Adding Value

Which items will add value to your home and help with resale when the time comes to sell?

The answer is: “Only the ones that future buyers will also want and be willing to pay for.”

As a general rule, choosing the functional over the merely cosmetic and choosing neutral over unusual or exotic will pay at resale. Taste and current trends can also affect the value of an update. Unusual colors have a limited appeal.

Which updates will add the most value to your home?

  • Update your kitchen and/or bathrooms. Whether you need a minor or major remodel, updating the kitchen or bathrooms in your home will yield a high return on investment. Stay timeless with your updates, but also pay attention to trends. Confused about whether you need a minor or major remodel for the most value?  The answer varies based on what you start with--we're happy to discuss with you what makes sense.
  • Increase or change usable space. Add an extra bathroom, upgrade or expand your kitchen and/or master bedroom suite, add more closet space, or convert unused space to more functional space, like a spare bedroom to a home office or basement into the ultimate hangout space.  Resale should always be a consideration when undertaking a major change.
  • Lighten and brighten your rooms. Light has a positive effect. Paint rooms white or with a light color paint to neutralize your space. Add lighting, skylights, windows, or French doors.
  • Exterior Spaces. Exterior living rooms and entertaining spaces have become very popular and very functional. Consider an outdoor kitchen (for a larger scale exterior space) or something as simple as a fire pit that can be created in a weekend.   
  • Revamp the exterior. Updated landscaping will draw in buyers before they even walk through the door. Keep your shrubs, trees, and grass trimmed and tidy. Add a splash of color with vibrant plants or paint the front door an eye-catching color. Consider a focal point like a flagstone walkway or a water feature. 

Changes to your home should always be made with you in mind first--Resale second.  Call us before you begin a large project--we may be able to assist with material choices, contractors and give a realistic expectation of return on investment when it's time to move.