Add Value to my home

DIYER33

I move into a house builded in the late 80's. I have lived there for about 2 years I want to add more value to this house because I want to move to another location. This neighborhood is fine but my mortgage is a little high for me. The house has carpet in 3 bedrooms and living room. What can I do to add more value to this home. Any ideas welcome. Thanks in advance.:confused:

DecksEtc

The information you have provided is pretty vague.

What area do you live in? What did you pay for the house originally? How much more do you want/expect to get for it? What features/extras do other similar houses in your neighbourhood have/sell for?

Give more information and we can help better with suggestions.

Floorwizard

Check with a Realtor and find out if Hardwood throughout would add value.

housedocs

I agree that your information about the home is too vague to give any meaningful advice as to what can be done to increase the value of the home. All we have to go on is Need more info, what is on the exterior of the home, stucco, wood or vinyl siding, masonry, and what is it's condition? What type of floorplan does it have, can interior remodeling be done to better utilize the existing space. What does the yard look like, can landscaping be done to give it a better curb appeal.

Post back with as much info as possible, photos would also be helpful. Local realtors can also give you some good pointers as to what can be done to increase the homes value and curb appeal as Florcraft suggested.

__________________
All you need is ignorance and confidence and success is assured. - Mark Twain

Humble Abode

Hardwood will add value but will it pay for itself?

Try pulling back the carpeted area to see if there is hardwood underneath. Then all it would take is hiring a contractor to refinish it. That would pay off in value.

Mike Swearingen

Things that add value to a home AND will normally pay for themselves:
1. Deep clean-up, decluttering and painting everything that can be painted.
2. Minor repairs...nothing leaking, broken or "not performing the function for which intended". Shows good care and pride of ownership. Indicates that there shouldn't be any hidden problems.
3. Curb Appeal - Cleaning, pruning, planting, and sprucing up the main entrance.
4. Bathrooms and kitchen remodeling. THE major things that help sell a home. In my opinion from many years in the real estate business, women make 95% of the final buying decisions, and that's what sells them.
5. Wood floors are the hottest thing going these days (at least in my area). Buyers always rip out carpet here (even new) over hardwood floors. Cleaning or refinishing may pay. New installation may not.
Major improvements that will normally not pay for themselves...room additions, re-roofing, new central HVAC systems, swimming pools, etc.
Listen to knowledgeable, experienced local real estate agents...they now the local market and what "sells" there. All markets areas are different.
Good luck!
Mike

pipeguy

In my opinion, a clean, well maintained, appearance adds the most value to any home. Things like this will add value without costing much:
- Put in storage anything you don't absolutely need for daily living. Empty out the house to the greatest practical extent you can.
- Clean the house thoroughly and keep it that way until it's sold. This includes all the windows (inside and out) and window sills. Thoroughly clean or otherwise re-do any grout work. Remove any old caulk and replace with new.
- Keep the landscape up (cutting, edging, pruning, mulching, weeding), keep the driveway clean.
- Paint the front door. Clean the door hardware. Put fresh paint on any painted surface that shows wear. Clean and paint the garage floor. In an unfinished basement, clean and paint the floor and walls.
- Fix or replace anything that's crooked, loose, rusted, damaged or broken.
- Consider replacing carpet that's very badly stained or completely worn out (carpet replacement may or may not add value, depending on a number of factors)

You don't have to spend a lot of money to accomplish these things. The idea isn't to make your house the most expensive in the neighborhood. The idea is to make it sell quickly for as much as any other house in the neighborhood.

pipeguy

Oops - looks like Mike covered it all while I was typing. At least you have some consensus. Good luck

DIYER33

thanks for all your replys even so I did not have enough info on my home, it sounds like if you keep you house clean, well maintainded, the house should sell. My realtor said that some people dont care for wood floor, but they like a house that is well painted, doors open and close, lawn in good shape. But it seems like I will be staying here for a while I got a promotion at work so now I can afford to stay here. Thanks for all your input.

rlrife

I think you should call an appraiser since they determine house value and ask what improvements you could do to add value. It couldn't hurt to call your insurance company too.

747

Have a real estate agent take a look at the house. They will tell you what you can do to add value or a interior designer.

1crazygirl

If oyu are looking for a big project focus on the bathrooms and kitchen. As previously said they are big factors when people are looking at buying a home. A good real estate agent will let you know what is needed. Sometimes new door handles and a paint job will work other times you need to start all over.