|
Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply keep your equity increasing at the pace of the market, upgrades are all but mandatory. But not just any improvements will maintain or increase your home’s appeal. “A pool or hot tub is not a recommended upgrade,” says Dee Dee Remaklus, broker with Reno-based Buyer Agents Remaklus Realty. “Something that requires added maintenance may actually make your home less appealing.” An overall guideline: Know that buyers are looking for turnkey houses—ones that are finished and don’t require improvements or repairs.
“Think of streamlined, up-to-date, easy maintenance, and turnkey—turnkey being number one,” Remaklus says. Making the right upgrades is especially important if you’re trying to sell in a buyers’ market such as our area has been experiencing. “There is an issue of too much supply right now,” Remaklus adds. “And buyers aren’t necessarily looking for the lowest price; they’re looking to get the most for their money.”
Here’s a look at, in no particular order, the ten best improvements to give your home the most market appeal.
• Landscaping
Landscaping should be in top shape so the property looks enticing from the street and in photos. Fertilize and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and plant colorful flowers. “Curb appeal is most important in getting someone to look at your home,” says Kyle Krch, broker/owner with Sparks-based Krch Realty.
• Paint
Fresh paint always improves a home’s look, inside and out. Select neutral colors for the exterior, says Ken Etter, owner/broker with Kenneth Etter Realty in Reno. For inside, warm colors with character
are ideal.
“Buyers are really tired of plain white or plain beige walls,” Remaklus says. “Boring is just not cutting it.” But, she warns, don’t go crazy. Stay away from dark colors, like blues and reds, even for accent walls. Going outside, for a noticeable difference short of painting everything, paint the trim. “Trim paint will really make the entire house pop,” Krch says.
Inside, start your improvements in the kitchen and master bathroom, as buyers tend to focus most on them.
• Countertops
Square ceramic tiles with grout are “so out,” Remaklus says. “Everybody would love to have the one solid-piece countertop of granite or marble—any surface that doesn’t need to be cleaned with a toothbrush.” But this can be pricey. A more affordable alternative: a thinner slab installed over existing countertops.
• Flooring
New flooring is a must, particularly if you have sheet vinyl or tattered carpeting. Go for granite, marble, or hardwood floors, if possible. Avoid bamboo flooring, however, as it tends to dry out and warp in our climate, Krch warns. If you replace carpet, choose a neutral color, Etter says.
• Cabinets
New cabinets are an expensive proposition but worth it. If you go this route, replace the kitchen cabinets first. If new cabinets aren’t possible, try adding high-grade crown molding to the tops and swap out the old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for new ones, Krch suggests. Or have your current cabinets refinished.
• Fixtures and faucets
Rather than replacing all the sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms, install new, quality faucets and fixtures to enhance those areas. The little accent of new shininess will add a noticeable appeal.
• Appliances
It’s simple: outdated appliances should be replaced with new, brand name ones. “Buyers know a name brand appliance and what it means,” Remaklus says.
• Grout
Give any and all grout an extensive cleaning. Consider bleaching dark or dirty-looking grouts. “It really brightens tile up quite a bit,” Krch says.
Money, time, and patience allowing, once the kitchen and master bathroom are addressed, turn your attention to tackling the remainder of the house.
• Light fixtures
Install new light fixtures, particularly if yours are past their prime.
“This will bring a more contemporary-type feel to the home,” Krch says.
• Window coverings
Install treatments “that aren’t fluffy and go with the furniture,” Remaklus says. She recommends modern ones, such as wood shutters.
And, for a bonus upgrade . . .
• Roof
Consider a new roof, particularly if yours is shake or due for replacing. Shake roofs are fire hazardous and look tired after five years or so when not well maintained, Krch says. Opt for a tile or composition-shingle roof instead. As far as tile, the curved, southwestern type that’s been popular is on the way out. The new rage is flat tile.
As you’re contemplating any upgrades for your home, be aware that you don’t want to over-improve, Etter warns, as you’re at risk of diminishing or declining returns.
“You have to use some good sense if you’re thinking profit,” he adds. J
Doresa Banning is a Reno-based freelance writer. |
