As a homeowner, you want to get top dollar for your property, but how can you afford the updates and upgrades you need? We have all the information you’re looking for about pre-sale home improvements.

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How can I add value to my home and property?

There are many ways to boost your property's value, ranging from affordable fixes to more expensive renovations. Some improvements, like HVAC upgrades or new insulation, are “behind the walls” and won’t be visible in photos but can increase buyer confidence.

For more immediate impact, focus on curb appeal. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, refreshing landscaping, painting the front door, or power washing the walkway can make a big difference for a small investment. These are also time-efficient if you're balancing selling your current home and buying a new one.

If you’re ready for larger renovations, consider updating the kitchen, bathrooms, or flooring. Adding new windows, a roof, or exterior doors can also boost your home’s value and reassure buyers that major updates are already taken care of.

Can you overdo It?

It's important to avoid over-improving your home. For example, transforming a small, vintage home in a neighborhood of bungalows into a high-end, modern mansion might not attract buyers in that area, making it hard to recoup your investment. Similarly, installing cheap appliances in a luxury home can actually lower its value, as buyers will expect high-quality finishes.

When making improvements, consider how long it will take for the value to reflect in the sale price. Expensive repairs done last-minute might not pay off, especially if they delay the selling process.

Work with your agent

Before making big changes, consult with your real estate agent. They can help you identify which improvements will appeal to buyers in your market and provide the best return on investment. A good agent can guide you in making smart choices that speed up the sale and maximize your home’s value.

Aesthetic upgrades and updates to the look of your home

While structural upgrades or changes to your home’s infrastructure may be valuable, they rarely have the instant impact of improvements to the design and appearance of your home. Aesthetic upgrades can come at a variety of price points and complexities. The best thing, however, is that there are many changes you can make on your own in just a day or two that will make a lasting impression come time for your open house.

Interior home improvements

Interior home improvements can include any or all of the following:

• Decluttering the home and putting away personal photos and other decorative items
• Deep cleaning the home’s interior, including closets and cabinets
• Filling nail holes and touching up damaged drywall, then painting interior walls a neutral color likely to appeal to the majority of buyers
• Cleaning and inspection of fireplace and chimney
• Cleaning or replacing carpets, refinishing hardwood floors, or putting down new flooring
• Installing new light fixtures or having an electrician install new overhead lighting throughout the home
• Replacing switchplates and outlet covers throughout the home
• Replacing interior door hardware including knobs and hinges
• Replacing mismatched or outdated window treatments with updated blinds or interior shutters
• Replacing faucets in kitchen and bathrooms
• Replacing kitchen appliances
• Replacing countertops in kitchen and on bathroom vanities
• Repainting, refacing, or replacing kitchen cabinetry and bathroom vanities
• Full-scale kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel
• HVAC, hot water heater, insulation, electrical, or plumbing service, repair, or replacement

Exterior home improvements

Exterior home improvements can include any or all of the following:

• Replacing exterior doors or refreshing with new paint and hardware
• Replacing garage door and openers
• Repainting exterior or adding siding
• Repainting or adding shutters to home exterior
• Replacing windows and screens
• Replacing the roof, gutters and downspouts
• Correcting grading and drainage problems
• Enhancing landscaping
• Adding privacy fencing
• Adding or enhancing deck, terrace, or outdoor features like pool, summer kitchen or lanai

Low-maintenance home upgrades

Many buyers worry about hidden repairs after purchasing a home, especially younger buyers who may lack DIY skills or a big repair budget. To ease their concerns, focus on updates that show your home is well-maintained and move-in ready.

Back-of-wall upgrades, like new HVAC or plumbing, can reassure buyers that the home is in good condition. Providing details on regular maintenance and offering warranty information for any covered systems or appliances adds extra comfort.

If your home has older systems and you can’t afford full replacements, consider offering a one-year home warranty. You can also offer add-on coverage for specific concerns to give buyers additional peace of mind.

Low energy-consumption home upgrades

Newer systems and appliances offer savings not only in deferred maintenance costs. They also, generally, use far less energy than older, outdated appliances. In addition, newer windows and doors make the home more energy efficient by reducing the incidence of air leaks. Add to that upgraded insulation for a home that is truly optimized for savings on your energy bill.

An on-demand hot water heater can save money every day by heating water only when needed rather than keeping a giant tank filled to capacity 24/7. If you want to take the savings even further, consider solar panels or other alternative energy features.

Smart home technology updates

A fully integrated smart home system can provide additional convenience, safety, and energy efficiency as well. Connected entrances, appliances, entertainment systems, and security monitoring can alert you of problems even when you’re not at home. In addition, you’ll be able to control your home’s connected devices remotely with your phone or voice commands.

Building an addition to your home

Square footage is one of the best ways to add value to your home, both when you list and at the appraisal. If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you may be able to make it into usable finished interior space. Otherwise, you can build an addition, either as an extension to the ground level or by building upward with a second-story addition.

Remember, don’t overbuild and make your home too large for the local market. Talk to your real estate agent about the average square footage in your area and talk about your options.

How can I pay for pre-sale home improvements?

If you have significant equity in your home, you may be able to tap into it with a home equity loan or line of credit. You may also be able to secure a personal loan from your bank or credit union or finance repairs and improvements with an existing credit account.

Here too, you’ll want to keep in mind your post-sale plans. If you’ll be buying a new home once you sell your current one, taking on additional debt may lower your credit score and make it more difficult for you to obtain a home mortgage at a favorable interest rate.

Depend on Newzip to connect you with industry-leading real estate experts in your area – agents and brokers who are chosen specifically for the requirements of your home sale. Our agent finder connects you with a real estate professional who can give you the advice you need to get the most out of your home sale experience. They can also connect you with home improvement and repair professionals, home inspectors, appraisers, and others who can help you optimize every dollar of your home improvement budget.

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