How to remodel your home to Increase Your Selling Price

How to remodel your home to Increase Your Selling Price

So you are ready to sell but you know that there are a few things in your property that require some updating in order to increase your selling price.  Your budget may be limited and you are wondering where and how to spend it.  The good news is that there are some solid answers.  It is generally accepted that there are certain things that can increase your selling price more than others.  Don’t go out spending money until you get advice from the experts on what return you may get from your investment. Whether you are getting ready to sell or simply want to remodel now for the best value when you do sell later these are some things that usually give you a better return on your investment.

The Kitchen

Remodelling the kitchen is one of the most important things you can do in your home especially if the kitchen is dated.  It is often one of the first rooms a potential buyer will see and it should make an impression.  The kitchen is often considered the soul of the home and most people spend a good deal of time there.  Upgrades to countertops, cabinets, and appliances are one of the wisest investments you can make in your home.

The Bathrooms 

Second only to the kitchen, the bathroom is the room in the house where dated fixtures or flooring can cost you a sale.  People want a bathroom that is clean, comfortable, and modern.  Neutral colours are best whether a paint finish or tiling as this is a place of privacy and peace so the less fuss the better.  Spending money on a bathroom remodel will almost always be the best way to spend your money and you will see it in your selling price.

The Front  

Getting people in to look at your house is the first step.  First impressions last so as potential purchasers approach your hall door ensure that that the entrance is appealing and welcoming.  Spending some of your money on the front exterior of the house and the landscaping can be advisable.  Improving the look of the house from the outside means you can bring more people in to look and to buy. 

The Back Garden

People love the idea of having some attractive outside space to entertain friends and family.  Also parents usually emphasise how important it is to have a garden for the little ones to play in.  Money can be well spent on a good tidy up and enhancement of any outside space regardless whether it is grass, decking or another finish.

Remodelling your property now for a better sale price later can be a smart move.  As the sooner you do it the more you will be able to enjoy it before it is time to sell and move on.  If well thought out and done correctly to a quality finish you can definitely make additional profit.

To learn more click here

Setting up a home office

When purchasing it is good idea to consider if this property will suit if you should decide to set up an office from home in the future.

More and more people are starting to work from home.  Not only the self-employed but also a lot of companies are now allowing their staff to operate from their home.  If you are looking for a property be sure to take this into account.   Should you start doing your job at home you will need to be able to set up the right space in your private dwelling.

Consider the location

Working from home can be difficult especially if other people are around during your working hours.  You will need to find a location with as few distractions as possible.  Equally that is why you need to visit the location where you are thinking of buying at different times of the day to establish if the area at certain times is overly busy and potentially noisy

Consider the current style of the property

Does the style of the property meet your demands as it currently is.  If so then this can save you a lot of time effort and money.  However it’s not always possible to achieve your dream and most people have to compromise a little when purchasing a property.  Check out properties which already have additional unused space e.g. outside shed, garage, large attic area with adequate headroom.  Many properties for sale have owners who are currently running their business from the dwelling a typical example of this are all the online companies that have been set up in recent times.  In some cases an outside  shed or garage may have already been converted with this use in mind.  Ideally if this has been done correctly then there will be adequate existing electrical power points and heating.     

Consider the potential

Equally think about the potential to extend or convert in the future to enable you to achieve the additional space that you will need should you choose to work from home.  Once again an outside shed may have offer huge possibilities.  Likewise people nowadays in general prefer to park their car in the driveway instead of going to the bother of using the garage.  There are a lot of garages that are currently only being used for storage.  Of course attics can offer the perfect solution to finding that extra space to work from.  An attic conversion can be done provided the design of the house allows for the head height necessary to make the conversion workable.

Consider how to make the best use of the available space

If you have a whole spare room to yourself and lots of space then you can purchase a full-sized desk in whatever style suits you.  However if space is restricted be sure to test out a desk to see how it fits for you before you commit to purchase.  Measure your room in advance and allocate how much can be put in the space you have.  No doubt you will need workspace for a computer, printer, telephone, filing facility ?  How many drawers do you need?  Even with a wireless internet connection in your home wires can get in the way.  Use zip ties to keep them clean and organized and label each with what it goes to so that if things ever get unplugged you can get it all hooked up again quickly. A small rolling cart is great for printers or accessories and can be rolled out of the way when not in use.

Your home office can be very comfortable and successful if you pay attention to the details.  Ideally keep the workspace away from things like the television or any place where kids might be playing, as these can obviously be a distraction when you're trying to work. Look for a place near a window for natural light and make sure you will be able to make the space comfortable for your use without a lot of expense.  The perfect work space can be created no matter how much room you have to work with. 

To learn more click here

Can Changing A Bathroom Increase Your Home's Value?

When you are planning to sell your home, remodeling a bathroom may be one of the best places to increase your home's value.  Depending on the existing condition as well as the style and age of your home, here are a few things to consider before tearing out that sink!

Does The Bathroom Age The House?

It could be a pink toilet or patterned tiles, but if your answer to this is yes, then maybe remodeling can really make a difference.  Prospective buyers will look at this space as a liability rather than a feature, and this can decrease the value of your home.  It may also scare away buyers who are looking for a home that is in move-in condition.  The trick is to keep the new design modern, but timeless.  The white toilet will likely always be in style, and tiles made of natural or neutral materials will keep the space fresh.

Do The Features Match The Price?

Depending on the location of your home and the value of the property itself, it is important to match the features of the bathroom to the rest of the home in order to get the most value out of our investment.  Large homes with big price tags benefit from the bells and whistles of a large bathroom boasting a jacuzzi for instance, but you will likely not get your money back for this in a smaller home which attracts first-time buyers or those looking to down-size.

Does The Design Match The Home?

While you may love the look of the minimalist bathroom, if you own a period home in an old neighborhood, making this decision could cost you in the long term.  While you can get creative in designing a new space, keeping the style of the bathroom in the same overall style of the house will make potential buyers more likely to appreciate the investment you have put into the property.

Ultimately whenever making a decision to redesign a room in your home, the change has to work for you and your family.  Though you may not get back the investment of installing that Jacuzzi, if it is what you want then go for it!  Balancing these tips with your personal taste and needs can make any interior design a more pleasant experience.

Learn More

How To Make More Space !

If you live in a small home you may face some particular decorating challenges. Getting comfort and style while reducing clutter can be done with a few smart furniture choices and a good understanding of colours.

Keep It Light And Bright 

Dark colours always make a room look smaller so stick to lighter shades for small rooms.  If you absolutely love deep red or chocolate brown there is no reason why you cannot make it a part of your room.  However maybe use it on one wall rather than throughout so that is may be presented as a feature.  Try to choose lighter tones for the flooring and the largest pieces of furniture in the room.

Darker more vibrant colours are perfect for things such as cushions , vases and other decorative pieces.  They will bring those richer colours into the space without overwhelming it and making it feel dark and cramped.

Choose Furniture Carefully 

Save space by making your furniture multi task for you.  Look for coffee and end tables that include storage for books, remote controls, and magazines.  Choose furniture that provides hidden storage where you can stash extra blankets and other items.  If you occasionally need a larger dining room table, pick one with a butterfly leaf that can easily be tucked away when not in use.

Look for an all-in-one entertainment unit for your television and components that will allow you to tuck things away out of sight to prevent clutter.  A unit that includes storage for DVDs and CDs provides even more use but watch out that the piece is not so large as to dwarf the room.

Walls And Windows Are Important Too

Putting too much on the walls contributes to the feeling of clutter.  So it is best to keep it simple and only showcase a few favourite paintings.  It is recommended not to have to many family photos on view and don't hang too many photos in one place.

If possible choose sheer or semi-sheer window coverings in light colours to allow more light into the room.  Dark heavy curtains will contribute to the small and claustrophobic feeling small spaces can too easily have.

Small spaces can be just as elegant as large ones and feel a lot bigger than they are if you make smart decorating choices.  Make the best use of all your square footage and keep it light and airy for the best results.

Learn More

Are you considering Buying A Fixer-Upper ?

Always dreamed of renovating a home exactly to your specifications, or have you found an older house that is structurally sound but needs a lot of work inside?  Perhaps the price is right and you can't resist what you can get for your money.  Whatever the reason, buying a fixer-upper can be both an exciting and rewarding purchase or a financial and time consuming disaster, depending on whether you are prepared for what you have gotten yourself into.  So what should you know before buying a home that requires a little or a lot of tender loving care?

The Benefits

The benefits of purchasing a fixer-upper are obvious.  The price is usually right, and if the seller wants a quick sale you may be able to negotiate a really great price.  Also, if you intend to flip the home after the renovations, the profit for the money and time you have invested may be quite considerable.  The trick to getting these benefits, however, is knowing what type of property to look for, as well as having an accurate idea of the associated costs, and realistic expectations of the time and effort it will take.

What Makes A Great Fixer-Upper?

There are several features that may make for a great fixer-upper.

Location-Buying a home in a desirable neighborhood is always a smart idea, particularly with homes that require a lot of work. Purchasing a house in a sought after area can mean a greater resale value.

Layout -This is especially important if you plan to sell the home after the renovations are finished.  Selecting a home that will appeal to the greatest number of buyers will get you the best price.  Also, choosing a home with a good layout may save you a considerable amount on the actual renovation costs because you are less likely to need extensive work to be done.

Condition-Ultimately the most important consideration is the actual condition of the home. Choosing a fixer-upper with only cosmetic problems such as damaged flooring or old fixtures, and in need of only a new paint job, can often have the greatest profit margin and require much less money and time.

When purchasing a home that needs work done it is recommended to get some advice from a property expert and get estimates of the cost of any work that is required before making your offer as this will make all the difference with your decision.

To request more information click here