When you’re selling your house, you want it to be as appealing to buyers as possible while increasing its value… and one way to do that is to make all kinds of upgrades everywhere, right?
Not necessarily.
You could be wasting your money on upgrades and improvements that your home doesn’t really need to appeal to sellers.

3 Improvements and Upgrades That Don’t Necessarily Increase Your Home’s Value

Every home is different, which is why it’s so important to talk to your Realtor® about what you should (and shouldn’t) do before you put your house on the market.
With that said, these three improvements and upgrades aren’t likely to bring you much (or any) return on investment.

All-Out Professional Landscaping

Your yard needs to look its best. Pick up sticks, rake the leaves, clear out grass clippings.
But it doesn’t need to look like the South Texas Botanical Gardens. If you overdo the landscaping, you could send buyers the message that they’re looking at a high-maintenance home; that’s the last thing you want to do.
Landscaping choices are personal to many people, so you could even drive off potential buyers with your handmade bridge over the flowing creek to the koi pond.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs

Install a swimming pool if you’re doing it for yourself, your family, and your friends.
Don’t install a swimming pool because you think buyers will like it.
The cost of installing swimming pools and hot tubs doesn’t usually work its way back into your bank account once you sell a home. Instead, focus on the fact that some families just won’t buy a house with a pool.

A New Roof

The average lifespan of a roof is about 30 years. If your home’s roof is older than that, replacing it isn’t really considered a home improvement; it’s just good maintenance. If it’s not and you replace it early, buyers are likely to think that’s a nice touch… but you might not want to expect any return on your investment through the sale.

Are You Selling Your Home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island?

If you’re selling your home, we’d love to help you do so quickly and at the right price. We’ll be happy to give you a free comparative market analysis so you know exactly how much your home is worth. While you’re here, you can also download our free home-selling eBook and read our useful tips for selling your home faster.
When you’re ready, call us at 361-563-7788 or contact us online to find out how we can help you sell your home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island.
 

Filed under: Blog, Selling by Julie Woodward
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If one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to sell your Corpus Christi home, there are a few simple steps you can take to help prepare it for showings.

With a prospective buyer in mind, take a tour of your home, making a list of the good, the bad, and the not-so-bad. You may spot areas in need of major renovation; and areas which could benefit from just a basic touch-up.

It’s these latter areas which will likely yield the biggest return on your investment so, in preparation for making your home “buyer ready”, consider these steps.

Landscaping
The first thing a buyer will notice is the outside of your home. Sometimes called “curb appeal”, first impressions are very important to the sale of your home. Therefore, be sure to trim bushes, rake leaves, and clean up the yard in order to make your house seem more inviting. Clear unnecessary clutter from the yard and walkway to your home.

Bedrooms
Paint the walls of the room a light, neutral color to “open up” the space. Replace old light fixtures with new modern ones; replace all old bulbs; and consider adding a ceiling fan to each bedroom. This can increase the room’s appeal. 

Bathrooms 
If your tub has seen better days, have it resurfaced. Remove mildew stains in, or around, baths and showers. Replace stained silicone seal and grout, where needed. Check all light fixtures for burned out bulbs. Add lighting, if necessary, to make the bathroom brighter.

Kitchen
Your kitchen might also benefit from sprucing up. Do not gut-renovate your kitchen. Rather, refinish or paint its cabinets. Install new, clean-looking handles. Add a new back splash, if you think it will help. 

You’ll spend a small sum to make these improvements but the rewards can be more home showings, which can lead to more home offers, which can help you get the price you want for your property.

Your home may also sell more quickly.

Filed under: Around The Home by Julie Woodward
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