May 19, 2023
If you are thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to do so. Most sellers choose to list their home during the spring and summer months. The weather is great, especially for us fortunate enough to live in West Texas, and daylight savings time allows for longer days.
Whether you’re looking to move or love the home you’re in, we’ve got a few simple and cost-effective improvements that can make a big impact when it comes to increasing the value of your home.
- Clean and Declutter
The most important way you can make a difference in the perceived value of your home is to clean and declutter. Removing clutter, un-used furniture and excess décor will help your space to feel larger and more open. Storage is one of your most valuable home assets, so make sure your closets and drawers are clutter-free to maximize space. Even the junk drawer needs a good cleaning! Hiring a professional cleaning service will help ensure no stone is left unturned. Even with a routine cleaning schedule, there are always nooks and crannies that are overlooked.
- Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient
The rising cost of utilities gives a more energy-efficient home an advantage. Start by asking your utility provider for a free home energy audit. Their assessment will examine all of the energy use in your home as well as past energy bills. They will have recommendations for improving the overall energy efficiency of your home. Replacing outdated appliances with ENERGY STAR certified appliances and electronics might have high upfront costs but will actually save money overall. You should also consider installing a water filtration system to help reduce bottled water waste.
- Paint, Paint, Paint
A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to make a major impact. Stick with soft, neutral colors that allow your space to feel fresh and open. Keeping the paint and décor neutral allows the buyer to envision the home with their personal preferences in mind.
- Improve Your Curb Appeal
First impression is critical so making some simple updates to the exterior of you home can have a major payoff when it comes improving its value. Consider upgrading outdated exterior doors for a more modern glass-panel entry. Give that driveway and walkway a power wash and spruce up those flowerbeds. Using xeriscape landscaping will help reduce water use!
- Give Your Kitchen a Refresh
Not a remodel – a
refresh. An entire kitchen remodel can be extremely costly. According to Consumer Reports, spending as little as $5,000 on your kitchen can bring up your home value by 7%. Maximize your dollars by updating faucets and light fixtures, replacing old hardware, and giving cabinets a fresh coat of paint. More expensive updates could include replacing a stained kitchen sink with a stainless steel option and installing granite countertops.
- Stage Your Home
Finally, stage your home to sell. Remove heavy drapes to allow light into your home. Adding a large, floor-length mirror can make a room appear larger and more open. Consider removing family and personal photos from walls. Rearranging furniture to make it more symmetrical typically gets a good response from buyers. If feasible, consider hiring a professional to help stage your home.
If you are looking to put your home on the market, it’s a good idea to discuss home renovations with your realtor. If you plan to stay in your home for the foreseeable future but want to make a few updates to increase your love and appreciation for your home – great! We’d love to help! Our Mortgage Loan Officers at Spirit Mortgage can help with a cash-out refinance or home equity loan. Give us a call at (806) 798-5800 or visit us online at
SpiritMortgage.net.
