Curb Appeal.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure your landscaping is attractive and welcoming. Keep the lawn mowed. Plant some annuals for color to draw the eye to the front door. Paint the front door. Check your mailbox to make sure it is in good condition and replace if needed. Also, consider replacing your garage doors if needed.
Kitchen remodel.
Painting the kitchen cabinets to a fresh, modern look of white or light grey can dramatically change the look of the kitchen. Adding a stylish faucet will also help change the look for a very low cost. Replacing old countertops with granite or quartz could be a good investment as well depending on the price level of your home. Newly painted cabinets and new countertops will often look like a brand new kitchen.
Minor Bathroom Remodel.
Painting, removing wallpaper and re-caulking the tub/shower and sinks are easy bathroom improvements that will not cost a lot of money. New granite counters, new vanity, new toilet or re-glazing a tub are a little more involved but still offer a great return on your investment.
Deck or Patio addition.
The backyard is a continuation of the living space. Consider adding a deck or patio off the back of the house. This will increase the useable space for entertaining. It will also help buyers envision spending time in the space with friends and family.
Basement remodel.
Finishing your basement is also a great idea to add value. A teen suite, play room or family room in the basement adds additional living area and gives options for families who need more useable space.
Paint.
The least expensive project with the highest impact is painting. Paint both the interior and exterior if needed. Choose light, neutral colors that are trendy. Light colors will also help brighten up a room helping it look fresh, clean and larger.
Paint the garage floor.
If your garage floor is stained and dirty, a fresh coat of paint for the garage floor will go a long way to improve the look of the garage. Some people spend a lot of time determining if the garage will fit some of their favorite items. For some buyers, a newly painted garage floor looks inviting to park that sports car or motorcycle.
Cleaning and decluttering.
Don’t forget to do a thorough cleaning before showing your home. Nothing is worse than spending money to improve your house but have it appear cluttered and dirty when buyers walk through. Decluttering to sell is very important. You are planning on moving anyway, so start packing away items that make the rooms cluttered and appear smaller.
Not all upgrades and projects are needed for each home depending on style, condition and price range so be sure to ask your Real Estate Agent before beginning any renovation project to see which projects will give you a return on your investment.