HOME UPGRADES THAT ADD VALUE

Everyone wants to move into their dream home. Data proves buyers pay more for features that make a house stand out from the market.

Here are FIVE home upgrades that will add REAL VALUE to your property, and a few that won’t…

CURB APPEAL

Most buyers decide whether they’re interested in buying your home before they ever open the front door. A clean, fresh front porch is always appealing. Consider a new front door or you may just need a fresh coat of paint and new hardware on your existing door. Replace or paint your garage doors if needed, also consider new hardware for your garage. If the exterior of your home needs a fresh coat of paint, now is the time. The right exterior lighting can make your home pop in the evenings. Neat, clutter free, flower beds and a well-manicured lawn will make your property stand out from the rest.

KITCHEN

This is the hub of home. Families cook, eat, gather, and socialize in the kitchen. Consider upgrading appliances (buyers love new matching appliances), updated backsplash, countertop, and flooring make a huge difference in appeal. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple coat of paint, new fixtures, and hardware.

BATHROOMS

Bathrooms are always one of the most important rooms for buyers. Simple fixes like new fixtures, flooring, vanity, and paint may be all you need. A total bathroom renovation averages an over 70% ROI according to Zillow.

FLOORING

Buyers will walk away from homes with bad flooring. If carpeting is in good shape, consider having it deep cleaned. Hardwood floors with visible scratches or stains can be polished and refinished. If your home needs new flooring, wood or wood-look is the gold standard for resale. There are many options for new flooring in a large range of pricing. Wood-look tile, natural hardwood and engineered wood are some of the most popular choices.

SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

Smart technology has become more common and easier to produce, it has also become more accessible to the average property owner. Buyers are looking for homes outfitted with smart home devices like video doorbells, smart lights, security cameras, smart appliances, and smart thermostats.

HERE ARE THREE HOME UPGRADES THAT WON’T ALWAYS ADD VALUE

SWIMMING POOLS

If you live in a hot climate you can easily picture your friends and family out by the pool on a hot summer day, potential homebuyers may not. Instead, they’re imagining extensive upkeep, ongoing costs and dangerous liability. However, when dealing with a vacation rental, pools do tend to increase rental income.

HIGH-END UPGRADES

Many people think high-end upgrades will increase the value of their home, that’s not necessarily true. The amount of money you spend on top-of-the-line appliances in your kitchen, imported tiles for your bathroom, or exotic marble countertops may do little to increase a home’s price.

MURALS & WALLPAPER

Adding murals and wallpaper to a boring wall may seem like an inexpensive home upgrade, but it is probably not the best way to invest your money. Stripping wallpaper or painting over murals can be expensive and difficult. Potential buyers often have a hard time seeing past them or imagining themselves living in the space.

Matt Myatt & Team have been Selling Outer Banks Real Estate from Corolla to Nags Head, NC for over 15 years. We are local real estate professionals committed to selling some of the most desired homes on the Outer Banks.