5 Home Improvements to Consider Before Listing

If you're gearing up to sell your home in the spring, dedicating some of your fall season to ticking items off your to-do list and finishing a few home renovations is a wise investment with promising long-term returns.

Large-scale and simple renovations add value and appeal to your property and help your home sell quicker, potentially securing a great return on investment. So, if you are considering renovating your home to prep for its listing come early Spring, here are some of our top recommendations that will add value to your home and help increase your list price. 

1. Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and potential buyers pay real close attention to this area. This is why a kitchen remodel can work wonders in boosting your home's appeal. 

Consider upgrading countertops with durable materials like quartz or granite, installing modern stainless steel appliances for a sleek look, and giving cabinets a fresh coat of paint or refacing them to achieve a more contemporary style. 

If your budget is on the lower end, smaller projects such as adding under-cabinet lighting can enhance aesthetics and functionality, making your kitchen a bright and inviting space. But, if you really want to go the extra mile, you can create an open and airy feel by removing non-load-bearing walls or creating a pass-through window to connect it with the dining area. 

2. Bathroom Updates

Bathrooms are another critical area for potential buyers, and luckily for homeowners, these types of projects can range in work and budget. If you’re towards the lower end of the budget, we’d recommend focusing your time on giving the bathrooms a fresh coat of paint and updating the hardware throughout.

However, if you’re ready to take your renovation to the next level, you can give your bathrooms a spa-like touch with updates like new tiles in soothing colours, a modern vanity with plenty of storage, and updated fixtures with polished chrome or brushed nickel finish. 

Another consideration could be energy-efficient toilets and faucets to appeal to eco-conscious buyers while saving on water bills. Overall, a fresh, clean bathroom with these thoughtful touches can make a big difference in how buyers perceive your home's overall condition.

3. Budget-Friendly Updates

Even if your budget is on the lower end, many home updates can still be completed, adding additional value to your home.

Consider projects like repainting your walls with fresh, inviting colours or adding new baseboards for a polished look. These affordable yet impactful improvements can make your home feel cozier and more attractive. 

We suggest giving your home a thorough walk-through to determine which elements need attention most. Once you’ve made your list, check it with your budget to see where your focus should go. Though these projects seem small, no one should underestimate the power that smaller projects can have in increasing the aesthetic value of a home.

4. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Throughout the past few years or so, we’ve noticed that today's buyers and homeowners are increasingly looking for energy-efficient homes that save them money and reduce their environmental footprint. 

Consider upgrading insulation throughout your home, including the attic and walls, and seal gaps and cracks to improve energy efficiency. Installing energy-efficient windows can also help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature while lowering heating and cooling costs. 

You can also add a Nest or Smart Home Thermostat to increase energy efficiency as well. While these upgrades focus more on functionality than aesthetics, potential buyers will appreciate that the updates will allow them to save money on utilities. 

5. Basement or Attic Conversion

Unused basements and attics represent untapped potential. Converting these spaces into functional rooms can significantly increase your home's livable square footage and overall appeal. 

We will note that these renovations are more expensive; however, the return on investment is incomparable to the other home upgrades. When renovating these spaces for resale purposes, it’s best to leave personal opinions and preferences out of the mix, such as a gym or interactive golf simulator, focusing on what potential buyers would like to see. 

Create a cozy family room with comfortable seating, a media center, and soft lighting. Alternatively, transforming your extra space into an additional bedroom is an attractive project, as this is perfect for accommodating guests or those looking to expand their family. 

No matter the project you decide to move forward with, it’s imperative that you ensure proper insulation, lighting, and flooring are completed to make these areas inviting and comfortable. Buyers will appreciate the extra space and versatility these conversions offer, making your home stand out in the market.

Completing home improvements before listing your property in the spring is a strategic move that can pay off in multiple ways. Not only can it help your home sell faster, but it can also boost its market value. 

No matter your budget, we know you can find a project that will help give your home that little extra love, allowing it to sell at an attractive price point. Ready to get started on a particular project or need some assistance with renovating your home? Our team of experienced professionals can help. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.