6 Inexpensive Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

 6 Inexpensive Ways to
Increase Your Home's Value

1. De-clutter

Spring clean and purge! Have that garage sale that you've been putting off. Donate what doesn't sell (or skip the garage sale all together, and just take the tax write-off). Organize what you need to keep in tidy totes and baskets. Don't let any mess distract from the integrity and potential of the home itself.

 

2. Deep Clean

Potential buyers can have very discriminating eyes. Many tend to zero in on the dingy baseboards and cobwebs, whereas you walk by that rarely-used utility room so much that you just stopped noticing those things anymore! [We're all guilty here, don't feel bad!] Take a good look from top to bottom, and give walls and floors a good scrub. I'm a fan of TSP for walls (wear gloves) and Murphy's Oil Soap for hardwood floors. It may even be worth the investment to get your carpets cleaned.

 

Added bonus of all that elbow grease: the place will sparkle and smell great!

 

3. Give walls a facelift

New paint looks clean, finished, and gives your home that "new smell."

Choose neutral colors.

Start with your daughter's bright purple bedroom ;)

 

4. Go for the jugular--the kitchen

Kitchens often make or break buyers opinion of a house. There isn't necessarily a need to make expensive upgrades, but a little extra-attention could seal the deal on getting an offer.

• Cover the basics: make sure that tips #1, #2, and #3 are taken care of in the kitchen
• Update hardware: Take a walk through a home improvement store and you will find a variety of options at every price-point. You'll be amazed at how much you can change the look of your kitchen with something so simple.
• Consider painting cabinets: Give your cabinets a facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Even if you stick to the same color, or choose something new and neutral, your cabinets will look new again and give your kitchen a finished look.

5. Kick up the curb-appeal

A weekend of low-cost, little projects can add up to big returns.

• Yard work: fertilize and mow the lawn, weed, and lay down new bark dust. Bonus points for adding some potted plants or hanging baskets to your front porch!
• First impressions: Consider pressure washing your driveway, walkway, and sidewalk (This can make for a dramatic change in a wet climate like Oregon--you won't believe how white that cement can look once all the moss and mildew are gone!)
• Address the address: Could your house numbers use a little sprucing up? Removing them for a quick coat of spray paint (I love Rustoleum) and re-attaching can make all the difference. While you're at it, give your mailbox a new coat of paint if it is in a prominent area. Not the DIY type? Updated house numbers and mailboxes are available for just about any budget.

6. Get a home inspection
Did I surprise you with this one? Having a home inspection really sets your home apart to potential buyers.

• Even though this is the most expensive of my tips (most inspections are $300-$500), it could really give you a leg up on a quicker sale and closing.
• Having the inspection now will give you a heads up on what you can easily address today, and help eliminate surprises during negotiations.
• Potential byers can confidently bid on your house, which could shorten it's time on the market
• Potential buyers are also more likely to make an offer that doesn't have contingencies, which could expedite your closing date

Mortgage First has no affiliation or sponsorship from any products listed in this post.