. That’s because not everyone shares your passions. For example, you might love having a home gym or a home recording studio, but that’s not always popular with potential buyers. To some, those changes make the home less valuable.
That’s why ROCKET Homes recommends you focus on updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and appliances. Everyone uses these, so adding some technology or comfort here can really help your home sell for more. The same is true for converting attics or basements into usable rooms complete with painted walls and modern flooring.
Just make sure you don’t over-improve compared to other houses in the neighborhood. Creating a professional kitchen complete with high-tech appliances and expensive countertops sounds nice, but if nearby homes are much more simple in the kitchen, then your home won’t sell as easy because buyers in your area don’t want those amenities as much.
Curb Appeal Can Help
When making improvements to increase your home’s value, don’t forget about the outside. As any real estate agent can tell you, a home will sell faster and for more money if the curb appeal is high.
DIY Network lists several inexpensive ways to improve the exterior of your home. Start by putting a fresh coat of paint on your shutters, trim, and front door. Going with a strong door color that still matches the rest of the house can really make your entryway stand out. Replace outdated exterior lights with new ones, and flower boxes on your windows can make a home look charming and lovely.
Don’t forget about the appeal of your house number and mailbox. While you do not want to make either too garish or flashy, replacing either that looks washed out or worn can really make your home more attractive to buyers.
Avoiding Scams
As you explore different projects for your kitchen, bathroom, and exterior, you have to be careful. Home improvement is a big industry, and that means there are people trying to scam you out of your money.
Consumer Reports explains that you can help avoid scams by checking a company’s credentials first. Make sure any contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. You should also look online for reviews, especially with the Better Business Bureau, and get everything they promise in writing. If someone tells you that a deal is good for today only or that you have to pay upfront for the work, walk away. There’s a good chance that is a scam.
This is very true for roofing repairs. While not flashy, a solid roof can make a big difference when you’re trying to sell the house. No one wants to repair leaks and water damage, so showing potential buyers you just had the roof inspected can help make the sale a reality. However, don’t make a down payment and resist any pressure to sign paperwork.
Enjoy A Higher Value
While there’s nothing wrong with making improvements just for yourself, if you want to earn more when it’s time to sell the place, focus on bathrooms, kitchens, and curb appeal. When speaking to contractors, be sure to ask for credentials and never pay up front. You never know when you’ll have to sell your home, so it’s the improvements that help sell your house for more money.
