4 Fastest Ways to Add Value to Your Home

In a post-recession, post-housing boom America, many homeowners are concerned about the possibility of their home losing value. Some have found getting their home sold can be problematic, especially when attempting to ensure the home sells for near the value it was when it was first purchased.

While these fears are reasonable, there are ways to add value to your home right now. If you take the following steps, should you feel the need to sell your home in the future, you may help ensure the process is a successful one.

Home Office Space

This is something that not too many people consider but it can be a brilliant feature that can sell your home later on.

More and more individuals are working from their home or continuing their work at home. If there is an extra room or den that is never used, consider transforming it into a space complete with built-in shelves and plenty of room for desks and bookcases.

Mind Your Outdoor Space

You may not realize it, but an attractive outdoor space can really turn up the charming nature of your home. Be sure your grass is manicured and any bushes or shrubs are neat and well shaped rather than overgrown and unkempt. Don’t forget the trees. Often trees can surround a house to such an extent that they block the view.

It may cost you a few hundred dollars to keep your outdoor space looking lovely (especially if put in the care of professionals), but often this is an investment that can see huge returns. The same goes for garage door replacements – they rank as one of the top 5 value-adding home improvement projects nationwide.

Quit Smoking

Smoking isn’t just bad for your health; it’s bad for your house. Smoking can make your home smell just awful, making it undesirable for potential buyers. The residue from “third-hand smoke” can settle into carpets and walls and can be very difficult to remove as time passes.

If you must smoke in the home, consider electronic cigarettes, which produce vapor rather than traditional smoke. Also seriously consider a thorough, professional cleaning service to remove as much of the residue as possible.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Whether it’s the outside of your home, the living room walls, or the kitchen cabinets, a fresh coat of paint can be a quick way to add value to your home. Rather than leaving areas of the home looking run down or weathered, take the initiative to spruce things up.

You may think it’s best to leave the paint job to whomever you’re selling to. The problem is potential buyers may only see how unattractive and worn down things are rather than imagining doing the work themselves. A good paint job can inspire the imagination.

A word of caution: When repainting, stick to neutral colors like off-whites and stay away from dark colors. The zanier your color and pattern choices, the harder you’ll make it to sell your home later.