Photo by JOSBRA Design on Unsplash
Familiarity breeds… obliviousness. You’ve been living in your home long enough that you don’t really see it objectively. Those old Formica countertops in the kitchen, that avocado green stove with the scorch marks around the burners, and that dark wood paneling in the den – you barely see them anymore. However, if you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, there’s no doubt potential buyers will take notice. Even if you’re not thinking of listing your home at this time, some simple upgrades can add to your home’s value without breaking the bank. Here are some improvements with modest budgets that will add appeal and increase your Asheville home’s market value.
Kitchen Appeal
Photo by Francesca Tosolini on Unsplash
Take it from real estate agents, who know these things, when it comes to your Asheville home’s market value, kitchens and baths are major home selling points. Does your kitchen look like a time warp from the 70s? That can be a deal-breaker. But don’t worry. You don’t have to spend big bucks to make your kitchen more appealing to buyers. Instead, you can transform the space to what’s sometimes referred to as “builders’-grade” luxury. Dump that old avocado stove and fridge and replace them with stainless steel. Try to find your new appliances at seasonal sales, or try to pick up discounted scratch and dent floor models. Some of those are pretty near perfect, but they come with more modest price tags. But keep in mind that your appliances should match, so if you’re changing out the stove and fridge, you’ll need to replace the dishwasher, too.
While you’re at it, replace those worn laminate countertops with some of the more-affordable granite varieties. Affordable granite? While that sounds “counter”-intuitive (get it?) there really are some that can meet smaller budgets, especially when compared with more expensive stone. Between appliances and countertops, you could end up spending $5,000 to $6,000, but if you’re about to list your home, this is the kind of upgrade that you may retrieve in a higher selling price.
Is this too steep for your budget? There’s an affordable way to give your kitchen a quick pick-me-up. Refinish or repaint your cabinets, and switch out the old, outdated hinges and door pulls. It’s a simple way to class up your kitchen for just a few hundred dollars. Click here to learn more about budgeting for kitchen and bathroom remodeling.
Bathroom Chic
Nothing turns off buyers like a dingy bathroom. Those tiny ceramic tiles with the darkened grout should be the first things to go. Try 12 x 12 porcelain tiles in a neutral hue. You might love the thought of those fire engine red ones you saw at the store, but that’s really not a good idea. Neutral earth tones will blend with most bathroom décor, and will leave a better impression on potential buyers. If you choose not to retile the floor, at least take a good, hard look at your grout. Is it cracked and yellowed? Call a tile pro and have it regrouted. Be sure to have it finished with a grout sealer to delay its inevitable march toward future yellowing.
While you’re at it, when it comes to increasing your Asheville home’s market value, a shiny new coat of paint goes a long way to sprucing up a dingy bathroom. Be sure to choose a color that brightens without drawing much attention to itself. Neutral colors are always the safest bet.
Next, consider switching out that old plastic tub enclosure with tiles. It may cost about $2,000 (or more if the tub is part of the plastic enclosure and you have to replace it, too), but it really adds value to your home. You’ll never see plastic tub enclosures in higher-end homes. Maybe it’s time to stop seeing it in yours.
Finally, don’t get carried away. You may not have to replace your bathroom sink. Maybe you just need shiny, new faucets. Switch out the towel racks, too, if they look old and weathered, and be sure to adorn them with crisp, new towels.
New paint increases your Asheville home’s market value
How long since your last paint job? Repainting your home in bright, neutral colors is a very cost-effective way to increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. Buyers want to do as little as possible when they move in, so don’t underestimate the power of a new paint job. Do it yourself (if you have the skills) or hire a pro, but get the job done!
Don’t just impress them; floor them!
How many times have you shampooed your ancient carpets? There comes a point where it’s like beating the proverbial dead horse. Time to say goodbye. More and more buyers are turned off by carpets these days, anyway. Maybe it’s time for something more appealing to buyers, something that will increase your Asheville home’s market value like hardwood flooring, high-quality laminates, or eco-friendly options such as bamboo or cork. Please keep in mind that if you have pets or young children, these last two options are probably not for you.
Maybe your home already has hardwood floors hiding under all that carpeting. It’s time to bring them into the light, if they’re still in good condition. If they’re looking a little weathered, it’s time for sanding and refinishing. The same goes for weathered hardwood floors that were not hidden by carpet, but are starting to show their age. Hire a pro to do the job. It will cost a few hundred dollars, but your floors will look like new.
If you’re thinking of replacing, rather than refinishing your floors, hire a home inspector to check out the subfloors for signs of rot or deterioration. You don’t want any unpleasant surprises when you get the job started.
Don’t CURB their enthusiasm
You’ve heard the expression “curb appeal.” This is every bit as important as your home’s interior. After all, if buyers are turned off when they pull up to your home, they might not even bother to go inside. Keep your walkways clean and clear, add some simple but colorful landscaping plants, and make sure your home’s exterior is in good repair. Repaint wood shutters and siding if they’re looking drab, and repair them if needed.
Do you have a porch? Make it inviting with some rocking chairs and decorative lighting. You want to give the impression that your home is a warm, welcoming place.
Do you need to do all of the things we’ve discussed? That decision is entirely your own. Just remember, your home needs to stand out from others on the market if you want to fetch a higher selling price.
Call Peter Young Home Inspections
Buying or selling a home? Never sign any contract without first getting a home inspection! Call Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young, 828-808-4980, or click here to make an appointment today.
