During any period of poor economic performance, homeowners are faced with a number of challenges. On the one hand, they want to tighten their belts and make every dollar stretch as far as possible. On the other hand, they see a time in the near future when selling the house will be in the family’s best interest. Faced with a sagging real estate market, properties which are in great shape stand to get the most on the open market. The competition is just too stiff. Buyers can see through beyond the date of settlement when they will have the keys to the place. Do they want to start home improvement projects after all those moving costs? Of course not, which is the exact reason the time to start your own projects is now.
1. Finishing the basement. Whether or not you want to create an added living space in your home with a remodeled basement, you want to afford buyers the opportunity to do so themselves. Clearing out any roughly patched walls or unfinished storage areas is a good first step. Next, consider laying down some carpeting to add to the comfort level. Pretty soon, your own family will be making use of the space and you home’s value will go up exponentially.
2. Turning around the bathroom. In a down market, houses without renovated bathrooms simply don’t sell. As prices start to creep back to better value, buyers will look for the most polished homes on the market. Bathrooms are one of the first stops on the list. Figure out if you need a total overhaul with new tiles and sinks, or just a brush-up with new fixtures.
3. Increasing climate control. When you are showing your house, there are some things that simply cannot be hidden and poor insulation is one of them. The areas by the window will have the fluctuations in temperature that tell buyers you have not cared for your home properly. Consider replacing your windows to cancel out the drafts and fix the problem for good.
4.Giving a fresh start to an old kitchen. The kitchen of your home can be the victim of a number of lagging concerns. Among them, old cabinets and floors will make the entire room seem old and worn. Your appliances will also say a lot about where your house stands. Older refrigerators and dishwashers which waste water and electricity will not tempt any hesitant buyer. Some quick cabinet refacing and new appliances can turn your kitchen around in just a few weeks, sending the value of your home skyward.
5. Bringing home entertainment out of the Stone Age. One of the fastest ways to make your home more livable is to focus on electronics. The best in plasma screens and stereo equipment is getting more affordable by the year. Your family will enjoy the upgrades immediately and your home will look like a million bucks to any buyer.
Before you get started, call for a
home pro improvement consultation, which won’t cost a thing.
Sears In-home design consultation is a great way to size up any home improvement project.
