Real Estate Matters
There are many ways to add value to your home, but expensive and extensive renovations may not always offer the best return on your investment. In fact, according to a recent Remodeling Impact Survey from the National Association of Realtors, it is not always the big-ticket items that pay off when it is time to sell.
This list includes a variety of home improvements that are ideally suited for fall DIY and weekend warrior projects. Each offers the chance to add to your enjoyment of your home today, and add value and market appeal when it comes time to sell in the future. Best of all, these affordable projects offer exceptional return on investment (ROI).
1. Lawn maintenance and upgrades
Ahh, look at those autumn leaves drift by the window. Think about how much of your home’s curb appeal is dependent on the condition of the lawn. While many homeowners spend their weekends on lawn maintenance during the spring and summer, in the fall we tend to focus more on leaf raking and removal.
Be sure to take the time to properly aerate your lawn and prepare it for hibernation. Cover planting beds with fresh straw or mulch and have irrigation systems blown out and prepared for winter.
2. Plant a new tree
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, fall is an ideal time to plant new trees. Fall planting offers an added growing season after the stress of the hot summer months and encourages optimal root growth.
According to the US Forest Service, healthy, mature trees can add an average of 10 percent to a home’s value, as well as providing insulation and energy savings. That means planting a tree this fall could pay dividends for years to come.
3. Upgrade your curb appeal
There are a variety of ways to add curb appeal with simple and affordable upgrades. These can include painting the front door (black is a color with high ROI), replacing the hardware, street numbers, mailbox, light fixtures and painting or power washing the front steps.
If you are looking for an even bigger impact, consider having a new garage door installed – it can practically pay for itself in value when it comes time to sell.
4. Upgrade your outdoor space
Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor spaces and install a firepit for those cool autumn evenings. This upgrade is simple to do yourself and can improve your home’s marketability as part of an overall outdoor refresh.
Consider repairing, refinishing, or expanding an existing deck or terrace, adding landscape lighting, or having an irrigation system installed for additional appeal.
5. Install an elegant wet bar
We’re not talking about the giant rec-room bars from the 1970s; today’s wet bars are sleek and chic. You probably have space in an existing coat closet or unused nook where you can fit shelving, a small counter and sink, plus an under-counter wine fridge. This provides a lovely accent and simplifies serving when entertaining at home.
6. Upgrade your closet space
Reimagine or reconfigure your current closets for added appeal and user-friendly convenience. Knock out a wall to turn a step-in closet into a walk-in, or borrow some space in the bathroom to create dual closets.
Install an updated organizational system in an existing closet for a custom design and optimal space utilization. Add upgraded lighting and finishes for a high-end look and feel.
7. Refinish or repaint cabinetry
If you don’t have the budget for a kitchen overhaul, start with the most prominent visual feature – the cabinets. By just painting your existing, outdated wood cabinets white, gray, a shade of light blue, or even a cheery turquoise, you can totally transform the entire look and feel of your kitchen at minimal cost.
This can be a fun DIY project. Check online for how-to and design ideas. Changing your cabinet hardware will also add to the refresh of your kitchen.
8. Repaint the interior
Repainting the interior can have a significant impact on the way buyers see your home – and the way that you do, as well. According to the National Association of Realtors’ survey, repainting helps homeowners enjoy their space while also offering a simple DIY way to add additional value.
Choose from a neutral palette to make the interior more appealing to potential buyers. Or, if you do not have the time or energy to repaint the entire interior, start simple with a fresh coat of paint in the entryway or foyer.
9. Replace outdated fixtures and finishes
If you are looking for a super-simple and inexpensive way to upgrade your home’s interior, changing outdated fixtures and finishes is the way to go. Replace mismatched light switches and outlet covers with new, neutral styles.
Replace old-fashioned interior door hardware with a cohesive, contemporary finish throughout. Change out cabinet hardware, update lighting fixtures and switch out faucets to create a modern look and feel throughout your space.
10. Install smart home upgrades
Smart home upgrades offer the benefit of energy efficiency while you are living in the home, and a “wow” factor when it is time to sell. Our childhood cartoons like “Inspector Gadget” and “The Jetsons” predicted many of the modern conveniences we have today – and more that are coming soon.
There are many technology options to choose from. Start simple with smart door locks and lightbulbs, then invest in a smart thermostat and security setup. Plan ahead to ensure all your smart devices work well together for a simpler, more integrated and enjoyable system.
Are you not sure where to start? Ask your Realtor for more information or help prioritizing your honey-do list. Discover your home’s current value and learn which upgrades can help increase your resale potential.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
