The Southern California real estate market is competitive. So if you’re looking to sell your home, make sure that you’re giving yourself the best chance to get top dollar for your property. Here are a few pointers to consider that will make you’re home more appealing, and in the eyes of a buyer, more valuable.
Repaint your walls and front door
A fresh coat of paint in your rooms can significantly boost your home’s value, and it’s generally a low-cost upgrade. Use neutral colors such as cream, stone, beige, off-white, tan, or gray. The reason for this is that you want to create a neutral space where viewers can imagine living their ideal life in the property. If your walls and decor are highly stylized or personalized it may detract from the ability of a prospective buyer to see themselves in your home. A dash of color is fine. They make excellent accent walls for dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Incorporate the same bright color into decorative accessories like pillows, vases, and rugs, or accent furniture such as dining chairs or armchairs. This will provide a sense of cohesion to the rooms which suggests thoughtful design.
Note that a survey conducted by leading real experts found that repainting or replacing your front door is an improvement that can provide some of the biggest returns on investment.
Invest in energy-efficient features and appliances
These upgrades will not only save you money on energy bills during your ownership of the property, but it will be a feature that many buyers will find appealing. California is a state that is very environmentally aware and progressive and more homeowners are looking for sustainable homes. Energy-saving appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines have become very popular. If you install solar paneling your home will become more valuable, however, note that there is a considerable outlay to install solar energy.
Tip: When purchasing energy-efficient appliances, look for ones that carry ENERGY STAR certification.
Boost your curb appeal
First impressions last, and this goes doubly for houses. In addition to painting your exterior, you can add flowers to the front yard or hire a landscaping service to really make an impression. Power washing the driveway and fixing the roof and gutters can also improve curb appeal. However, don’t feel obligated to upgrade everything. Renovations can be costly, so choose which project will provide the highest return on investment. If you’re uncertain about which projects to undertake, ask your real estate agent. They’ll know what features can be improved or added to maximize your returns.
Refresh your floors
If your existing flooring is in decent condition, simply clean it or do light maintenance to restore its appearance. Replacing grout on tile floors can make a significant difference. Hardwood floors may only need refinishing or a good scrub to look their best again. It’s a bit of work but cheaper and simpler than replacing the entire floor.
These are only a few things you can do to improve your home’s value. Remember to consider Orange County communities’ unique preferences and trends when upgrading. Let me help you plan your home improvement projects when you’re preparing to sell your home. You can also contact me if you’re considering investing in Southern California real estate. Call 949.295.5676 or send an email.