Home Improvements that Pay Off

1. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. If you've been a homeowner, you know the magic of a fresh coat of paint. It can take a dated room into the present day. When it comes to picking your paint, do your research! Reference sites like Pinterest. Stay away from bright, trendy colors that only fit in with your home furnishings. Loud colors can impede the buyer from envisioning their furnishings there.
2. Refinish flooring.  Your floors might not be top of mind when viewing your home. But according to consumer research, buyers are looking for fresh and durable floors that are ready to last. Whether you have wood floors that could use refinishing or another material worth replacing, flooring updates are often known for the best return on investment. Stay away from trendy colors, and stick to the classics. Again, Pinterest is your friend!
3. Remodel your kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Like you and your family have experienced, potential buyers see the kitchen as a place of gathering, where novice chefs can become experts and family recipes can be brought to life. Take a step back and look at your kitchen from an outside perspective. Are your appliances mismatched? Could your countertops get a refresh? Whether you take a weekend to make small upgrades like installing a backsplash or replacing cabinet hardware, or work with professionals to consider a complete overhaul, kitchen updates are likely to payoff when it comes to reselling your home.
4. Opt for energy-efficient windows. If your home has older, single-pane windows, you could be losing over $500 a year in heating and cooling costs! That draft you're feeling isn't just in your head. Investing in energy-efficient windows will keep your checkbook and any potential buyers happy.
5. Revamp your bathroom. Most people hear "renovate your bathroom" and see dollar signs. But you can breathe new life into your bathroom without the significant price tag. Make minor improvements, like a new vanity, new flooring, or a fresh coat of paint. A little goes a long way when it comes to bathrooms.
6. Don't forget curb appeal. The front yard is the first impression you'll give a buyer. Add a paved walkway or gorgeous color to your flower beds. Consider adding time-saving tools to your lawn, like a sprinkler system.
7. Go big in your home. Some improvements require a heftier price tag, especially if you want it done right. If you're looking to add an extension, replace your roof, or something along those lines, consider financing it with a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC.)

Not every improvement has to mean significant dollar signs. Small changes make a big difference, especially when viewed by a new buyer. Looking for more inspiration? Check out 10 Ways to Make Your Home Feel New.

Remember, it's essential to consider the non-tangible influences when getting your home ready to sell. Think back to when you bought your home. There were things like the neighborhood, school systems, and market competitiveness that factored into your buying decision. Renovations don't make your home sell a sealed deal, but they can help sweeten the pot.