Most San Diego homes could use a few updates before going on the market. But you want to make sure you’re investing in the right home improvement projects. In my experience, these are some of the best updates you can make to your home to maximize your ROI:
Necessary Updates: Before getting into more cosmetic and trendy choices, you should make sure your house is in good condition. If the roof needs repairs or the windows need replacing, you should take care of those things before remodeling the kitchen or bathrooms. These updates may not be glamorous, but most buyers want to purchase a home that isn’t going to need immediate maintenance.
Curb Appeal and Landscaping: First impressions are lasting. Paint or replace the front door, get new house numbers, install outdoor lighting, and plant some colorful flowers to help your home make a great first impression on potential buyers!
Interior Paint: Painting the interior of your home is one of the cheapest and easiest updates you can make. Choosing a trendy color like white or grey and applying it to the walls, ceiling, trim, baseboards, railings, and cabinetry can dramatically makeover your home!
Flooring: You might not need to necessarily replace your home’s flooring, but it could probably use some TLC!
-If you have carpets, replacing them is your best bet. Carpet is made to last anywhere from 5-15 years, but most homebuyers will look skeptically at any stains. If replacing carpet is not in your budget, then hire a professional cleaning service.
-If you have hardwood floors, consider having them refinished before putting your home on the market. This will take care of any scratches or gouges in the wood.
-If you have laminate wood floors that appear worn out or scratched, you should replace the flooring. Laminate wood floors cannot be repaired or refinished like hardwood floors.
-If you have tile floors, hire a professional to repair any cracked or broken tiles.
Exterior Paint: If the paint is cracking and peeling, you should definitely consider repainting your home – it will give buyers the impression the home has been well cared for. If the paint is in good condition, you may be able to get away with just power washing the exterior.
Minor Kitchen Remodel: Updating your kitchen doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. In fact, minor kitchen remodels tend to offer better returns that major remodeling jobs! In a minor kitchen remodel, cabinets are usually replaced, repainted, or refinished. Old hardware and appliances are swapped out for new ones. New countertops may be installed. But in contrast to a major remodeling job, no structural changes will be made and the layout of the kitchen will remain the same.
Garage Door Replacement: Replacing your home’s garage door might not seem like a big deal, but it is one update that consistently tends to yield a great return on your investment at the time of resale!
Every home’s remodeling needs are different. If you’re not sure what investments will offer the best ROI, give me a call! I’d be happy to discuss how the House 2 Home program can get your home ready for market!