Five Ways to Add Value to Your Home for FREE!
We all know that home improvements like a new kitchen or bathroom can add value to your home, but they are improvements that often come with big price tags, and whether they add as much value as they cost to complete is questionable. Some of the simplest and cheapest improvements around your home can also add value at a fraction of the cost or even at no cost at all! So, whether you are getting your home ready to sell, or you are just wanting more enjoyment from your current home, hopefully there is a tip or two below that you can adopt.
Whilst it’s hard to calculate what value can be added by following the points below, in my experience, to NOT do them will almost certainly detract from the value of your home.
01. You’ve Heard It Before – Declutter!
This is always number one on the list, and won’t come as any surprise, but if you look around your home right now can you honestly say that you’ve nailed this one? Most of us have about 30% more “stuff” in our spaces than is necessary, and these extra things can close spaces in and make it difficult to fully appreciate the areas you have.
I gave my tip for decluttering in an earlier bulletin, with a process of assessing each item as being to love, to throw, to donate or to sell. Taking this approach to every corner of your home is a great way to make the most of your spaces without the distraction of clutter.
02. Deep Clean
A spring clean can bring a sparkle and freshness to your home that is always appreciated by buyers when they look around. Most buyers spend time viewing a home looking for reasons NOT to buy, and so we want to eliminate any objections of a place feeling in need of TLC by getting stuck in to every nook and cranny so that your home looks and smells amazing.
Scrub floors, wipe down walls, clean windows, pull beds out from walls and sofas from their current position so that you can vacuum up every bit of dust. A clean home not only looks better but also suggests to buyers that it’s been well cared for.
03. Important First Impressions
As the age old saying goes, first impressions count! Step outside your home and take a critical look through “buyers eyes” at the front of your property. If you can’t be self-critical then ask a friend or family member to help you identify the areas that your eye is drawn to - for the wrong reasons!
Long grass, weeds, flaky painted fence, discarded kids toys, old tangled hoses, mossy paths and driveways, all of these things scream that your home is not well cared for, and immediately buyers start discounting your price before they have even stepped in the door! Giving a welcoming and tidy first impression is one of the quickest and easiest ways to add value to your home.
04. Enhance The Entryway
After blowing a buyers socks off with the first impression you don’t want the entranceway in your house to let the team down. Your entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. Make it inviting by cleaning this area, adding a welcoming doormat, or placing a few potted plants if you have any at either side of the door.
If you feel like splashing out on a can of paint, a freshly painted front door is the icing on the cake. This is one area that I would happily shift away from neutral and be bold with a splash of colour. Tying this colour in to your doormat or potted colour provides a cohesive and welcoming entrance.
05. Arrange Furniture Thoughtfully
When we live in a home we tend to arrange furniture how it functions best for us, but this is not necessarily what looks best. When it comes to adding value to your home for sale, it’s the one time that I believe that form needs to override function.
Rearrange your furniture to maximise space and functionality. Create clear pathways and ensure that rooms feel open and uncluttered. A well-organised layout helps potential buyers envision how they might use the space, making your home more attractive and valuable.
Improving your home’s value doesn’t require a big budget and can even be done with no budget at all. With these five free and easy tips—decluttering, deep cleaning, first impressions, entranceway and rearranging furniture—you can make your home look and feel more valuable without spending a cent. So roll up your sleeves, get started, and enjoy the benefits of a refreshed and more appealing home whether you are selling or just enjoying!