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Selling your home is no small task — it takes time, effort, and careful planning. At the heart of it all is one goal: securing the best possible price so you can confidently move on to whatever comes next. 

One proven way to increase your home’s value is by making thoughtful improvements, both inside and out. But where should you focus your energy? Which upgrades actually make a difference when it comes to boosting your home’s overall value?

What you’re looking at is the possibility of making a potentially substantial investment that may give way to a possible higher-priced home sale. If you are planning to sell soon or just exploring options, making the necessary home improvements to increase your home’s value might be something to keep in mind moving forward. Here are some considerations that can help you along the process:

Curb Appeal Can Make The First Impression

Whether a potential buyer is looking online or in person, the first thing they see is the exterior. A beautiful exterior is often seen as a preview of what could be to come once you walk inside the front door of the home. Making a strong first impression is crucial and improving the home’s curb appeal is something that should never be overlooked.

That’s why it is a good idea to consider investing in curb appeal improvements that matter most. This can include the following:

  • Fresh landscaping: Make sure the lawn is mowed and healthy. Trim the shrubs and add fresh mulch to areas that make the most sense. A well-kept appearance can really catch someone’s eye.
  • Exterior paint or power washing: If you want the home to look brand new, you could consider a fresh coat of paint for the exterior. Powerwashing is another potential option for sprucing up the exterior if it isn’t time for a new coat of paint.
  • Updated hardware or front door: If an old door needs to be replaced, consider an option that can match the home in terms of its style. Adding new hardware can not only enhance the style of your home but also the security. This may include smart home systems that can help the new owner get easily connected to a security service and other modern features if it seems to be the best fit for their personal needs and preferences.
  • Clean windows and gutters: Shows that the home is well-maintained. 

If the curb appeal is poor, it can hurt the home value and make it difficult to sell. Focusing on the exterior may seem like the easiest set of tasks at first. Yet, there’s more to this project than you think.

Refreshing The Kitchen

Kitchens are by far one of the most important areas of a home. It also happens to be one of the most scrutinized. If a kitchen looks dated or worn down, this can cause buyers to turn the other way. Does that mean a kitchen needs a full renovation? Not necessarily. If you are going for a more cost-effective approach, there are ways to make the kitchen look fresher than ever.

Paint the cabinets if you have no intention of replacing them. Update lighting fixtures to help the kitchen look more modern. If there are any outdated appliances, you’d be wise to replace them with more energy efficient models (and you’ll be doing the new homeowner a favor by saving them money on energy costs). In addition, you should consider installing drawer pulls and cabinet handles if the need arises. At the end of the day, a minor kitchen upgrade can be one of your best investments even if you don’t go for a full remodel.

Bathroom Updates For A More Clean And Modern Look

Bathrooms are also one of the key decision drivers for prospective homebuyers. Again, don’t fret about full renovations when there are plenty of cost-effective ways to upgrade. Old faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures could be replaced at the outset to lay the groundwork for a more modern looking bathroom.

Replace the toilet as well with something that is newer and efficient. Once again, your modernization of the bathroom can also help the new homeowner save money even after they move in. Finally, you should consider installing a new mirror or vanity that can help boost the look of a bathroom in the eyes of a homebuyer. 

What Else Could Help Improve A Home Overall?

There are plenty of other things that you can do to make sure your home looks great both inside and out. While the exterior, kitchen, and bathroom are all important, so are some of the other pieces of a home including the following:

  • Flooring: Refinish hardwood floors to ensure a nice looking shine. Replace carpeting that is worn-out, especially in areas of high-traffic. Consider durable, cost-effective materials.
  • Lighting: If there are rooms in the home that look underlit, replace them with larger, cleaner looking lights. LED bulbs can help brighten a room while keeping energy use low.
  • Address the smaller things: These include loose door hinges, leaky faucets and running toilets, chipped paint, cracked tiles, broken light switches, and anything that may seem a little out of place. 

Even some of the minor problems that may seem like “no big deal” at first can lead to greater problems later on. If, for example, you hear some strange noise coming from the vents, get it checked as soon as possible to see if there is a problem and have it repaired. 

Final Thoughts

Your home’s value can increase considerably if you put in the work to make it look more fresh and updated both with the exterior and interior. While you may be making a considerable investment, the payoff might just be even better once you lock in a higher selling price. A home that looks fresh and well-maintained is far more likely to justify a strong asking price — often without hesitation from buyers. While there’s no guarantee, strategic home improvements can significantly increase your chances of commanding a higher price.

Our team can help you understand your options and determine if refinancing is the right move for you.

Schedule a Consultation or Start Your Application Online

The Harvard State Bank is here to help make homeownership a seamless process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance, we’ll help you find the loan that fits your needs. Our local specialists and lending options ensure you have the expert support you need to realize your dreams.

Begin your home loan application online, or speak with one of our mortgage lenders at 815-943-4400 for guidance every step of the way.