Everyone is seeing the inside of their own four walls more lately and the real estate market has reflected that as well. The market for housing - both buying and selling - is more intense than it's ever been. Houses are being scooped up within days and those looking to purchase are having to outbid buyers and compete with a market that's somewhat unpredictable and also incredibly thrilling, for sellers and agents. While this fired world of buying and selling is helping houses to get booted off the market a bit faster, there are always more ways to improve a home's value.
Many people are now recognizing the importance of loving where they live - whether it's uprooting their lives completely to live a life of simple means on the road or moving into a home in their dream destination. Before that happens, though, sellers want to get all that they can out of the house that holds so many memories. So what can you do that will easily increase the value of your home?
Start On The Exteriors
Believe it or not, the exterior of a home can really do wonders to drive up the value. And it's not just the front yard, either; any improvements to the backyard, which is usually one of the last things seen, can become the cherry on top of what's already a great home walkthrough.
With many people looking to entertain family and friends at home, a space that's warm, welcome, and inviting can make all the difference in the world. Nice patio furniture, some ambient lighting, and, most importantly, a landscaped yard with florals and pruned bushes help potential buyers imagine themselves in the space.
Eliminate Carpet In Any And All Rooms
The fact is that carpet is simply no longer on-trend. It might make a room feel cozy and can give it a homey, lived-in feel, but it's not something that most home buyers want in today's day and age.
In the rare event that someone does want carpet, well-kept hardwood or vinyl floors will allow them to install it easily. Vinyl woof flooring is very cost-effective these days and is a cinch to install, running a couple thousand or less for one large room. This can also make a room feel larger and won't show stains, furniture indents, and age like a carpet would.
Swap Out Outdated Kitchen Details And Cabinetry
Sometimes, a kitchen remodel isn't always within the budget. For smaller improvements that still make an impact, swapping out small details such as cabinetry hardware (doorknobs, trim, things of that nature) or even adding a backsplash can really boost the overall value of the kitchen alone.
Even a coat of fresh paint or some touchups will go a long way in generating interest. If a full kitchen remodel is in the cards, swapping out the cabinetry for updated cabinets and adding something like an island or a breakfast bar can drastically drive up the value.
Brighten Up Those Rooms And Commit To LEDs
Many people don't realize - possibly because they're so used to seeing their own lights every day - that the color hue of light can change a room completely. Warm, yellow bulbs often make a room feel smaller and give it that feeling of something antique and old, which isn't always a bad thing if you're talking about a library or a study.
For most rooms, though, bright, cool LED lighting is the way to go. This gives the feeling of a bright and fresh atmosphere and brings out a room's true colors, as the lighting itself is neutral rather than warm-toned.
Freshen Up Paint And Be On Top Of Trends
All it takes is a few swipes through the latest home design websites or social media searching a few keywords in order to determine what's trending and what's not. Anything, from paint colors to themes, can be found this way, and many are easy enough to incorporate into your own home. It's important to remember that you're not just selling a home - you're selling a future experience.
Whatever changes are made to your home for the future owners should be neutral and fresh enough to appeal to homebuyers, whether it's painting the living room with a trending neutral or installing track lighting in the kitchen as opposed to leaving recessed lighting. Even something as simple as replacing the curtains or refinishing the floors can boost a home's value and encourage potential buyers to see the beauty that already exists in it.