Wednesday, May 16, 2012

5 Strategies for Adding Value to Your Property


Whether you are looking to sell your home as soon as possible or want to ensure you get the most bang for your buck once you do decide to sell, increasing the value of your home doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many things you can do without breaking the bank.
Here are some strategies that can help you add value to your Myrtle Beach property without breaking the bank:

1. Maximize Curb Appeal

A property that delivers a great first impression can positively change the way a potential buyer will approach the rest of the home. Great curb appeal also has the potential to add as much as 5 to 10% to the value. Aged siding, stained driveways and walkways, and unattractive or unkept front yards all detract from the overall experience and ultimate value of a home. Be sure to focus on the following areas:Curb appeal
  • Landscape. Trim and manicure the lawn and spruce up your landscape with plants and other greenery.
  • Siding and wall exterior. Old siding and cracked bricks can cause a home to appear tired and distressed, which will lower the property value.
  • Repair and repaint. Consider repainting your front door and repair any small cracks, rusted railings or other areas that may have been neglected over time. A new paint job can turn an older home into a fresh newer-looking one and greatly increase the curb appeal.
  • Don’t forget the Mailbox. If your mailbox is rusty and dusty, use some extra house trim paint to give it a lift.

2. Paint and Touch Up

Painting is one of the least expensive ways to add value to your home. Marks and scratches can easily be covered up and removed from the walls completely with just a little touching up. In most cases, a fresh coat of paint will reenergize your home and go a long way towards impressing potential buyers.
If you are painting an entire room or multiple rooms, consider researching the do’s and dont’s of choosing a paint color. The right color will complement an entire room, but just remember to stay away from colors that are too bright if you selling any time soon.

3. Update Your Kitchen

To most families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. An outdated kitchen with old appliances, aged countertops, and a general tired feel will hurt your home’s value. There are some things you can do to give an updated look and feel to this important space, without having to spend large amounts of money. Here are some things you can do to spruce up the kitchen:
  • Add color with a fresh coat of paint.
  • Install molding for some architectural interest.
  • Update old or out-of-style lighting. A bright and modern fixture gives an instant facelift.
  • Replace the faucet and sink.
  • Replace the cupboard and drawer pulls.
Ideally you might consider new countertops, but they can get pricey, depending on the materials used. Granite is always popular with buyers, but you may consider granite tile instead, for an updated and modern look but at a more affordable price.
Update bathrooms

4. Update the Bathroom

Bathrooms are equally important to prospective buyers if you are planning to sell. New fixtures and lighting also add a great deal of value in this space. Adding a fresh coat of paint and a new shower curtain are other ideas to making this room look fresh and clean.

5. Install New Windows

While they can be a bit more expensive than repainting your walls or updating your kitchen, installing new windows not only contributes to reducing energy costs but also demonstrates to new buyers that the current homeowner has kept up with the necessary updates and repairs of the home. Updating your windows can have significant, positive effects on your energy bills, but they also provide your home with a stylish update that is attractive to potential buyers. If possible, you may also want to consider adding shades or blinds, which can add value as well as increase the overall appeal to buyers.
Whether you are selling or staying for awhile, even inexpensive updates can make a big impact to the value of your home.

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