10 Ways you can change the value of your home

These days house hunters are doing almost all of their search online. The decision of whether or not to even give your home a second look depends solely on how well your home presents itself through pictures. Of course a good camera and well lit rooms are important, but here are a few things that today's buyers are looking for.

1. Update Your Kitchen

Kitchens are critical. A big kitchen with a lot of workspace is high on the must have list. Buyers tend to look for more natural materials in today's market. Hardwood or tile flooring is important, as well as granite or soap stone countertops.

Even if you do not have a huge kitchen make sure all the appliances are nice and in working condition. Make the best use of all your space with serviceable counter space and lots of storage. Next focus on lighting, a well lit area can make a big difference even if you change nothing else.

People are looking for the open concept more now then ever before. If you have the possibility of taking out a wall or making a half wall that allows for a breakfast bar, do it. Kitchens, if done economically, tend to always bring a great return on your investment.


2.  Spacious Modern Bathroom

A buyer is more likely to spend some extra money on high-end finishes in Master Bathrooms. A spa like environment will attract more people to your home when it comes time to sell. The easiest way to accomplish this feeling is by adding a whirlpool tub.

Some of the other important features people are looking for is a double sink,  a separate shower with steam features, and a separate room for the toilet.

*Important Note: Do not spend thousands of dollars renovating your bathrooms without making sure your hot water heater and plumbing system can handle the changes.

3. Closet Space

A great way to stand out from the competition is to have ample closet space in your home. Obviously, everyone wants a walk-in closet in their master bedroom. If your home does not have the space to build a walk-in closet make the best use of what you have. Spend a few extra dollars on one of the thousands of closet organizers out there (Check out www.easyclosets.com).

4. Good Windows

Your best bet is to replace old windows throughout your home. This can be expensive, so if money is tight make sure you find and fix any spots in your home that allow cold air in. It has been a very cold winter and buyers want to be reassured your home is going to be energy efficient.

4. Curb Appeal

After people narrow down the home search online, most like to drive by before they set up a showing.  The easiest way to increase your curb appeal is to use a power washer and repaint wood trim. You should also maintain bushes and hedges on your property. Do not take down mature trees on your property unless they cause problems, these can add as much as $1000 to the value of your home. Mostly, make sure the outside of your home is tidy and presentable at all times.

6.  Basements

This one is simple, make sure the basement is dry. Everyone wants a finished basement but it usually is not make or break for today's buyers. Mostly, they want to know that when the next hurricane hits they will not be pumping thousands of gallons of water out.

Some things you can do to make sure your basement is dry are as follows:

•  Grade the soil around your house to make sure rain water runs away from the foundation.
•  Extent the downspouts of gutters at least 4 feet away from your home.
•  Do not plant any trees or large shrubs close to your house. These plant's roots are strong and will crack the walls of your foundation
•  Apply a water sealer to any cracks already present inside your basements walls.

Those are some of things you can do to improve the value of your home when it comes time to sell. There are also things home owners can do that will be considered a liability to buyers.




7. Pools

Some buyers want their next home to have a pool, let them install one. Homes with pools just narrow the amount of buyer willing to consider purchasing them. The amount of money it cost to maintain a pool will scare a large amount of the available buyers away.






8. Clutter

Even if your home is the most beautiful home in the neighborhood, clutter will turn buyers off. People want to be able visualize themselves living in the home. If rooms are packed with large furniture or a ton of personal trinkets it becomes hard for them to do this.

Think about placing your stuff in storage or even in PODS. This way the home looks nicer when buyer come through at open houses and showings. In addition, having your personal items packed up already will decrease your stress when you eventually sell your home.






9. Outdated appliances or system.

Everyone wants a big screen television with a blu-ray player and surround sound in their family room these days. If your home has an outdated electrical system buyers will take you off the short list quick. Make sure you have at least 100-amp electrical service, though 200-amp is the preference in today's marketplace.

10. A long "to-do" list

Not everyone can afford to take care of all the items on this post when getting ready to sell their home. However, it is important to make sure your take care of all the little problems your home presents. A buyer does not want to walk out after seeing your home with a long list of things that need to be done. This is the easiest and most affordable way to help your bottom line when it comes time to sell.


*Give me a call when you want a better understanding of your current home's value.*



Chris Lawlor

Realtor @ Coldwell Banker Heritage
cell: 484-560-3226
office: 610-250-8880 ext. 350
Email: clawlor31@yahoo.com