Australians have a love affair with renovation that’s easy to see from the popularity of shows like The Block and House Rules. Renovating your home, particularly when you’re looking to sell, can be a great way to add value.
But renovation can also be a very costly enterprise. The average cost of a full-home renovation project can run close to $200,000. Not everyone has that kind of cash to splash, particularly for a home you’re trying to sell.
The good news is that you can add serious value to your home without even picking up a hammer.
If you want to boost your home’s value but don’t want to break the bank, there are some remarkably simple ways to get started.
1. Work on your kerb appeal
First impressions are incredibly important. A 2012 Texas Tech University study found that good kerb appeal could boost a home’s value by 17%.
Start by putting yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes. As you approach your home from the street, what are your impressions? Is the landscaping tidy and inviting, and does it showcase the front of your home or just serve to obscure it? Does the front of the home itself look appealing?
Good kerb appeal can add measurable value to your home, while poor kerb appeal can scare potential buyers away before they even set foot inside. A fresh coat of paint, some new door hardware and a bit of landscaping won’t set you back much, but they’ll have a serious impact on your home’s saleability.
2. Tidy things up
No matter how nicely constructed your home may be, a dirty house will make a poor impression on potential buyers. Think back to your renting days and the dreaded end-of-lease inspections. That’s the standard of cleanliness you want to strive for.
Even the neatest amongst us can overlook a few nooks and crannies when we’re cleaning. If you’re hosting an open home, it’s worth paying the money to have your house cleaned professionally. You may not notice a few bits of grime, but a potential buyer might.
3. Get rid of the clutter
This may sound a little redundant after the previous tip, but de-cluttering is about more than general cleanliness. It’s about creating an open, flowing space for potential buyers.
Have a look at the layout of your home and the way you have your furniture arranged. Is it hard to navigate through the rooms? Do they feel cramped and claustrophobic? You want buyers to be able to walk through your home with ease, and for the rooms to feel open and spacious. Getting rid of or rearranging some pieces of furniture can greatly improve the flow of your home, and a few well-placed mirrors can make rooms feel larger than they are.
4. Keep it light
Make sure your home looks bright and open. Open up the shades and shutters to let in as much natural light as you can. If you don’t get a lot of natural light, consider opting for some brighter bulbs in your fixtures to give the illusion of more natural light.
Keeping your home light goes beyond just your windows and fixtures, though. It also includes your design choices. The goal in showing your home is to create an environment that potential buyers can picture themselves in. Choosing more neutral colours will better allow buyers to imagine their own furniture and belongings in the home.
5. Make it cosy
Add the finishing touches with some accessories. These little details make your home warm and inviting. Small touches like coffee table books, artwork, flowers or candles can make your house feel like a home.
This article is written by Adam Smith, Home Loans Editor at Finder.