Inexpensive Ways To Increase Your Homes Worth
(If you’re short on cash and looking to sell your home in this cooling market, then the odds could be against you. )
With the amount of homes for-sale on the market right now, a few extra finishing touches could be the thing that sets your home apart from others.
But if you’re strapped for cash, every little expense could hurt you. But it seems like today’s your lucky day since Bankrate.com has compiled a list of ways you can up the value of your house using little cash.
The article posted on msn.com on September 14, 2006 by Teri Cettina of Bankrate.com, “10 cheap fixes to boost your home’s value,” gives some helpful suggestions for those looking to improve their home the money savvy way.
“Looking for ways to spruce up your home without putting yourself in the poorhouse? Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or want to spiff it up inexpensively for your own enjoyment, we've got 10 good strategies for you to consider. The actual cost and payback for each project can vary, depending on both your home's condition and overall real estate market values in your region of the country.”
Kitchen and bathroom remodels and renovations are the two projects that give you the most return for your money when you go to sell the home. There are a variety of things you can do to increase your home’s worth starting in the kitchen.
“For a few hundred dollars, you can replace the kitchen faucet set, add new cabinet door handles and update old lighting fixtures with brighter, more energy-efficient ones.”
Another way to spruce up your kitchen is to get all of your appliances to match. You do not even have to replace your appliances, just the doors or face panels, so they are all one color. A more cohesive looking kitchen not only looks better to you, but to the person who is contemplating buying your home as well.
Don’t forget about your bathroom either.
“Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. They, too, can be improved without a lot of cash. ‘Even simple things like a new toilet seat and a pedestal sink are pretty easy for homeowners to install, and they make a big difference in the look of the bath,’ says Moran.”
One thing that many people forget about, or think is too expensive is the flooring, which can make a very big difference.
“Carpeting is another detail that can quickly update a home and make it look cleaner. A professional carpet cleaning is an inexpensive investment, especially if your rugs are in good shape and are neutral colors. If your carpet is showing serious wear, cover it with inexpensive, strategically placed area rugs. Unless it is truly hideous, most Realtors don't suggest replacing wall-to-wall carpeting right before you sell your house. The new homeowners may want to choose their own carpeting after they move in.”
After you have thought about the various projects you can do for the inside, don’t forget about the outside.
“Do you have a flimsy little knob on your main entry door? If so, spring for a substantial-looking handle-and-lock set. ‘A nice, big piece of hardware on the front door signals to newcomers that this is a solid home,’ says Viessi. Also, if you're stuck with a basic steel front door, Persley suggests painting or faux-finishing it for more eye appeal. ‘It's becoming a trend in Florida to add wood-grain doors to a home's entry or garage. The good news, though, is that you can easily paint existing metal doors with stain and paint,’ she says.”
All of these things could be the special touch that will make your home sell quicker than ever!
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