That dead oak tree in the back yard isn't doing anyone any favors. The place looks a little run down, and the leaves that were raked last fall? Yeah, they're still in the back yard. It's a compost pile - except you can tell it was done on accident. Here's what you do to add value to your home, and increase the likelihood of unloading this puppy whenever you feel like it.
Cut Down Energy Costs
You know what homeowners are looking for these days? The same thing that you're looking for these days: a way to save money. OK, so you've yanked out all of the incandescent bulbs and replaced them with CFLs or LEDs. Now what?
Well, it migh be more prudent to really think about what you're trying to accomplish. There's no need to compromise on aesthetics here. Never go cheap on your replacement bulbs. It always comes back to bite you. Do the LED thing, or try to find full spectrum CFLs.
If your'e serious about long-term energy savings, call Parans. They're the company that uses a sunlight receiver to gather sunlight from the outside, then they use cables to transport that light indoors, and then they spread it around, lighting your home with natural sunlight. Electric bill? Zero.
Paint All the Things
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An air filtration system will clean the air. Indoor air quality is notoriously bad, especially in cities. So, spend money wisely here and it could be the dark horse that sells your home - especially if the buyers have a young child.
Cut Down Energy Costs
You know what homeowners are looking for these days? The same thing that you're looking for these days: a way to save money. OK, so you've yanked out all of the incandescent bulbs and replaced them with CFLs or LEDs. Now what?
Well, it migh be more prudent to really think about what you're trying to accomplish. There's no need to compromise on aesthetics here. Never go cheap on your replacement bulbs. It always comes back to bite you. Do the LED thing, or try to find full spectrum CFLs.
If your'e serious about long-term energy savings, call Parans. They're the company that uses a sunlight receiver to gather sunlight from the outside, then they use cables to transport that light indoors, and then they spread it around, lighting your home with natural sunlight. Electric bill? Zero.
Paint All the Things
Painting your home will also make a huge difference in your resale value, but it will also make a big difference in how your home looks. Think about it. When you live in a home that has a 20-year old paint job, the home just feels old. You can power wash it, but it's still that faded white that it was before you washed it.
In fact, it's turning yellow. About the only thing you can do to fix that is paint it. Choose a bright color if you want to resell it soon. Choose whatever color you want if you're planning on keeping the home.
Have A New Heating System Put In
A new heating system is a good way to improve the property's value, but most homeowners hear "new furnace," and either go deaf from sticker shock or they cheap out on the new installation. You see, there's something about quality that cannot be replicated. You cannot cheap out on a new furnace and expect to recoup your investment just because you went through the remodeling motions.
Go big or go home. A radiant heat system will not only dramatically reduce your heating bill, it'll make your home much, much, warmer. In the summertime, consider a high-efficiency air conditioning unit or a fan system that moves air through the house, cooling it. You'll get fresh air that way, and you won't be too cold with dry skin from the A/C.
Remodel The Kitchen and Bathroom
Remodeling is always a good thing to do, especially when it involves the kitchen or bathroom. Most of the time, a good remodel job helps you recover 90 to 110 percent of your investment. But, again, quality counts. Use the most expensive materials you can afford. Try to design with your potential future buyer in mind, not with your own personal tastes (unless you plan to die in the home).
Do Some Landscaping
It's more than planting a tree. Your homevalue depends a lot on first impressions, and the first impression people get is the yard. Before they even walk up to the door, they're looking at the trees, the bushes, the sidewalk, and everything else out there. Make it pretty.
Install An Air Filtration System
An air filtration system will clean the air. Indoor air quality is notoriously bad, especially in cities. So, spend money wisely here and it could be the dark horse that sells your home - especially if the buyers have a young child.
John Gast is an experienced real estate agent. He enjoys helping people have successful buying and selling experiences, from staging to negotiating.