Homeowners all over the country end up selling their homes for whatever reason, but despite what each individual’s reason may be, all want to get the most value out of selling their homes. Many things can be done to increase property value, but here are three things you should do if you live in New Jersey.
1. Focus on Repairs
While this should be a part of regular home maintenance when you’re not trying to sell your home, homes that do not need repairs automatically have a higher value than those that require repairs. When you think about it, fixer-uppers are almost always sold well below their original price. With that being said, here’s a look at some of the home repairs that you should focus on.
Fix the Foundation
The foundation not only holds the house above the ground, but it also insulates your home, keeps moisture out, and resists the moving earth below. Some of the most common signs of a foundation problem include cracks in the floors, bouncing floors, doors out of square, window frame separations, and rotten wood. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, you should look into getting your foundation repaired.
Plumbing, Electricity, and Ventilation
Plumbing structures, electrical systems, and ventilation units are all important parts of a home. Make sure all of these fixtures are updated and working properly before you sell your home.
Roof Repairs
Everything in your home should be working properly from the bottom to the top, and the roof sits at the very top of your home. It protects your home from wind, snow, rain, and other outdoor elements. Roof issues can lead to these elements making their way into your home, causing even more damage. You may need to replace or repair your roof if there’s water damage in the attic, buckling shingles, or a mold/fungi infestation.
2. Interior Aesthetics
The majority of people focus on the interior of their home when selling, and with good reason. The interior space is the most important space in a home, so you’ll want to update certain parts of your home. To get the most out of your investment in home improvement, stick to minor renovations.
Bathroom Renovation
The bathroom is one of the most important rooms in a house, so this is definitely one of the rooms you’ll want to renovate. Consider replacing your bathtub/shower with a walk-in version, and you should also update your vanity or at least its hardware.
Flooring Upgrades
If you have carpet in your home, you should consider upgrading to some type of harder material for your floors. Hardwood floors will boost your property value more than other types of flooring, but they’re also one of the more expensive types. Some other types of flooring include vinyl, tile, laminate, cork, and bamboo.
Kitchen Renovation
One of the best upgrades you can make in your kitchen is granite countertops. If you have enough room, consider getting an island installed to add more countertop space— which also increases property value.
3. Curb Appeal
As important as the interior is, don’t neglect the exterior of your home. The outside of your home is the first thing that’s seen by others, so you’ll want to make a good impression on potential home buyers.
Backyard
The kitchen is usually considered the most important room in a home because it’s a gathering place. So what if you added another gathering place— but outdoors? Adding a deck or patio is a great way to create an outdoor gathering place. Add an awning to your deck or a timber-framed pavilion to your patio to add shade on a hot day.
Garage Door and Siding
Roof repairs may seem obvious, but you may also need to check the siding of your home (if it has siding) and your garage door (if you have one). Siding should be replaced every 20 to 40 years, while garage doors should be replaced every 30 years. You can also replace things like your front door and your window shutters if necessary.
Lawn
Finally, make sure that you’re taking care of your lawn. Cutting and watering your grass regularly and fixing any major lawn problems that may come up is a good way to maintain your lawn. You can also improve your landscape by planting trees and shrubbery.
Even if you’re not planning to sell your home soon, it’s still important to keep up regular maintenance on all parts of your home. That way if you ever do need or want to sell your home, you’ll get a bigger return on your investment.
