Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home or hoping to cash out on some equity, there are countless reasons to improve the value of your property. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to achieve a better appraisal. Follow one or more of these budget-friendly tips, and watch your home value rise.
#1. Paint Strategically
Few home improvements give you as much bang for your buck as paint. For less than $30, you can transform an entire room. But before you head to the paint counter at your local hardware store, create a plan of attack. The last thing you want to do is create a mish-mash of colors that obstruct the flow throughout your house. Instead, create a neutral color scheme that coordinates well among the neighboring rooms. Grey, beige and the combination “greige” are popular right now, adding both style and neutrality that buyers love.
Cabinets, trim and doors with a fresh coat of paint will also increase the value of your home. It gives the appearance that the home is clean and cared for. For a bold look, consider painting your interior doors black while leaving the trim white. Outdated cabinets in bathrooms and the kitchen can also get a quick facelift with a few coats of white paint.
#2. Update Hardware
Once you’re done painting, seal the deal by giving your hardware a stylish update. Look at your cabinet handles in the kitchen and bathrooms. If it’s been a while since they’ve seen a remodel, it’s more than likely time to get a fresh look. For an easy fix, simply find new knobs that fit your current holes. For a more sophisticated look, get full-sized handles in the metallic finish of your choice. To really save some cash, check for cabinet hardware at home decor stores, like Hobby Lobby, which often feature 50% off sales.
#3. Add the Kitchen Sink
Reverse the old saying, “everything but the kitchen sink,” and focus your attention on nothing but the kitchen sink! The kitchen is one of the best places to add value to your home, and you don’t need a full renovation to do so. A new crisp white kitchen sink with a fresh faucet automatically makes the heart of your home appear clean and upgraded. Double bonus – it’s easy to install and your materials should cost you no more than a few hundred dollars.
#4. Brighten Your Space
You might think it’s impossible to achieve a designer look without a million dollar budget, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Lighting is an easy way to alter the look of any room and there are countless affordable options to match any style. Go the extra step by upgrading your light switch plates to match the finish on your new light fixtures. Buyers and appraisers alike are sure to appreciate your attention to detail.
#5. Change Out Bathroom Details
Like the kitchen, bathrooms are another place where you can quickly increase your home’s value. Start off by replacing your old faucet with a new one. This one change alone automatically makes your bathroom appear more modern. If you have an extra $150 to spend, you may also consider getting a new toilet.
Even if you just have a few hundred dollars to spare, you can implement at least one of these suggestions. Once you do, you can enjoy the new designer ambiance in your home and relish in your home’s increased value — all on a budget.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Altisource Online Auction, Inc., Altisource® or any Altisource affiliate. The foregoing content is not intended to constitute, and in fact does not constitute, financial, investment, tax or legal advice by the author, Altisource Online Auction, Inc., Altisource or any Altisource affiliate.
