In a highly competitive real estate market and in the midst of a world where people are spending more time at home than ever, buyers are looking for extras that can offer a wider variety of functionality to their home. Thinking of creative ways to expand your spaces or their functionality is a very good way to make your house stand out. These types of upgrades can help to get you more money for your home and can help you to sell your house with fewer days on the market.
Upgrade your outdoor living space
Making outdoor spaces comfortable and functional adds additional living areas to a home. Changes made here can vary widely from simply updating the landscaping to make it pretty to look at to adding an outdoor kitchen or enclosing a space that would have previously only been usable for part of the year.
Creating a dedicated home office or school room
Since most of us had to move at least some of our work or schooling into our homes it has become very appealing to buyers to find homes that have separate spaces dedicated to these activities. Creating spaces like these not only offers an element of privacy during work/school hours, it helps to create that much needed work/home balance. Take a look around to see if you have a space that may be better utilized in this way. An unused or rarely used dining room or guest room is often a great candidate for this type of transition.
Create Variety and/or Versatility In Common Areas
A living room might have largely acted as a hangout space before the pandemic. Now, it’s not uncommon to see larger spaces pulling double duty and also serving as a gym, office, or classroom. You can create a nook in the living room with a desk and laptop, or use extra living spaces like sunrooms or wide foyers to stage various multipurpose places.
You can create a nook in the living room with a desk and laptop, or use extra living spaces like sunrooms or wide foyers to stage various multipurpose places. Doing things like adding additional built in shelving can help provide additional functionality and buyer appeal. When creating these multi-purpose areas, finding ways to keep things separate and neutral is key.
Neutralize & Brighten Up Your Home
It should go without saying at this point that a fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone can do wonders for a dated space and help buyers appreciate its potential. Although white or off-white is always a safe bet, it isn’t your only option. Varying shades of light grays and soft taupes are always in fashion and provide some variety to an otherwise white or off-white palate.
Replace Old Carpeting
Prospective purchasers are immediately put off by old carpets. Wood flooring or tile is a much preferred alternative these days. But, don’t despair if you don’t have the funds to purchase brand-new hardwoods. Wood-look vinyl is a cost-effective and easy-to-maintain choice that has grown popular in a variety of price ranges. Whatever you do, fight the urge to replace an old carpet with a new one.
Don’t Go Overboard
Keep in mind, you are making changes for prospective buyers and not yourself. Make choices that are both economical and offer a broad range of appeal. You don’t need to break the bank to get your home on the market.
