Homeowners are always wondering if the money they put into a renovation project will be worth it in the long run – will it add value to their home when trying to sell? It is wise to take this into consideration because there are certain things you can do to your home that are well worth the investment and others that really don’t pencil out.
Our DBRE agents see this all the time when sitting down with clients at listing appointments – they love when they can deliver good news and tell the sellers that the new changes they made in their bathroom will pay for itself when they expertly price the home for sale.
So what are the renovation projects that make the most sense and aren’t going to cost you an arm and a leg?
- All that you have heard about the kitchen and the bathrooms in a home being a huge selling point, are true. Making even minor renovations to these two areas of your home can add value when it is time to sell. Updating the vanity, or painting your old kitchen cabinets are things that aren’t going to break the bank, but will make a big difference when it comes to the potential buyer’s first impressions.
- What costs a few hundred bucks and a weekend’s worth of sweat equity? New paint! Throwing on some new (ideally neutral) paint colors up on the walls is going to be a great bang for buck project.
- Updating the landscaping will not only boost your curb appeal, but it is also an affordable way to add value to your home. Here in the Valley, it is important to think about drought tolerant plants and always be sure to pick trees and plants that are native and will do well in our climate. Not sure what those are? Stop in to Luis’s Nursery in Visalia and they will be glad to help! Quick Pro-Tip: they can deliver if you have a car that won’t hold all of the goodies you buy 🙂
- Ask a pro! Any one of our agents could help you decide what makes sense for your renovations and can tell you about some comps in the neighborhood. You could also reach out to a local interior designer for some tips as well. We love everything Chrissy with Noun Interiors does. Even following her on Instagram will give you some great ideas.
Now that we have given you some foundational knowledge, we do want to leave you with something to keep in mind – if you are making renovations to your home and not intending to sell soon, then by all means do what it is that your heart desires! On the other hand, if you are making the upgrade with the intention of getting the home ready to sell, then pay attention to the items we listed above. With everything in life, there are two sides to this coin, but the main thing to keep in mind, when making a big (expensive) renovation is this: keep it simple and not overly personalized.
We don’t mean – make it look like every other home on HGTV – but it is important to think about what potential buyers are going to see when they walk in the door (now or 5+ years from now.) Are they going to see a blank canvas to work with? Or are they going to see a bunch of work they have to do to bring it back to a blank canvas? Are they going to see the black paint you picked for the guest bath as a 4 coat paint job they don’t want to deal with? Or will they be drawn to your “Agreeable Grey” paint and feel cozy and ready to make an offer?
If you are still scratching your head, wondering what renovations you should make or skip, then please feel free to reach out. We are a full service brokerage and have agents who are skilled experts in all things house related that would be happy to give you some advice and pointers. And of course we are always at the ready if you find that you are ready for someone else to enjoy the renovations you’ve made. Reach out to us today!