When people begin thinking about selling their home in McAllen, upgrades can be a first step many people take. However doing too much, or upgrading things that don’t provide much return can be a waste of time and money.
We have put together our list: of 3 upgrades to invest in and 3 to forget about.
3 Upgrades To Invest In:
Do: Paint
A fresh coat of paint can easily brighten up and revive a room. Try to stick with neutral colors and add some statement items, such as throw pillows or artwork. Painting is a relatively low-cost upgrade that can have a big impact.
Plus a fresh coat of paint will cover and dings in the wall, nail holes, etc.
Do: A Kitchen & Bath Facelift
You might have heard that an upgraded kitchen and bathroom are two of the best areas to focus on when upgrading your home. However, you can do some smaller upgrades that will make a big impact without costing a fortune.
Some affordable ways to renew the space and make it more appealing would include replacing old faucets, drawer pulls and resurfacing your cabinets.
For example, swapping out the front of your dishwasher to match the other appliances is a great way to save money and tie things together. Make sure to clean the stove and oven since potential buyers will be checking all the details and opening all the doors.
You can take the same principles to give your bathroom a quick makeover. Vinyl tiles can go on the floor, right over what you currently have. Do a deep cleaning of the grout, and re-grout if needed. Clean up the shower, take down the curtain or change it for a clean one.
Fix any cracked tiles or broken hardware. Another option to a complete shower renovation is to install a pre-fab cover. This is much cheaper than doing a whole shower overhaul.
Do: Landscaping
Planting some flowers out front or covering dirt with a pretty, fast spreading ground cover will give your home instant curb appeal. If needed, have trees and bushes trimmed and keep the lawn mowed nicely.
Depending on the time of the year and availability of sprinkler system, you can plant succulents or lay down some nice rocks to keep the space well maintained, but low-maintenance.
Maybe throw a fresh coat of paint on the mailbox or hang up a bird feeder and some hanging plants. Small touches and a well-groomed yard will draw anyone in.
3 To Forget About:
Don’t: Make a Big Bathroom Renovation
This can turn into a major project that can be both expensive and time-consuming. The numbers show you won’t end up getting back anywhere close to what you put into it.
Overall, most homebuyers will want to fix up the space to their liking.
Don’t: Add a Patio, Deck or Pool
Again, this can be very expensive without much return. If you have an open area, use plants or pavers to tidy up and beautify the space. If the new homeowners want to build a deck, they can do so, but with their tastes and specifications in mind.
Adding a pool or fixing an existing one can cost a fortune, without providing a huge increase in what you will be able to ask for the home. In addition, a pool may actually deter buyers.
Prospective buyers with small children may worry about safety and many people may not want to worry about the hassle and upkeep of maintaining their own pool.
Don’t: Do A Major Renovation to The Kitchen
Don’t waste your money with a complete overhaul unless it is absolutely necessary due to water or fire damage. The cost does not make sense, especially when homebuyers will have their own tastes. Many homeowners would prefer a credit to the home price allowing them to upgrade on their terms.
In summary: Don’t over-improve… keep it simple!