12 Ways to Increase Home Value Before Selling

In California, 49 of 51 counties recorded an increase in home sales, with 48 of them exceeding 10%.

Historic levels of housing demand continue while the number of homes sold is near historic lows. This means that the housing market in California is a seller’s market. If you want to sell your home, there are steps you can take to increase home value.

Here are 12 ways you can maximize the value of your home before selling it.

1. Replace Windows

Replacing windows is always a good idea before you sell a home. A large percentage of a home’s front is windows. The more modern and sleek these look, the more value people associate with them.

There are other reasons, too, like energy efficiency. Modern windows are built to preserve the climate inside a home. They allow in less heat and sunlight, which in turn keeps energy bills low.

In addition to energy savings, replacing windows can benefit a home’s structure. A professional installation involves removing and replacing any damaged or warped window sills. This will help protect the home from water damage and draft as it ages.

2. The Entryway

One of the first things people notice about a home is the entryway. When they enter a house for the first time, people notice details about it. What kind of exterior door there is, how it looks, etc.

Changes to the entryway can make a home seem a lot more attractive and cozy. One great way to do this is to modernize the exterior fixtures. New or decorative light fixtures help increase the security and appeal of a home entryway.

This is an attractive way of increasing home value. As far as home improvements go, improving the entryway is cheap. It doesn’t require hiring contractors or any special knowledge.

3. The Kitchen

Kitchens are among the most popular areas for home renovations. The reason why they are so popular is that people spend a lot of time in their kitchens. It is also one of the rooms which offers the highest return on investment.

Anything you can do to improve the look and function of the kitchen will increase home value. Space is a prized aspect of kitchens, with many people disliking small kitchens. Open up the kitchen space you have available, and you’ll see an immediate increase in value.

There are also other things that can get done, such as adding a backsplash. Improvements should focus on making the kitchen look better. Anything that also makes it more functional and easier to clean is welcome too.

4. The Appliances

Homeowners often keep appliances around for years at a time. This can be because they like how they work or they have some sentimental attachment. A new home buyer will not have any of that. They will want modern appliances.

Replacing the older appliances in your house is a great way to increase value. Focus on appliances that won’t be leaving or may be difficult to take with you. Even a cheap washer and dryer, if new, will help to make the home more attractive.

Prospective buyers are often looking for homes ready to move into. Leaving behind a few appliances can help make their lives easier. This will result in more interest and increased value for you.

5. The Bathroom

Bathrooms are the second most popular room to remodel in a home. This is because they offer a great return on investment. People want to have a nice-looking bathroom that they can be comfortable using.

Countertops and fixtures are where most renovations focus on the bathroom. Another popular change is to add a new or unique shower or bath. This can be a major selling point for many home buyers.

One consideration when renovating a bathroom is cost. You can spend too much on a bathroom renovation before you realize it. Make sure to control the costs and speak with the contractor, so they know how much you are willing to spend.

6. Open Up Space

Open floor plans have never been more popular than they are today. People want to feel like they can stretch out in their homes. Having a home that feels spacious can help offset any issues with square footage.

One of the most common things to hear is that a home looks bigger on the inside. This is due to the way the rooms and floorplan are laid out. Creating this illusion can help drive up the value of your home.

A common feature of older homes is a large number of small rooms. This is the way Victorian houses are set up. Modern sensibilities reject this and want to have large, shared spaces for family time and relaxation.

7. The Flooring

Every year hardwood flooring becomes more popular, while carpet becomes less popular. There are also options when it comes to vinyl flooring. Whatever you can do to make the floor appear more like hardwood will help the house sell.

Having true hardwood floors will increase the value of the home. Check under the carpet, and see if there’s hardwood down there. In the mid-20th century, a lot of hardwood floors were covered over by carpet.

If you have hardwood floors, make sure to take care of them. Proper care and maintenance of hardwood can improve the look. This will, in turn, make people more excited about the flooring and add dollars to your bottom line.

8. Lighting Matters

No one wants to live in a dark home. It isn’t just the lights that matter, but the light fixtures that you use. Lights can say a lot about a house and the people who live there.

There are also some practical considerations to be made. LED lights, for instance, provide high-quality light while also lasting a long time. They are more energy efficient and save money in the long term.

The decor of the home and the light fixtures need to match. If a light fixture doesn’t fit, it can become an eyesore.

9. Landscaping

When it comes to the outside of the house, it is always what a prospective buyer sees first. Having great curb appeal is one way to justify a premium price. People want to live in a home that has a nice yard.

Landscaping doesn’t give as good of a return on investment as other renovations. Remember that when you are planning what to do with the outside. Anywhere you can make improvements without expending much capital will be to your advantage.

10. The Roof

One area that will see a solid return is the roof of your home. Using energy-efficient, long-lasting shingles will help make the home more attractive to buyers. For a lot of people, this is a long-term consideration, as it is expensive to put a new roof on.

Replacing the roof will increase the home value by almost $20,000. If your roof is showing any damage and you think you will sell your home in the future, replace it.

11. Modernize the Inside

The inside of your home is important to people who are looking to buy. They want to have modern conveniences. One of the best ways you can fulfill this wish and increase the home value is to modernize with Smart technology.

There are various detectors you can look into, as well as thermostats. Locks and other crucial safety features can also get modernized. This can impress younger buyers, who may be willing to spend more on the home.

12. Renewable Energy

Never before have people been so focused on having renewable and green energy. Having a solar system installed will increase home value. In California, this can be easier because of various regulations.

This will also give peace of mind to prospective buyers as the laws continue to change. It won’t be long before having solar power options becomes mandated.

It is also important to focus on green technologies. These can help make a home more energy efficient and appeal to the ethics of a buyer. A lot of people want to be able to say that their home is safe and green.

Get Money Now

If you’re wanting to sell your home, one of the best-selling tips you can get is to look for a cash offer. You may have heard of this option before but have questions. The process is fast, simple, and will put money in your pocket.

Increase Home Value

The goal of selling a home is to get more out of it than you put in. In this case, taking these steps will help you maximize the return on your investment. Failing to increase home value and sell quickly can result in a loss.

If you want to get a good price and sell fast, you’re in luck. We purchase homes for cash in Long Beach, CA. You won’t need to invest thousands or more to increase home value.