Preparing to sell your home can be a stressful process. Often you will find yourself making improvements just for the sake of the sale. While some of these enhancements may boost the look of your property and make it easier to sell your home, you will be surprised to discover that they do not increase the value of your home. In fact, some improvements might detract from it.
Check out this list of 6 “home improvements” that do not increase the value of your home:
- EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING
Landscaping choices are a personal preference. If you are going to invest in elaborate landscaping, you should do it for your own enjoyment, because no matter how grand your yard is, it’s not going to bring you big bucks upon resale.
- NEW ROOF, GUTTERS, SPRINKLERS OR HVAC
There are certainly buyers in the market who will be looking for homes that have newer features, but they won’t pay more for them. Replacing things that are broken or past their life expectancy is considered Home Maintenance and not something buyers expect to pay for.
- SWIMMING POOL AND/OR PERSONAL SPA
While water-related improvements can provide a lot of fun and entertainment for your family, the cost of installing a pool or spa never finds its way back to you. In fact, some buyers will ask that you take the spa with you or won’t purchase a house with a swimming pool. Installing a pool or spa should only be done for your own pleasure.
- MAKING DATED IMPROVMENTS
If you think you might be selling your house, you need to be careful about making improvements that are not in style. For example, you might love white appliances and countertops in your kitchen, but because these are not currently trendy, potential buyers are not likely to feel the same way. 35 Home Design Trends on the Rise in 2023
- PAINTING YOUR HOUSE
Painting may be the single most cost-effective improvement you can make before selling your home, but it won’t return any bang for your buck unless you do the painting yourself. Fresh paint on the exterior or interior of your home absolutely makes the home more saleable, but an appraiser will not give you a credit boost for it.
- SOLAR PANELS
The people selling you those solar panels will tell you that they will improve the value of your home and add to your bottom-line profit, but it’s not true. You get zero approved value for solar panel installation.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the New River Valley area, contact professional, experienced Realtor Desi Sowers and let her assist you with all your real estate needs. Give her a call today at 540-320-1328!
Photo credits: storagecafe.com, cclanddesign.com, realestatemagazine.ca, energynews.us