What Easy Home Improvements Should I Consider When Selling My Home?

Are you thinking of selling your Sonoma County home and interested in prioritizing some improvements to get the best return on investment without breaking the bank? You’ve come to the right place!

In the Sonoma County real estate market, a home that is nicely updated and maintained definitely leverages great buyer interest and potentially sells for a higher price. But if a whole-house remodel isn’t in the cards for you as a seller, what areas of focus should you consider?

FIRST, CONSIDER UPGRADES THAT ADD SQUARE FOOTAGE OR MAKE A HOME FEEL MORE SPACIOUS.

Home buyers appreciate space. One of the takeaways from the pandemic is that homes need to provide adequate space for all of the activities of daily living including home office, play spaces for the kids and welcoming backyards for gatherings with friends and family.

And regardless of income bracket, people who bought a home within the past three years or plan to buy a home in the next three years want more square footage.

HOW CAN YOU ADD SQUARE FOOTAGE TO YOUR HOME WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK?

•Finish your basement or attic

Basements are not common in our Sonoma County neighborhoods, but many homes have “walk-out” spaces on a hillside or boast attic space which could be transformed into viable living space. Adding square footage can bump your home into another price bracket.

•No room for expansion? Open up the floor plan

A spacious layout can add the visual square footage that buyers crave. Most buyers favor designs that provide open sight lines throughout the living room, dining room and kitchen. An open arrangement allows for more natural light, which is always inviting.

Of course, never remove a wall without consulting with a professional to assure proper structural support exists in your home.

Consider adding patio space to your backyard. Outdoor gathering spaces in our mediterranean climate are a surefire way to increase the perceived living area in a home and to entice potential buyers.

DON’T FORGET THAT FIRST IMPRESSIONS START AT THE CURB

Curb appeal is all about making a splash with buyers before they even enter your home. In a digital world, first impressions really are everything. Making a good impression assures that buyers will “swipe right” when they see your home online and schedule a visit!

HOW TO INCREASE CURB APPEAL

•Attractive landscaping is paramount to good curb appeal.

With landscaping, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trim trees and bushes. Lay fresh, dark-colored bark and plant fresh annuals for color. Keep sidewalks clear of leaves and debris and always keep limbs and branches trimmed away from your home. Add hanging baskets for summer color.

•Touch up your exterior paint

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to repaint your whole house to make it look new again. Touch up any flaking or chips, or pressure wash the exterior to remove dirt and mold. You also can just paint the front door and trim.

Consider painting your front door a bold or inviting color that complements your home’s exterior. Nothing says welcome better than a freshly painted entry door.

.