Raise the Value of Your Home With These Easy Steps

Owning a house is an important responsibility that not everyone is willing to embrace. However, for those of you who have already taken the plunge, the “fun” doesn’t stop there. It is important to keep the investment growing while building up equity, just in case you decide to have a quick house sale in the future. Luckily, there are many ways to go about this.

Here are a few of the most efficient home strategies that will most likely pay some nice dividends when the big day to list your house arrives.

Install a Home Alarm System

Installing a home security alarm system is one of the most important ways of increasing the value of your home. Having a good, reliable alarm system installed by professionals is a powerful magnet for prospective home buyers. Why? For starters, such a system can slow down the decrease in value of any home, in spite of the effect of uncontrollable factors like inflation or bubble bursts. Secondly, home security will never go out of style in a few years. There are plenty of upgrades and wireless alternatives with sensor-operated cameras and security lights to keep up with any changes in home design trends. Thirdly and most importantly, these systems add additional layers of protection to any home and give owners more peace of mind knowing their prized possessions are well guarded. Adding surveillance cameras, smart locks, video doorbells, and other similar security gadgets and systems are additional home upgrades that prospective buyers will much appreciate.

At the moment, only 16.2% of Americans have professionally installed and monitored security systems in place.

Upgrade Old Finishes and Appliances

Contrary to what you might think, even a relatively small and superficial change could have a strong impact on a potential buyer. You do not need to worry about spending thousands on massive renovations. Even a fresh coat of paint can increase the listing price of your home by up to 5%. The same effects can be achieved by changing the old front door, a cracked window, or old light fixtures.

If you do not already own energy-efficient features and appliances in your home, it’s time for an upgrade. You will not only considerably cut your monthly utility bills, but you will also make your home more appealing to future buyers. Most people are interested in investing in homes that have energy-efficient features so they can keep their costs as low as possible as future homeowners.

If you are looking for even more cost-cutting solutions, talk to your local utility company and ask them to do a free energy audit on your home. They will tell you exactly what to do to maximize your home’s energy efficiency. These changes are excellent marketable assets that will serve you in the long run, so they are worth making even if you do not plan on selling any time soon.

Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal

It doesn’t need to be expensive to improve your home’s curb appeal. While some basic landscaping solutions like planting a tree are large expenditures,  some low-maintenance jobs won’t cost more than $100 to $200. Their impact on home appraisers and potential buyers can be significant despite the low cost.

Plant or buy some plants that are commonly found in your area or opt for plants that tolerate droughts. They require little maintenance and small amounts of water, thus saving you money while making an excellent first impression. Put emphasis on fresh mulch as well and look for inspiration in specialized home design or gardening magazines.

Declutter Your Home Before Listing It

If you are getting ready to sell or get an appraisal on your property, start by doing some deep cleaning and decluttering. Dust in hard-to-access places, mop all the floors, wash all the baseboards, and get rid of the excess clutter. If needed, hire a professional cleaning service to help you or rent a temporary storage space to deposit some of your boxes during the appraisal and house viewing.

Finally, upgrading your kitchen and bathroom through easy DIY remodeling will also give your home value a nice boost without causing too much hassle. Keep these budget-friendly tips in mind next time you are getting ready to pocket a profit and beef up the sales price and thank yourself later.