Because your home is probably your biggest investment, you want to maximize its value while you are living in it, as well as for when it comes time to put it on the market. Prospective buyers look at the condition of several essential home systems when considering purchasing a property. Here are a few of the items that are most important on their list of items that could end up costing them more money than the original asking price.
Check Your Roof’s Condition
If you walk some distance away from your home and look at the roof with binoculars, you can often see evidence of problems, such as missing tiles, damage from trees or mold growth that can undermine roofing materials. Contact a roofing contractor to do a thorough inspection of your roof to determine what needs to be done to restore it to optimal function. Replacing the roof is a definite plus that will attract bids on your home, and even recent minor repairs helps to reassure prospective buyers.
Maintain Your Home’s Plumbing System
Do a thorough inspection of your home’s plumbing to find any leaks that may be contributing to damage to construction materials, staining of walls or unpleasant odors. Call in reliable plumbing contractor to make repairs, if needed. Taking care of small leaks or loose pipes can help to make your home more appealing while you’re living there, as well are when you are presenting it to prospective buyers.
Inspect Home Exterior
Curb appeal plays an important part in attracting buyers and maintaining their interest in a crowded real estate market. Make sure your home makes a good impression by giving it a new coat of paint or replacing siding that may be worn, broken or missing. This investment can pay off with higher bids for your home’s sale.
Maintain Windows, Doors and Screens
Window replacement can instantly give your home a facelift that can translate to higher bids when you sell your home. Similarly, make sure all screens are in good condition. Your front door makes an immediate impression on people who come to your house, so consider replacing it with a new door to give your home a more modern appearance.
Update Your Flooring
New flooring gives home interiors a fresher, well-maintained look. Wood flooring is considered desirable, but easy-care features of laminates or engineered wood can also be a plus. The new vinyl flooring is also gaining in popularity. Choose neutral shades and simple patterns that will appeal to the greatest number of prospective buyers.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Buyers love to hear that an HVAC system has been recently replaced, because it is an expense they won’t have to take on after they move into their new home. They will also benefit from lower annual energy expenses from a more efficient, updated unit.
Update Your Landscaping
Take a look around your yard to determine if your landscaping could use an update. If your home is several decades old, the landscaping might reflect a bygone era that only makes your property look dated. Trim back trees and shrubs. Replace foundation plants with compact, easy-maintenance varieties. Add an ornamental tree at the front door. A few curved flowerbeds create an attractive, welcoming appearance.
Potential buyers respond favorably to a home that is updated and well cared for, and they often inquire whether major systems in the home have received a recent upgrade. Giving these 7 systems extra attention will help to maximize your home’s value on the real estate market and attract more buyers to your property.
