Momentum Realty Group
Carolyn Brown, Momentum Realty GroupPhone: (510) 882-3454
Email: [email protected]

Tips on Choosing the Best Home Improvement Projects Before Listing Your Home

by Carolyn Brown 03/29/2020


 Photo by bidvine via Pixabay

Some home projects and improvements can't wait - a leaking hot water heater or a water damaged floor need to be replaced right away. Other, planned renovations and upgrades are optional. Consider not only your current needs, but the potential impact of any large planned upgrade on your home's value before you proceed. If you are upgrading your home to sell it soon, the improvements you make should add value to your home and be recouped when you are ready to sell. 

4 Home Improvements that Add the Most Value to your Home (and 3 That Don't)

Some upgrades enhance the overall value of your home, while others allow you to improve the look of your home, and recover the majority of your costs when you sell. According to Bankrate.com, the best places to invest your upgrade dollars include: 

A new garage door: It may not be fancy or a feature you notice, but replacing a sagging, out of date or ailing garage door with a newer, more secure model is a money savvy upgrade. The average garage upgrade costs about $3,600 -- and adds about $3,500 to the selling price of the home, making this a renovation that (almost) pays for itself. 

Kitchen Update: Bringing a dated or worn kitchen up to current day standards -- a makeover that usually costs about $22,000 for the average home -- can improve the selling price of your home by thousands of dollars. The average kitchen update boosts the value of a home by up to $18,000.

Enhance your yard with a deck: According to the Balance, adding a deck in your backyard expands your living space and allows you to add value to your home. The average cost of a wood deck is $10,000 -- and that deck adds an average of $9000 to your home's value, making it easy to add space without a huge investment. 

Replace siding: The curb appeal of your home has a significant impact on your ability to sell it and on the price you receive. According to the Balance, replacing aging siding with a similar quality new version allows you to recover about 75% of your investment. It will also make your home more appealing to buyers. 

Projects that Don't Add Value to your Home

You should not take on these projects if you truly want to enjoy the results for a while, as they won't have much of an impact on the selling price or value of your home. Some, like swimming pools, can even scare away buyers that would otherwise be interested in your property. According to the Balance, the worst home upgrades include swimming pools of all types, interior painting (because buyers may prefer different colors) and whole roof replacement (except in emergencies).  

 

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Brown

Hi, I'm Carolyn Brown and I have over 20+ years of real estate experience, serving Bay Area Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Central Valley. I have a Master's Degree in Psychology and I work part-time for West Contra Costa Unified School District. This has afforded me the opportunity to connect with families and communities.  

I have always been a giver and compassionate about serving and helping others. A real estate career was never my goal but the passion I have to help others changed that and I would love to help you! Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.  

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Also, I am an author. My book, "S.O.U.L Inspiration 4 Life Daily Word" is guaranteed to inspire you and encourage your soul. Giving up isn't an option, and if you desire to become a homeowner, then contact me and I'll show you how. Never let what you see, hinder what you believe. My wonderful book is available online at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Xulon.com. Let me know if you have any questions. Let's build a legacy together.  

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