Affordable home renovations can significantly increase your home’s value and boost its asking price when you decide to sell. While some of the upgrades seem obvious in their ability to attract buyers, you may be surprised at some of the areas of a home that have the biggest return on investment (ROI). If you’re looking to upgrade to one of our new homes in Portland metro, but still have a home to sell, consider these top features to update.
You may be surprised to know that curb appeal has the biggest ROI when it comes to updates that result in higher listing prices. Yet when you think about it, first impressions matter, and improving curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to raise the asking price. Simple landscaping improvements such as planting flowers, trimming hedges, cleaning siding, and painting the front door can enhance your home’s exterior. Adding new house numbers and outdoor lighting can also modernize the look of your home and make it more inviting.
The next biggest feature that draws buyers is a renovated kitchen. Simple updates, such as replacing cabinet hardware, adding a new backsplash, and updating light fixtures, can breathe new life into the space. You can also consider repainting or staining cabinets, or changing counters if they’re showing wear and tear. These changes can create a major impact and boost your home’s value since kitchens are a focal point for buyers.
Similarly, renovating your bathroom can be affordable and appealing to buyers. Replacing outdated fixtures like faucets, mirrors, and lighting can make the bathroom feel more modern. You can also update the vanity or add fresh caulk around sinks and tubs to give the bathroom a cleaner, updated look without a full remodel. Bathrooms and kitchens are typically some of the most important areas of a home, and buyers appreciate a home where immediate work is not necessary.
If your driveway has seen better days, that’s one of the next big areas to focus your updates. Ultimately, buyers focus more on visual features and a cracked and stained driveway will be noticeable.
Key words relating to these changes should also be in your listing. New landscape, renovated kitchen, new driveway, etc. encourage buyers that your home is one to visit, because there are likely fewer changes necessary. While new HVAC systems, water heaters, and other big systems are important, it’s typically the visual updates that have the biggest impact on your listing price.
Talk with your real estate agent to discuss your best actions, and contact us to help you upgrade to one of our outstanding homes in Portland metro.