SELL YOUR HOUSE: 4 QUICK WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR HOME VALUE IN 2024
Your home is a valuable asset that can appreciate or depreciate based on how it is maintained over the years. Even if you have no plans to sell your house at this point, you still need to consider several maintenance procedures to enhance longevity. Regular maintenance ensures that you get a substantial return on investment when you do need to sell your house.
BASICS OF SELLING A HOUSE IN 2024
In this day age, your target market is most likely to be the Millennials. So it is important to understand how you can prepare your property and then market it in a way that is likely to spark interest in Millennials looking for home-ownership.
According to research, Millennials are interested in homes that are easy to personalize and adaptable. They prefer both indoor and outdoor living spaces with open floor plans. However, most of the homes on the market do not check all the boxes for Millennial homeowners.
If you are looking to sell your house this year or in the coming years, you need to make sure it has everything a Millennial buyer is looking for. Here are the 3 most common things that can help you increase the value for your home in 2019 for a greater ROI.
GET RID OF PESTS
Insects and mice can eat away and destroy the delicate parts of your house which may cost thousands in repairs. So look out for infestation from year one to avoid substantial damage. Here are some of the pests you need to keep an eye on.
Termites
The National Pest Management Association reports that termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. The worst part about termite damage is that it is not covered by home insurance. While it may seem like a trivial task, in the beginning, termite control is no joke. Only a professional can help you determine which type of termite you are dealing with and how to control it. So call a termite expert at least once a year.
Powderpost Lyctinae Beetle
Lyctinae beetle attacks hardwood cabinets, flooring, doors, molding, and furniture. They won’t harm the rest of the house but they will attack any hardwood object. These insects usually leave a 1/16 inch hole in the wood. That’s how you know the wood is infected by Lyctinae. Heavily infested wood needs to be replaced and that’s the only economical solution. Check for infestation every year or twice a year to ensure that you don’t have to replace the floors.
Carpenter Ants
If you live around the Pacific Northwest, you may have to deal with the muscled-jaw carpenter ants that can make holes in fir lumber or pine for nesting purposes. The holes carved by these ants can lower your real estate price so keep an eye out for them.
Mice and Rats
Not all rats are like Remy in Ratatouille. They may look cute but they can be damaging to not only your home but also your health. According to research, rats leave behind urine and feces full of pathogens that can spread diseases like murine typhus, salmonella, and many other maladies that can impact your health. Additionally, rats can chew on wiring and damage insulation.
German cockroaches
German cockroach feces carry pathogens that can cause asthma and allergies. Infestation usually requires a professional exterminator.
Fire Ants
Fire ants are small but they can cause havoc. They can damage air conditioning, transformer boxes, and relay switches. Additionally, fire ants can be dangerous for your pets, especially dogs. For most dogs, fire ants’ bite can cause a mild allergic reaction while for others it can cause serious health issues including weakness and respiratory distress. Find out how to get rid of ants quickly and easily.
2. PAY ATTENTION TO REGULAR HOME MAINTENANCE
Apart from watching out for pest infestation, you need to ensure that your home is always in a sellable state. Here’s a checklist you can use regularly to ensure longevity for your home.
Clean drains and gutters
Have a professional examine brickwork for seasonal damage
Repaint and renew the look of the house (inside and outside)
Check power sockets and lighting
Check alarm system and ensure that it works well for all the windows and doors
Check garage door for optimum functionality
Check wooden floors and fix loose boards
Regrout tiles
Reapply preservatives or sealers to patio furniture
Look for broken hinges, shelving, etc.
Test CO2 and smoke detector
Check boiler
Caulk kitchen and bathroom areas
Bleed radiators
Check UPVC windows for cracks and condensation
Check kitchen cabinets and drawers for damage
Check kitchen countertops for cracks
Check out the detailed home maintenance checklist for annual home maintenance.
3. GIVE YOUR KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS AN EXQUISITE MAKEOVER
According to research, most Millennials buy homes in their 30s. When they buy a home, they make sure that they don’t have to invest in a remodel anytime soon. If you are going to sell your house to a Millennial couple, you need to make sure that you have already taken the time and effort to remodel kitchen and bathrooms according to Millennial preferences.
If you have a home with outdated architectural style, then there’s a strong need to consider kitchen and bathroom remodel.
Millennials prefer modern, farmhouse style kitchens. Additionally, they prefer kitchen islands and spacious cabinets. Most Millennials value extra counter space. Epoxy countertops are a prominent choice for modern kitchens because of both durability and design. Epoxy can be used for both kitchens and bathrooms. With an array of design patterns, you can choose the look that goes well with your overall interior.
With epoxy countertops, floors, and backsplashes, your new homeowners wouldn’t have to worry about the durability and will have one thing less to worry about when it comes to home maintenance.
In general, Millennials like fluid living spaces where they can interact and have social activities. This is why open kitchens are considered trendy. Bathrooms could be small, but they have to be chic with high-end showers.
4. INCREASE YOUR CURB APPEAL
Landscaping can increase your home's value by up to 20% according to recent studies. A home has to have a sense of utility and pleasure, and a properly maintained garden adds to that. Your buyers should be able to have a good tree that can support a hammock or a swing for the kids. If a tree is not a possibility, a well-maintained flower garden will do the trick.
Well maintained lawns inform your new homeowners that they are buying from somebody who cares about the environment. In addition, it assures them that you have done the basic maintenance so they don’t have to do much when they move in. All in all, it gives off a good first impression that can supplement your efforts to sell the house. Millennials lead eco-friendly lifestyle, so landscaping should be on top of your priority list.
Here are some landscaping tips that can quickly add value to your property:
Cut the grass and plant flowers: Just like a good haircut, a freshly cut lawn gives a pleasant first impression. During your first year in the house, make sure to plant flowers and trees. At least plant one tree that would age well with the house.
Add furniture: When selling a house you are giving away more than just a concrete structure; you are giving another homeowner a lifestyle. Lawn furniture adds personality to any house. Add a table and chairs that go well with the overall style of your house to boost its resale price.
Weed the flower beds: If you don’t have time to plant flowers, make sure that you at least weed the flower beds so they look neat and tidy.
A professional landscaping company should be able to take care of it for you.
According to Home Advisor, most homeowners spent around $1,406 - $5,296 on landscaping. The cost can vary depending on the lawn and the area. It may seem overwhelming, but it will be worth it.
Read more tips regarding how to maintain a lawn to boost your home’s resale value.