10 Steps to Add “Value” to Your Home

This commonsense checklist consists of steps to take to make your home not only more pleasant for your personal enjoyment but also more valuable.

Even though your home is not for sale, take a tour of your home pretending to be a potential buyer. Turn a critical eye to the small things you’ve learned to live with and make a list.

Most people are well-aware of “problem” areas in their homes. Whether yours is a garage that needs organizing or bathroom tile that needs re-grouting, take care of it. Do the smaller items first.

There are many excellent books and videos on how to make rooms look larger: effective lighting, easy window treatments and creating a strong visual appeal. Obtain some and analyze the impression your home makes on others.

How much storage space do you have? Is it neat, well organized and uncluttered?  If not, consider some of the easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself closet systems available today.

Is the exterior of your dwelling all that it could be? If not, sometimes it is the little things that make a house look its best. Paint the trim, or just the front door. Add a bright new mailbox.

Speak to your local paint or wallpaper supplier. They are often willing to provide helpful information on selection and how to do it yourself.

Talk to your real estate advisor about what buyers like and don’t like about houses they see.

Pay attention to the foundation, walls, steps, railings, ceilings and floors. If they need repair, it can create an impression, even if false, that the house is not structurally sound.

Your yard is another area to look at critically. Are the plants overgrown? Cut them back. Is it bare? Most counties have agricultural offices that can offer advice on the best and quickest growing plants and trees for your climate.

When you’ve done all the little things that help make your home its most appealing, decide if there are major improvements. Ask your real estate advisor if those improvements will create return on investment, or will be worthy of your hard earned cash and valuable time.