If you’re a homeowner, sooner or later, the value of your house is something you will need to consider. The value of your home directly affects your selling price, and whether or not you’re looking to move house in the foreseeable future, boosting your resale value is a worthwhile investment. But how do you raise the value of your home without making invasive and costly changes? Fortunately, there are numerous ways to improve your home to increase your asking price without spending a fortune and losing the unique charm of your living environment.
Declutter
When showing professional valuers and potential buyers around your home, first impressions count. You wouldn’t want to entertain guests in an untidy home; the same applies to prospective buyers. For a valuer to see the full extent of your property so they can assess it fairly, they need to be able to see it at its best. While nobody expects you to have a show-home quality of cleanliness and your home’s lived-in charm will add to its personality, keeping excess clutter to a minimum is always advisable.
A Fresh Lick Of Paint
It’s incredible how much a simple lick of paint can improve the appearance of a property. When it comes to a home’s value, details are crucial. Although most professional valuers will overlook cracked, flakey paintwork, fresh paintwork will undoubtedly improve its aesthetic. Furthermore, prospective buyers are more likely to judge a property based on its surface-level appearance.
You may also want to consider painting your home’s exterior. Experts claim that freshly-painted exteriors could significantly increase a home’s perceived value. Additionally, white, beige, taupe and grey tones may lead to a faster sale.
Fix Minor Issues
Minor issues such as leaky taps, stained carpets, marked walls and creaking doors won’t knock much off your resale value, but they may deter potential buyers. As mentioned, first impressions count and those looking to buy a property may consider minor imperfections signifiers of more significant issues such as structural damage and dampness. They may also misjudge minor imperfections as telltale signs of a poorly cared-for property. Fortunately, many minor problems can be easily fixed without the need for professional work.
Consider Your Garden
By paying so much attention to your home’s interiors, it’s easy to forget about the appearance of your garden, particularly if you’re not much of a gardener yourself. However, a well-presented garden can add up to 20% to your home’s value. You don’t need to be a professional, experienced landscaper to create a beautiful outdoor space – all you need is a few basic tools and a lot of enthusiasm. Give your lawn some TLC, tidy up your borders and get rid of any surplus clutter like old furniture and broken appliances.
Spruce Up Your Furniture
The appearance of your old, dated furniture items may be doing your home’s value a disservice. Of course, you don’t need to go out and purchase brand-new furniture for every room, but attention to detail goes a long way. Consider the focal points of your rooms – statement sofas and extra large oak dining tables give homes an element of luxury, so don’t spoil the effect by allowing your furniture to become shabby and unkempt.
Pay Attention To Your Front Door
Believe it or not, the appearance of your front door can add or take away from your home’s value. First and foremost, it must be clean, tidy and undamaged if you want to make an excellent first impression. Secondly, consider the colour of your door. You could go for class, crowd-pleasing black or versatile white. However, experts suggest a vibrant colour may help your home stand out; for instance, cheery yellow gives your home curb appeal, and deep blue evokes feelings of peace and serenity.
Reconsider Your Floor Plan
The difference you can make to your home by reconsidering your floor plan is astounding. Furniture placement and your home’s traffic flow may differ when new residents move in; however, a well-thought-out floor plan can demonstrate a home’s full potential. Consider moving your sofas away from the wall – although this may be counterintuitive, it may actually make your space feel larger. Additionally, ensure your walkways are clear and free from obstructions so your valuer and prospective buyers can easily move from one area to another. Here are some more furniture arrangement tips.
