As we enter the end of the year, the buyer pool becomes more shallow. Fewer buyers go out looking for a home during the holidays. However, the buyers who are looking at this time of year really mean business. That’s good news for sellers. While the Tulsa real estate market still favors the seller, it has begun to balance out a bit. Sellers need to make sure that their properties are in good condition to get the most money (and sell as quickly as possible). If your home needs a little updating, you should concentrate on the areas that make the most impact. Avoid those home improvement projects that actually hurt your home’s value. Keep these less expensive home remodel ideas in mind to land yourself a buyer.
Home Remodel Ideas on a Budget
Curb Appeal is King
You only get one chance to make a first impression. So you need to make sure that your curb appeal is on point. That means putting toys and tools away. Setting trash bins out of sight. Weeding the flower beds. Trimming trees and shrubs. Keeping the lawn mowed. But it also means tackling any larger issues such as a shoddy roof, cracked or broken siding, and chipped or faded paint. These may cost more to fix but they are worth the expense. Signs of extreme wear and tear scare away most buyers. Fortunately, many curb appeal fixes cost little more than elbow grease.
Fresh Paint, Fresh Face
Speaking of paint, another one of my home remodeling ideas that makes a huge impact while costing little money is paint. A fresh coat of paint lightens and brightens a room. Keep colors neutral to appeal to a wider buyer base. But before you pull out your rollers and brushes, repair any damaged areas and fill in holes for a smooth painting surface.
The Heart of the Home
They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. We really feel it during the holidays. Thus, it makes sense that buyers feel drawn to this area the most. Therefore, you should concentrate on making it look its best when selling it. Unless it needs a major overhaul, you can do a few smaller changes that cost less money. For example, paint the cabinets. Then, add new hardware to them. Refacing cabinets in good condition also makes a big impact but costs thousands less than replacing them altogether. Definitely replace outdated appliances. Fortunately, many stores offer huge discounts at this time of year. So, it’s a great time to tackle this project.
Bathroom Zhoosh
Finally, buyers like to see nice bathrooms. But a major primary bathroom remodel runs between $14,000 and $25,000. Instead of spending all of that dough, concentrate on a few smaller items to make it more appealing. Again, paint goes a long way. Think serene and spa-like. Add fluffy white towels. Install new fixtures for the sink and shower. Replacing tiles gets expensive. If the tiles themselves are in good shape but feel a bit dingy, consider replacing the grout instead. This breathes new life into your old tiles without breaking the bank. And then give everything a good, hardy cleaning.
[…] This happens to be one of the most popular reasons homeowners use their home equity. And it’s a good one…especially when you make smart decisions that improve your home’s value as well. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, a nicely upgraded kitchen and bathroom help entice potential buyers. But these come with some hefty price tags, too. Using your equity for this makes sense. However, if your combined equity loan payment and regular monthly mortgage payment totals more than you can afford, find more economical ways to make these home improvements. […]