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Real estate agents coast to coast know the first three things that determine a home’s value are all location. But if you, like the vast majority of homeowners, are not blessed with a chic zip code, there are plenty of ways to increase the value of your home while keeping it right where it is.
Read on for eight ways to improve your home’s value, whether you’re putting it on the market or simply investing in your quality of life.
Start at the bottom
Your home’s flooring takes a lot of abuse and needs to be maintained regularly. Every kind of flooring material has best upkeep practices for looking and performing its best.
Familiarize yourself with the correct products and methods for refurbishing your flooring. Alternately, nothing changes a room like a change of flooring. Replacing carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring, for example, adds style, durability, and value to your home. Installing hardwood flooring will add tremendous value to your home and creates a wonderful first impression among guests and prospective buyers.
Since choosing a type of wood flooring can be overwhelming, we've put together this infographic to hopefully make the process a little easier.
Go green
Your home is not the only pretty house on the block or on the market. But what if it is the greenest? Money talks, and studies have shown that Energy Star and other green-rated homes command higher prices than their conventional counterparts.
Quick Tip
Even simple fixes like CFL lamps and high-efficiency appliances improve both the value of your home and the environment.
Let the sunshine in
Windows are unique because they affect both the beauty and performance of your home. Upgraded windows with high quality glass, hardware, and seals will keep your home’s energy costs low and its value high.
Update the 'reading room'
Bathrooms make excellent DIY remodeling projects because they are small and present little building challenge. New fixtures and a new tub are easy to come by and relatively inexpensive. Watch potential buyers melt over your modern—and above all, clean—bathroom.
A little off the top and sides
In addition to windows, your home’s roof and siding can add to (or detract from) its value, energy efficiency, comfort, and beauty. Roof renovations are a major undertaking, but nothing increases peace of mind for both safety and value like a new roof. In addition, always repair your siding before selling your home, and at least annually while you live there.
Keep up the kitchen
Nothing disappoints a potential buyer like ancient appliances and careless cabinetry. The kitchen is the engine and the soul of the home, and its appearance and performance must reflect its pedigree. Like in the bathroom, modern machinery and quality fixtures will pay for themselves in added home value.
Don't neglect the dirty work
Give your home, like your body, an annual checkup. Plumbing, electrical, structural, and insulation symptoms must be treated to maintain your home’s health for a long time. Fix any leaks, faulty switches, and ventilation issues and your home will be in prime condition and value.
Picture perfect
The first impression your home makes on potential buyers, neighbors, and appraisers comes from the outside. Curb appeal is serious business and has an enormous impact on your home’s value. Don’t just clean up the landscaping; your driveway, mailbox, fence, and other conspicuous outdoor elements deserve TLC too.
Before getting out the shovel, though, it's important that you're prepared for any issues that may arise during your outdoor project. One of our recent posts, 5 Landscaping Mistakes & How to Avoid Them, offers great tips for ensuring a smooth path to excellent curb appeal.
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