Bang for your Buck

Tips to Add Value to Your Home

By Brett (Boruch) Zuckerman

Many people are under the impression that you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to increase your home’s value before putting it on the market.  While there are many larger projects that should be done in specific situations, a brand-new kitchen or updated master bath for a potential buyer is not always a great idea.  There are a number of reasons why this is the case: First, the incoming homeowner may want something else completely, in which case you’ve thrown good money away.  Second, the home may need more updating than just a kitchen or master bath, in which case the remodeled area will be inconsistent with the rest of the home.  Third, and here’s a big one- even when the project is warranted, the return on investment (ROI) is usually only a percentage of the actual money spent, something to bear in mind, even for a best-case scenario.

With that in mind, here a 5 tips to increase your homes value without breaking the bank:

1. Fresh paint and new carpet go a long way. While this may still cost you several thousand dollars depending on the size of the home and condition, new paint and carpet smell fresh and make a buyer feel that they have a clean canvas to work with.  Pet and smoke odors trapped in old carpeting will send a qualified buyer running for the door. Neutral colors work best to brighten spaces and make them feel larger.
2. Declutter and rearrange items. Nothing turns a buyer off more than your clutter.  They want the home to feel like it’s theirs.  Please put those old 70’s vinyl records and your adult children’s stuffed animals out of sight before you start showings.
3. Upgrade lighting. While it sounds like a small thing, this may be the most cost-efficient thing you can do for ROI.  The home will feel less dated, and today’s affordable LED fixtures have different settings to accommodate different rooms of the home.
4. Refresh soft furnishings. A few throw pillows and blankets can bring an old couch back to life. It’s also fun to shop for them, just remember to leave a few things for other people at T.J. Maxx. Thrift shops can also be a gold mine here.
5. Increase curb appeal. Take a few Sundays to clean up the lawn, plant a few shrubs, and pull the weeds.  Right before hitting the market, lay down some fresh mulch to give the exterior a bit of pop.  Buyers often make their decision while pulling up to the home, so if you can create a good feeling here, your chances are that much better.

If you are considering putting your home on the market or just thinking about making some upgrades, I’m happy to help you through the process.

Brett (Boruch) Zuckerman

Cell: 720-445-2468

brett@zuckermanteam.com

Brett (Boruch) Zuckerman is a professional Realtor and team leader of The Zuckerman Team at Madison & Co. Properties