5 Improvements to Enhance Resale Value

You know that making smart investments in your property can improve your resale value considerably, but before you start writing checks, you want to know what gives you the most bang for your buck. To start, look at your home’s nearby comps to see the sale prices and amenities of neighboring homes. In general, we find the following 5 improvements have the biggest impact on most home resale values.

1. Curb Appeal

Your home’s first impression matters. House-hunters may not even enter a home if they don’t see “curb appeal.” While this phrase can seem subjective, it’s quite simple to nail down a few key aspects of a warm, welcoming curb appeal. Replacing siding has the number one return on investment when it comes to exterior upgrades, since damaged and faded siding is seen as a sure sign of a rundown home that may hide costly repairs. Adding or replacing shutters, columns, and other architectural elements can also provide a surprisingly cost-effective impact on a home’s curb appeal.

Your other big draw from the street is landscaping. Remember that landscaping for resale value requires thoughtful design. Some buyers may be turned off by delicate flowers that will require a lot of care. Others may want the space to add their own flair. Drought-prone areas will see buyers looking for hardy plants that don’t require much water. You’ll also want to take care of thick tree limbs that overhang the roof, which can scream “liability” to potential buyers. Even an inexpensive, fresh piling of mulch makes a yard looked more vibrant and pristine.

2. Molding and Trim 

Adding crown molding, tall baseboards, and other trims to your home is a cost-effective way to significantly improve the sophistication of a home while making it appear warmer and more high-end.

You want to start with a tall baseboard first (at least 4”), and then choose a matching crown molding. From there, you have more free reign to get creative. Conservative use of panel molding, ceiling trim, cabinet appliques, and door and window casings can go a long way toward boosting resale value.

3. Bathroom & Kitchen 

The rooms which see the most return on investment are the bathroom and kitchen. Not so coincidentally, these rooms are also the most expensive to renovate, so having them already upgraded makes home-buyers more likely to make an offer. There’s no need to be overly fancy with these upgrades—solid wood cabinets, real stone counters, a neutral backsplash, and mid-level appliances can go a long way.

Pro Tip: If your home only has one bathroom, upgrading it is usually not as valuable to your resale price as adding a second bathroom. 

4. Windows 

New windows have a dual appeal to potential buyers. Thin, damaged, cracked, or foggy windows are visually unappealing, but they also make the home less energy efficient. Upgrading the windows to crystal clear visibility, with or without window grids, makes a better first impression. Go with dual-paned windows, and now you can sell the home on having superior climate stability and energy conservation. This helps the new homeowners save money every month over homes with older windows. 

5. Roof 

Replacing the roof isn’t the “sexiest” way to enhance resale value, but it works. The money invested in a new roof, particularly a modern “cool roof” that is designed for  energy efficiency, will pay back in the home’s final price. Buyers like to know that they have another 20-25 years until they need to replace the roof again so they can instead invest their budget in fun home upgrades of their own choosing.

Our final pro tip is to remember that buyers mainly shops with their eyes. I’d recommend renting a camera from fat lama and taking a photography class. Having great shots can bring a great deal of foot traffic to your open house.