Simple Renovations That Could Sell Your Home for Thousands More
Anyone itching to sell their home for a sizable profit in the Arizona Foothills market today needs to know what’s most important in the eyes of potential buyers searching for the house of their dreams – whether it’s the first place they will call home or a longed-for vacation spot.
To make a great first impression at showings, a variety of quick, yet affordable renovations can freshen up everything from the kitchen to the bedroom, to the bathroom, kitchen, dining room and back patio.
Renovation budgets may vary, and every neighborhood will yield varied results. But a common formula is that every $1 put into a house should yield an additional $1.50 increase at closing, at least.
Here are some ideas to consider…who knows, after you’re done renovating, you might just want to stay put!
Bedroom
For a cool breeze on those hot summer nights, replace an outdated ceiling fan in the primary bedroom with an energy-efficient, stylish one. It’s a major decor piece of the room, so choose a style – modern, farmhouse, traditional or coastal – that matches your house. Ceiling fans can also be a convenient source of light for the bedroom.
Another idea is to add ample shelving to the bedroom’s walk-in closet, maximizing the space and giving it added value.
Bathroom
Some homebuyers are willing to pay more for a house in today’s market if the bathroom has extra bonuses. Since walk-in showers have become standard nowadays, consider adding a second showerhead to make the space one that can be shared with someone special.
Or an easy, cost-effective way to make any bathroom look double the size is to add a large mirror. Another idea is adding new modern sink faucets and light fixtures to give the bathroom an instant update.
Kitchen
Sprucing up the kitchen doesn’t have to take a big bite out of your budget, says Camile Smith, managing editor at HGTV.com. Making several small changes can add up to big style.
One of the most budget-friendly fixes and easiest projects to tackle is painting the kitchen island a fresh, new color.
Another affordable idea is to create the look of trendy cement tile — without completely demoing the existing ceramic tile floor or kitchen backsplashes – using water-based floor paint and a stencil. She adds that “if you’re handy with a wrench, you can bid a maybe not-so-fond farewell to your old (kitchen) faucet and upgrade it for a new model.”
Dining Room
Installing a new light fixture or chandelier in the dining room can make a world of difference.
According to Kristina McGuirk from Better Homes and Gardens, a few hundred dollars and some electrical DIY can give the room a game-changing focal point. “Go for a traditional chandelier or choose several pendants for a more contemporary approach,” she says.
Back Patio
The back patio adds extra living space and can increase the home’s value if designed in an appealing manor. Adding an outdoor fire pit can help buyers visualize many future family gatherings together there. Or try adding a fountain or waterfall on the back patio to create an oh-so Zen space for the ultimate tranquility.
This story appeared in the AZ Foothills Home & Design, Best Places to Live issue. Read the full issue here.
