Planning To Sell Your Home? 3 Ways You Can Increase Its Value

Selling a home can take time, but it can go faster if you make some changes. Making these changes can also increase the value of your home so you have more money to spend on your new home. Below are three of these changes so you can decide if they are right for you.

Add More Open Space

Walking into a home that has open space can make it appear larger than what it actually is. Having an open space lets natural light come in and will improve traffic patterns.

You could knock out a wall that is not structural. If you have an island in your kitchen but have a lot of cabinets for plenty of storage space, consider removing the island to open your kitchen up. If you live in an older home and have low ceilings, consider raising them.

If there is a wall that separates the kitchen from the dining room, remove that wall to open everything up.

Before you do anything, hire a structural engineer to make sure you can make the changes that you want to make safely. You also may need to consult an HVAC contractor to relocate vents and ducts.

Update Landscaping

The first thing potential buyers will see is the landscaping. Because of this, you should make it visually appealing. Trim trees and shrubs if needed. Add a small flower garden filled with colorful annuals. Place a pot or two of colorful, fragrant flowers on the front porch.

Brighten up your yard with solar path lights, which are inexpensive. They are also easy to install, as they have a pointed stake that you push into the ground. Place them anywhere in your yard that will highlight the best features of your home, such as custom fixtures, walking paths and landscaping.

Paint the front door and shutters to add some polish to your home and replace an old mailbox. If your house number is old or is not easily seen, paint the numbers or replace them.

Hire a landscaper if you need help with any of this.

Do Some Maintenance

You also have to think of maintenance that needs to be done around your home. Repair plumbing leaks, and make sure the attic has enough insulation. Repair or replace leaky windows and remove any weeds outside. Check the gutters and clean them out if needed. Touch up exterior paint, if needed.

Have your HVAC unit maintained if you have not had maintenance done to it lately. Get written confirmation of this maintenance so you can show it to the potential home buyers if they ask.

Ask your real estate agent to walk through the interior and exterior of your home. They can make suggestions on changes you should make.