As you ponder selling your house in Philadelphia, you may be considering some improvements to increase its value. However, it’s crucial to note that not all upgrades are created equal, and some may even decrease your potential return on investment.
Here are our recommendations for three home improvements that are worth it and three that you might want to reconsider.
Fresh Paint
An inexpensive yet highly effective way to enhance your house’s look is with a new coat of paint. Neutral colors are your best bet as they appeal to most buyers. Adding splashes of color via accessories like decorative pillows or art pieces can make the space more lively. Besides improving aesthetics, new paint can also cover up wall imperfections such as dings or nail holes.
Kitchen & Bathroom Refresh
Although complete remodels of the kitchen and bathroom can be costly, certain minor upgrades can make these essential spaces more appealing. Changing faucets, drawer pulls, and resurfacing cabinets can significantly improve their look. Additionally, consider updating appliances’ faceplates for a more cohesive design.
Small adjustments to your bathroom can have a similar impact. Installing vinyl tiles over existing flooring and deep cleaning grout can give it a fresh and modern look. Consider fixing any damaged tiles or unstable fixtures. A pre-fab cover can offer a budget-friendly alternative to a full shower remodel.
For example, swapping out the front of your dishwasher to match the other appliances is a great way to save money and tie things together.
Just apply these same principles in the bathroom too! Vinyl tiles can go on the floor, right over what you currently have. Do a deep cleaning of the grout, and re-grout as well.
Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware. (Wobbly towel racks, etc.) Another option to a complete shower renovation is to install a pre-fab cover. This is much cheaper than doing a whole shower overhaul.
Landscaping
Enhancing your house’s exterior through landscaping can create a strong first impression. Planting flowers or ground cover plants can add charm and color. Regular lawn maintenance, including trimming any overgrown trees or shrubs, is also crucial. For a low-maintenance approach, consider adding succulents or decorative stones. Small touches like a freshly painted mailbox or attractive hanging plants can make a significant difference.
3 To Forget About:
Basement Renovations
While a finished basement can add living space, the cost and effort often outweigh the benefits. Most buyers prefer to customize such spaces to their own preferences, like creating a games room or additional bedrooms. Instead of renovating, price your home with the unfinished basement in mind, and communicate this to potential buyers.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
These are significant investments that often don’t offer a high return. Instead, consider more affordable ways to enhance outdoor spaces, like adding plants or decorative pavers. While a pool may seem like an attractive feature, it can deter families with small children or buyers who prefer low maintenance homes.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen or Bathrooms
Avoid extensive remodels unless absolutely necessary, like in cases of significant water or fire damage. These renovations are costly, and homebuyers typically prefer to remodel these personal spaces to their taste. Instead, consider offering a credit towards the home price for buyers to make their own upgrades.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… keep it simple!
What If You Don’t Want to Do Anything?
While sprucing up your home can make it more attractive to potential buyers, there is an alternative that can save you time, effort, and money: selling directly to a real estate investor, such as We Buy Any Philly Home. Selling your property to an investor comes with numerous advantages, particularly if you’re eager to make a swift, hassle-free sale.
Firstly, with a direct sale, you won’t need to worry about carrying out repairs or renovations to your home. Investors purchase properties “as-is”, meaning in their current condition. Whether your home is in perfect shape or needs considerable work, We Buy Any Philly Home is willing to take it off your hands, saving you the cost and stress of making improvements and staging your house for sale.
Secondly, selling to an investor speeds up the entire process significantly. You won’t need to deal with the typical delays that come with traditional house selling, like waiting for mortgage approval or dealing with a buyer who backs out last minute. We Buy Any Philly Home offers a quick, guaranteed sale, providing immediate cash for your property. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re in a hurry to sell, need to relocate, or want to quickly resolve financial issues. The speed and certainty of this method can make it an attractive alternative, offering peace of mind and freeing you to move forward with your life.