When I visit sellers who are ready to list their homes, I always ask about improvements or upgrades they've made. Sometimes they're surprised when the projects they are most excited to tell me about aren't the ones I want to highlight in the listing.
The reason is simple: Not all home improvements are equal in the eyes of a potential buyer.
Maybe you converted your basement to a living space and it's become your family's favorite hangout. That's great! It adds value, and we'll make sure everyone sees it. But you also renovated your kitchen? Well, I want to make sure potential buyers know that right off the bat.
The National Association of Realtors asked its members to rank home-remodeling projects in terms of buyer appeal, and there is good news: The projects that are most popular with buyers also add the most value to your home. So if you're looking for a win-win home-improvement idea, try one of these:
Kitchen upgrades and renovations
A well-planned, gleaming new kitchen can close a deal with a potential buyer. Even without a complete renovation, refinishing or replacing surfaces will go a long way to freshen up the heart of the home. Extra storage or technology upgrades — for example, home-automation or Earth-friendly elements — are also popular with buyers. (Check out this HGTV gallery of top kitchen trends for inspiration.)
Bathroom renovation or adding a bathroom
Updated bathroom fixtures, especially when they offer something extra like water-saving technology or a luxury feature, will be a plus for buyers. Adding a bathroom — especially if it's a second or third — can attract buyers who wouldn't otherwise have looked at your home. (Better Homes and Gardens has collected these ideas for bathroom makeovers.)
New wood flooring and refinishing hardwoods
Wood floors take such a beating, especially with kids and pets around. Refinishing or replacing them can have a great impact, but it's a big undertaking. Buyers will be pleased with the result and even happier that they don't have to do it.
New master suite
A well-appointed, relaxing master suite is so inviting to buyers. My one caution: Often homeowners decided to combine two bedrooms to create a master suite. If that's going to leave you with fewer than three bedrooms total, you could wind up excluding some potential buyers. (I love this list of master-suite feature ideas from HouseLogic.)
HVAC replacement
The last thing a new homeowner wants to deal with is a failing HVAC system in the dead of winter or heat of summer. Knowing that you've already made improvements will give them peace of mind.
Having an idea of what gets buyers' attention can help you prioritize and make the most of your home-improvement budget. And if you're thinking about making some upgrades before selling, I'd be glad to talk to you about which ones will pique buyer interest and get you the most value back when you're ready to sell.
Call me at (540) 353-0123 or email me at sonya@sonyadickinson.com. Browse my listings here and be sure to like my Facebook page.
