Discover home improvements for all budgets to increase your home’s value
The housing market has been quite the rollercoaster ride in the last few years. In recent years, it looked like we might be in a sustained housing boom. However, entering the fourth quarter of 2016, while the supply of new homes in Southwest Florida is rising, the demand started to fall a bit. New home permits for the three Southwest Florida counties were down 14.8 percent for the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period the year before.
It doesn’t mean people aren’t buying, just that those who are have several options, making it more important for sellers to have their home stand out. The following features can help boost the value of your property while giving it an edge in the crowded market.
1. The kitchen is your kingdom
The kitchen has continued to be a focal point for homebuyers for years, even more so with the new wave of first-time buyers. Naturally, we all want a new kitchen. However, millennials are considerably more budget conscious in the home buying process. Kitchen improvements can be expensive, and if the kitchen is less than ideal you can expect a considerably lower offer from these first-time buyers.
While you don’t need to rip down your kitchen to sell your house if you plan to sell you should consider making some improvements. Whether you add new appliances or a new countertop and flooring, any addition will result in a fresh, revived look. Even something as small and cost-effective as updating your cabinet hardware can give your kitchen a modern makeover.
2. A fresh paint job is always preferred
If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck in improving your kitchen (or any other room in your home), look at color. Fresh, modern colors of paint can update the look of your rooms at a reasonable price. If you’re looking to refresh King Kitchen, consider using low-VOC paint to make it more eco-friendly while avoiding dangerous chemicals. Some affordable options are Home Depot’s Behr Marquee for the interior ($43) or Behr Premium Plus Ultra ($39) for outdoor projects.
3. Make your home energy-efficient
If modern is the goal, energy efficiency is key. Buyers see considerable long-term value in energy efficient features. Energy-efficient appliances and windows not only save buyers in energy costs but will make your home more desirable and worth the investment.
In a 2015 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, “energy-efficient” ranked second on the list of attributes that would most influence a purchase decision, falling only to a “safe community.” Luckily for a seller, there are options for every budget. On the higher end, you can consider high-efficiency windows, and on the lower-end, go with LED lights. For example, the $7 Feit Electric 60-Watt Replacement 9.5W LED bulb will deliver perfect light quality with a 23-year life expectancy.
Once you’ve decided to sell your home, you should start evaluating what is worth the investment, depending on how quickly you want to sell (or reap the benefits of your new improvements). Luckily, this isn’t a process you have to go through alone. For help determining what’s worth it, consult your Realtor. A Realtor, especially one with experience in the Southwest Florida area, will know what homes are lacking and what features buyers are seeking.
Dante Disabato has worked tirelessly to match homes with the perfect suitors in Southwest Florida for years. If you’re looking for experience and guidance, contact us today at 239.537.5351 or through our online form.
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