Seven Improvements to Increase Your Home’s Value

Remodeling and renovating your home can be rewarding, enjoyable and add value to your home. A few simple changes can significantly improve the value of your home and ultimately, its sales price. With any renovation or remodel, the trick is to spend enough for an appealing change but to also stay within your means so you do not over-value your house compared to your neighborhood or have one space that’s above and beyond compared to the rest of your home. 

1. Update your kitchen

When prospective buyers are looking at a home, the kitchen is critical. Kitchens have changed greatly over the years from layout down to appliance color. An outdated kitchen with older appliances could be a deal breaker for many. Start small at first, by replacing a faucet or fixtures or paint your cabinets or hire someone to reface them for a more modern look. Small updates make big differences in improvement projects.  

2. Upgrade appliances

Your home will have a more cohesive and fresh look with upgraded appliances. If they are still in good condition but don’t match, look into new doors or face panels from the manufacturer rather than replacing them entirely. Older appliances or the appearance of mismatched appliances could be a red flag to potential buyers as they are factoring in the cost of items that may need to be replaced soon as they tour your home.

3. Remodel a bathroom

Second in importance only to your kitchen is a bathroom. Like the kitchen, it isn’t necessary to go crazy with a complete remodel. Install new fixtures, swap out the mirrors, update your faucet, clean grout and re-caulk, give the walls a fresh coat of paint are simple changes that will make an impact on your bathroom’s appearance. If you have the space, and you have a home with multiple bedrooms, another option would be adding even a half bath to drive your home’s value, and price point, higher.

4. Build a deck
   
   On the Mississippi Gulf Coast we have the good fortune of being able to enjoy the outdoors virtually year round. If you’ve considered adding a deck, there’s reason to go ahead and get building. Most homeowners recoup a significant amount of money they invest in a deck because it adds value. It’s a relatively low-risk addition to your home that adds usable space for entertaining rather than having guests pile into your kitchen or living room.
   
   
5. Enhance your home’s curb appeal
   
   Curb appeal falls directly in line with the adage “you never have a second chance to make a first impression.” You want your home to be attractive, especially if you’re considering selling. Quick and inexpensive fixes can be done to update your home’s appearance, including power washing the exterior and sidewalks/driveway, planting some flowers for a pop of color and trimming back trees and bushes for a fresh, neat look. 

6. Replace your garage door

In line with enhancements to your home’s curb appeal, a separate upgrade that often goes overlooked by sellers is the garage door. A new garage door can greatly enhance the appearance of your home. Think of your current garage door. Is it faded, dented, attractive? Imagine how a brand new one would look. And research has shown that return on investment is nearly 100 percent, no matter where you live be it Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, New York or Seattle. 

7. Improve your home’s energy efficiency
   
   If your home is older, consider some small updates to increase its energy efficiency. This will benefit you as an owner while you live there, and if you decide to sell since home inspectors note issues with insulation or doors and windows. Adding some additional insulation and sealing any cracks or gaps in doors, windows and light sockets will quickly help keep cold or warm air in and decrease your utility bills. If windows are old and not in the best condition, it might be a good idea to install new ones. It may not be the best return on investment, but old single pane windows could cause buyers to think twice about your home. 

Sprucing up your home to enjoy yourself or to prepare it to go on the market is a great idea. Focusing on small projects can help improve your home’s appearance and value without breaking the bank. Consulting with a knowledgeable real estate agent like those at Expect Realty can help you determine which improvement projects bring the best return on investment for your home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. They are experts at selling homes in Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs and all of the coastal communities. To connect with Expect Realty about selling your home or buying a new one, call or text 228.215.1861.