Julie-Ann
07-05-2010, 02:29 PM
Whether you have bought your home as an investment or as your family home the fact is it is a huge investment- a lot of your money is caught up in this one item. So if you can make the value of the home grow then you can increase your equity. More equity means either more money to spend on your next home or in your returement.:)
Although each property is different here are some simple ways to improve the value of your home:
Tidy up the gardens
If the lawn is dead do your best to revive it. If it needs mowing get it mowed.
Add some plants that are suitable for your area.
Add a little colour with your planting even if it is a couple of simple pots of flowers.
Provide a defined entertaining area at the back of the garden. It doesn’t have to be a fixed structure, it can be a table, chairs and an umbrella.
Revamp the Kitchen
The kitchen and bathroom are seen as the most important rooms of the house when selling, as people are very nervous about how much it would cost to renovate them. Here are some simple tips.
Change the handles as they are inexpensive and can have a big impact.
Simply put the clutter away and add some nice ornaments like a colored kettle and a gorgeous teatowel over the oven door handle.
If you don’t have overhead cabinets add some shelves to display attractive kitchen objects.
If the benchtops are scratched and damaged replace them with laminex or Granite Transformations. Both products can be laid over the top of the existing benchtop for a reasonable price.
Finally if desired change the door and drawer fronts. If you can match the colour of the exisiting frame of the kitchen this is not that expensive to do.
Revamp the Bathroom
As with the kitchen replace the handles, benchtops and/or door fronts.
Put away the clutter and add attractive ornaments.
Have some lovely fluffy towels on display.
Replace old taps with new.
If you can’t work with the wall tile colour consider painting it with White Knights tile paint.
Add Storage
Buyers love storage and it doesn’t have to be fixed to the home it can be a bookcase or wardrobe that you have purchased.
Painting
Repaint any walls that are looking dated or are in hideous colours.
Do this inside and out to freshen up your home.
Window Treatments
Take down any dusty old curtains or blinds. These can be inexpensively replaced at many stores. Keep a simple look with your window treatments and that will save on expenses.
Flooring
If you can’t afford to replace worn out flooring invest in some rugs. They will go with you to your next home so they are more of a long term investment.
Before doing any major extensions or renovations be sure to chat with a couple of local real estate agents- you don’t want to over capitilise. Many people will say but we are going to stay here for a long time so it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately we don’t know what will happen tomorrow (good or bad) and no one wants to be in a situation where they suddenly have to sell their house after spending more than it is worth on renovations.
I really have only skimmed the surface with this article so I would love to hear your additional ideas or thoughts.:)
Although each property is different here are some simple ways to improve the value of your home:
Tidy up the gardens
If the lawn is dead do your best to revive it. If it needs mowing get it mowed.
Add some plants that are suitable for your area.
Add a little colour with your planting even if it is a couple of simple pots of flowers.
Provide a defined entertaining area at the back of the garden. It doesn’t have to be a fixed structure, it can be a table, chairs and an umbrella.
Revamp the Kitchen
The kitchen and bathroom are seen as the most important rooms of the house when selling, as people are very nervous about how much it would cost to renovate them. Here are some simple tips.
Change the handles as they are inexpensive and can have a big impact.
Simply put the clutter away and add some nice ornaments like a colored kettle and a gorgeous teatowel over the oven door handle.
If you don’t have overhead cabinets add some shelves to display attractive kitchen objects.
If the benchtops are scratched and damaged replace them with laminex or Granite Transformations. Both products can be laid over the top of the existing benchtop for a reasonable price.
Finally if desired change the door and drawer fronts. If you can match the colour of the exisiting frame of the kitchen this is not that expensive to do.
Revamp the Bathroom
As with the kitchen replace the handles, benchtops and/or door fronts.
Put away the clutter and add attractive ornaments.
Have some lovely fluffy towels on display.
Replace old taps with new.
If you can’t work with the wall tile colour consider painting it with White Knights tile paint.
Add Storage
Buyers love storage and it doesn’t have to be fixed to the home it can be a bookcase or wardrobe that you have purchased.
Painting
Repaint any walls that are looking dated or are in hideous colours.
Do this inside and out to freshen up your home.
Window Treatments
Take down any dusty old curtains or blinds. These can be inexpensively replaced at many stores. Keep a simple look with your window treatments and that will save on expenses.
Flooring
If you can’t afford to replace worn out flooring invest in some rugs. They will go with you to your next home so they are more of a long term investment.
Before doing any major extensions or renovations be sure to chat with a couple of local real estate agents- you don’t want to over capitilise. Many people will say but we are going to stay here for a long time so it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately we don’t know what will happen tomorrow (good or bad) and no one wants to be in a situation where they suddenly have to sell their house after spending more than it is worth on renovations.
I really have only skimmed the surface with this article so I would love to hear your additional ideas or thoughts.:)