There is lots of advice available for navigating the market as a first time buyer, but what about as a first time seller? You can increase the value of your home by thousands of dollars, just by making a few home improvements.

Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement

The most popular home renovations that buyers seek involve the kitchen, bathrooms and oftentimes a beautiful basement as an extra deciding factor. Kitchens come out on top, despite being one of the most labour-intensive and costly renovation projects in a house. Some of the most common features to upgrade when selling your home include kitchen cabinets, countertops and the installation of appliances such as a dishwasher. This is usually the main attraction that catches your eye as soon as you walk into a home.

Renovated bathrooms are also sought after by buyers. An older home can feel refreshed and be more appealing when the bathroom features are updated to give it a new style and quality feel. That’s why home buyers are often looking for homes with bathroom renovations involving countertops, bathtubs and basins that are ready to go. These buyers are often pressed for time (and energy) and don’t want to fix these features on their own.

Lastly, don’t forget the basement. Although many homeowners work on DIY basement projects, others would rather have them move in ready. That includes new basement entrances, acoustic ceilings and stucco fixtures. If you’re selling your home and plan to remodel, speak to a real estate agent about whether one of these three room renos makes sense for your property.

Flooring

Flooring can be a dealbreaker for some prospective homeowners, so it’s important to consider this when selling your home. Flooring is a big job, and not everyone is cut out for it or able to make it a DIY project. If you’re able to remodel and upgrade your home’s flooring, it could be a factor in receiving more offers.

Deciding what to do with the floors can present a challenge, and you’ll want to speak with your real estate agent to help you determine the best way to do it. Common flooring renovations include ceramic tile, hardwood finishes and durable carpets.

Outdoor and Landscaping

Popular television networks such as HGTV have put outdoor and landscaping renovations on the map. With so many Ontarians still working remotely due to the pandemic, having an attractive outdoor space is paramount because of the amount of time people spend at home.

Homebuyers have learned to appreciate their backyards more now than ever, so it makes sense to add some outdoor features if you’re selling your home soon. The options are numerous – retaining walls, concrete pools, closed in cedar fences – there’s plenty to choose from.

Porch and Driveway

In addition to backyards, “dressing up” the front of the house is one of the most overlooked yet valuable home selling tips. Remember, the front of a house can serve as its first and last impression. Renovating certain elements of the porch (if there is one) and the driveway can add some value to your home. Some of the more common front-focused upgrades include porch steps, re-paved driveways and stoned walkways.

Curb Appeal

The porch and driveway aren’t the only “frontal” features of a home you can remodel. Some other renovations to consider include fencing, repainted house panels and even basic lawn care. These are small-ticket items, but they can definitely increase the appearance and appeal of your home.

Deciding Which Renovations to Invest In

Taking the time to properly prepare and stage your home will raise the value of your home.

The key, of course, is to speak with an Ontario real estate agent when selling your home. Based on your location, type of house and sales goals, they can give you insights into which modifications will work best for you.

Five Fixes to Maximize Property Value Before Selling Your Home by zoocasa