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February
19
19
Selling Your Home? These Upgrades Are Worth The Investment
If you're thinking about selling your home, making a few upgrades could help the sale and boost your profits. Any changes you make should increase your home's value, but our real estate agents know that some will give you a larger return on your investment. Take a look at 5 upgrades that will add style and increase value.
- Landscaping: Average Resale Return 100%
Landscaping is the first thing buyers looking for South Bend homes for sale see when they view your home, so it makes a big first impression. If your front yard has weeds, dead patches of grass, or untrimmed trees and hedges, buyers may quickly lose interest. Cleaning up your yard, planting new sod, adding colorful plants and flowers, and creating a charming walkway with lights will be an eye-catching plus. It's not a major expense, and you can find almost everything you need at a local garden center, nursery, or home improvement center in your area. - Exterior Paint and Siding: Average Resale Return 95.5%
If your home needs new paint or siding, the investment will be worthwhile before you decide to sell. Both repairs provide dramatic results with little investment. A gallon of paint costs about $30-$40, and 1200 feet of vinyl siding cost about $7,200. Faded paint and damaged siding are a turn-off to most buyers because they represent poor upkeep on the house, and they don't know the costs of repairs. Investing in these repairs is not expensive, but it can make the difference between an offer and a buyer who walks away. - Minor Kitchen Remodel: Average Resale Return 98.5%
If your kitchen needs a cosmetic update without floor plan changes, the average cost is around $15,000. This covers 30 feet of re-facing for drawers and cabinets, a new sink and fixtures, laminate countertops, a new cooktop and wall oven, and resilient flooring. If your home is worth $500,000 or more, consider stone, tile, or trendy glass countertops. You may also want to brighten up the kitchen with recessed ceiling lights, and pendants over eating areas. Note: a major kitchen remodel will cost about $43,000, but only has a resale return of 91%. - Minor Bathroom Remodel: Average Resale Return 102%
A minor bathroom remodel can quickly increase visual appeal and comfort. For about $10,500, you can replace the tub, tile surround, toilet, sink, vanity, fixtures, and flooring. At resale, you can expect to recoup an average of $10,700 for your efforts. If your tub is old and looking a little worn, consider re-glazing it for $300-$400, rather than buying a new one. If you have a shower, clean and sanitize the interior and the doors to remove film and mold. Last but not least, remove old, dated wallpaper and replace it with an upscale pattern or a fresh coat of paint, and add new brighter lighting. - Deck or Patio: Average Resale Return 90.3%
Home buyers view decks and patios as big assets because they provide a seamless transition from inside to outside for gathering and entertaining. Adding a 16'x20' deck or patio to your backyard will cost you about $11,000, but you will recoup about $10,00 when you sell. Consider a pressure-treated wood deck or a slip-resistant outdoor patio paver that's easy to clean and maintain. For year-round use, add a retractable canopy to shield from sun, rain, and snow, and outdoor lighting for grilling and entertaining at night.
If you're considering selling or buying a home in South Bend, contact us so we can help you through the process and get you settled in a new home that's perfect for your family's lifestyle.
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