Easy DIY Projects That Really Increase Home Value

Thinking of selling your home soon? Maybe sometime in the future? Even if you are living in your ‘forever home,’ it is always a good idea to take on small projects that will not only increase your enjoyment of your home, but will also increase the value of your property in the event of a sale. This is especially true with a market like the one we are in! This is a true sellers’ market, as buyers are chomping at the bit to purchase the severely limited inventory across the country. Prices are skyrocketing, and a little work on your end can mean selling for top dollar - whenever you choose to sell. There are plenty of things you, as a homeowner and a seller, can do to greatly increase the value of your property so that when it comes to market, the return on your investment can be huge. You don’t have to break the bank to do it. In fact, a little DIY can mean staggering ROI.

There are many things to consider when thinking of where to start to add value. What work are you comfortable doing yourself? What is your budget? What types of rehab does your home need? What do buyers in your market look for? The answers to these questions should guide you when considering what projects to undertake and when. In general, there are several inexpensive key projects that are easily doable by any homeowner that will provide maximum return on your investment.

1. Upgrade the kitchen and bathrooms - moderately. These two room types are where most buyers will look to see the initial value of the home. Does your kitchen look dated with older cabinets that are not in style anymore? The easiest thing to do to make your kitchen shine is to repaint or replace your cabinet doors. You do not need to completely rip out the cabinets if they are still in good condition. Simply remove the doors, sand them down, and paint them a trendy or timeless color or stain. Not too handy with painting? If you are not confident that you can provide a professional looking paint job, you can inexpensively purchase new doors. Hardware and home stores like Home Depot can order new doors for you and have them delivered. Just measure and count your current doors and drawers and let them know which doors you prefer. Here’s a good tip: bring one of your current doors with you. This way they can measure the hinges to replicate on the new doors. If you have this, installing the new doors is a snap! In the bathrooms, keep it simple if your budget doesn’t allow for replacing an expensive vanity. Purchasing new hardware can freshen up your existing vanity. Hanging a new decorative mirror will make your bathroom look updated and modern as well.

2. Add storage wherever you can! Built-ins, closet organizers, and other storage elements will make your home much more appealing to a buyer, and more functional for you while you are still living there! Buyers want space, and ample storage will make your home seem larger and more livable.

3. Make the most of your outdoor space! Buyers today want outdoor space - as much of it as they can get. Recent surveys all show that most of those looking for homes today, especially millennials (the largest buyer pool in today’s market), list a large backyard as their top priority. Making your backyard something special will more than pay dividends when you sell. Good tips are to add landscaping and other features that make it more appealing to spend time in. A great idea is to add a deck. You can easily make one yourself for a fraction of the cost of having one professionally installed. This will show buyers how enjoyable the outdoor space is and will definitely increase value in today’s market. If you do not have a large backyard, or any backyard for that matter, try to highlight what outdoor areas you do have. Do you have a front porch? Make it livable with patio furniture to show its use. Side yard? String up some Italian lights to make it more appealing. Work with what you have to show buyers that your property will enable them to take advantage of outdoor living. Especially here in the Florida Keys. People move to the Florida Keys to enjoy the weather. Show them how much they will be able to soak up the sun on your property! Selling a waterfront home in the Keys? Even better! Highlight this area with tropical foliage and comfortable seating to show buyers what it is like to live in the Keys!

Make sure you stay on top of everyday repairs if you are thinking of selling. No matter how nice your home is, a leaky faucet, damaged baseboard, or other small defect could mean the difference in how well your house shows. Keeping up to date with these as they arise will mean much less work when you do decide to sell!

Thinking of selling your Florida Keys home? Broker’s Edge realtors specialize in working with sellers to help you get the best price for your home. Contact us today!