19 Steps to maximize the value of your home

It’s important to have a home inspector complete a routine inventory of your home. Inspections can reveal dangerous contaminants in your home, like black mold, and tell you in advance of potential problems that could cost you down the line. Proof of inspection also tells a potential buyer that you care about the upkeep of your home.

Small renovations will increase the value of your home. Even the smallest of investments can go a long way. Replacing counter knobs around the home, updating the washer and dryer, or installing a new dishwasher are all small-scale, efficient solutions that won’t cost you a fortune but will still result in a positive outcome.

A fresh layer of paint brings life into a home, helping rooms appear more updated and clean. Aim for neutral colors — like white, beige or gray — that can match any furniture or appliance color for new owners.

An outdated bathroom can prevent a property from reaching its highest value. And because they’re high-traffic areas, bathrooms often suffer the most damage. Upgrades to a bathroom can range from simple to complex, but each improvement adds value to your home. 

Because the kitchen is one of the first rooms that guests and potential buyers view, its appearance could easily make or break a home sale. Luckily, other than the bathroom, it’s a space that benefits the most from even the smallest upgrades. Keep the kitchen clean at all times.

Flooring matters when trying to sell your home. According to realtor.com, wood flooring is the best for resale value, with homeowners receiving between 70% and 80% return on their investment. If you have carpet in your home, consider stripping it in favor of hardwood flooring. It’s easier to clean in the case of spills and can be polished for a pristine look. Bonus: it gives potential buyers more decorating opportunities thanks to its neutral coloring.

The first thing a potential buyer sees when they visit a home is the outdoor landscaping. 

According to the 2018 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors, tree care is one of the top 10 projects that will add value to your home before resale and the No. 4 project that appeals to buyers. A trimmed tree poses less of a risk of damaging a home after a strong storm. It also improves your landscape aesthetic.

Adding new doors to your home is an inexpensive trick that can add more value. Doors are often overlooked for damage because they serve one purpose: to give us privacy. But they can chip, stick or even rot. 

Painting indoors is sure to help add more value to your home, but repainting outdoors will do the trick as well. Severe weather can chip away at your home and the original vibrancy your home exhibited when you first moved in can fade with the passage of time. 

Focus on fixing high-maintenance problems that a potential buyer might encounter after purchasing your home, like roof replacement. If your roof is in bad shape, have it replaced. Many deal fall apart or a price reduction is requested due to roof issues.

Consider inviting me to take a look at your place. I will help you make your home appear as appealing as possible, and my insight could help you decide what steps should be taken to decorate your home. 

A home that is poorly insulated is bad for business. Not only will it lead to expensive energy bills, but if a home is cold for too long, dampness and mold growth may occur. These poor living conditions can lead to illnesses, like a cold or the flu, and infections. Repairing drafty windows or remodeling the attic protects your family and future owners, and gives your home an added feature that will increase its value.

A well-lit room can transform a room into a more joyful, homely space. Bright rooms are inviting. Hire an electrician to brighten up your living room or dining room, or to add recessed lights to the bedroom.

If you’ve ever seen a ceiling that is bumpy with what appears to be little mound formations scattered across, you’ve seen a popcorn ceiling. Spray-on ceilings were popularized between the 1950s and 1980s because they made it easier for builders to conceal imperfections. But many of the products used contained asbestos, a fire-resistant chemical that, when inhaled, can cause mesothelioma. Not only are popcorn ceilings a thing of the past that will date your home, but they pose health risks as well. Popcorn ceilings are easy to replace and will give your home a much-needed upgrade.

Perhaps the easiest and most important thing to do to enhance the value of your home is to clean it like a pro. No one wants to tour a home that exhibits the signs of a messy homeowner. Cleaning takes a lot of work, but it’s inexpensive. Begin by decluttering your space. That means tossing and donating old possessions that have accumulated in closets, drawers and the garage.