Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make during your lifetime, so why not make your money work for you? Due to the current market, home sales are at a record low in the region. When you do choose to place your home on the market, make sure it is ready to sell. Consider these simple suggestions to add value to your home.
Give Your Kitchen a Makeover:
Kitchens are often the meeting place for friends and family. If your kitchen is stuck in a long forgotten era, you may consider some sensible renovations. While every kitchen doesn't need a brick pizza oven or state of the art cappuccino maker, you should consider updating your cabinetry and basic appliance before you place your home on the market. A sensible remodeled modern kitchen will be a major selling point for your home.
Updating Your Bathroom:
If your purpose is to garner a nice return on a modest investment, you should consider updating your bathroom. Small changes such as light fixtures or linens can brighten up the room without hurting your pocketbook. Dated showers and baths can often be fitted with liners that cost a fraction of what a full replacement would. Just make sure not to overestimate your personal handyman skills. When dealing with electricity, water pipes and fittings, there is no such thing as "close enough." If you are unsure about any home repair or remodel work, consider hiring a professional.
Add Some Color:
Painting your home can be one of the simplest, most cost inexpensive ways to change the look and feel of your home. When choosing color schemes, try to pick a neutral of classic color rather than a bold one that will turn off potential buyers down the road. When you go to sell your home, the future buyer should be able to picture their furniture and personal effects in the rooms. Bold colors can also pose a problem when you go to paint over it in the future, scaring away prospective buyers. If you don't consider yourself a skilled painter, hire someone who is. Bad paint jobs are easily noticeable, and reflect poorly on your home.
Lighten Up the Light Fixtures:
Home buyers tend to gravitate towards bright warm inviting homes. If your fixtures look old and dated, consider replacing them. Ceiling fans are always a great addition, as they offer light as well as energy savings. If you tire of the current fan, consider changing out the blades for a new look.
Organize Your Storage Space to Optimize Use:
Let's face it, people tend to be pack rats. We all keep silly items that have no practical use, just for sentimental reasons. Oprah has done numerous shows on the subject. With this in mind, home buyers are always on the lookout for extra storage space. Consider organizing your closets, pantries and storage spaces with shelving and storage systems found at your neighborhood hardwood stores. Many storage solutions are easily installed and can be customized to fit your needs. This can add value, or simply make it a little easier to find that lost shoe!
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Don't be a hero. If you are not
comfortable with your home
repairs, consider contacting a professional. HBA of Greater
Chicago has many highly qualified members who can help you.
Always check with your
Association's Declarations, Bylaws,
and Rules & Regulations prior
to initiating any repairs. You will
likely be required to submit an
A&A Approval Form and receive
Board permission |
