Everyone will tell you that remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, or even adding a deck will add value to your home. And it will. But while those projects will return upwards of 80% of what you spend, they can be expensive.
If you’re getting your home ready to be sold, or if you just want to spruce up your living space, here are a few things you can do that have a very high return on investment without spending a bundle.
Replace your front door. Seriously. This one is so easy, even an amateur can do it. Some experts estimate that you will recoup over 100% of your costs when you put in a new front door. Garage doors offer a big boost to the resale of your home too, bringing in nearly 90% of what you spend.
Improve your landscaping. If you need help, hire a crew to come in and clean up and manicure your lawn and land. Just adding some flowers and shrubs can have a big impact. Installing underground sprinklers is a bonus as well.
Finish up the little projects. Remember all of those “gotta do” projects all over the house? Now’s the time to get those done. That includes dings in the wall and doors, fixing that squeaky kitchen cabinet, replacing that leaking faucet, and more.
Install a new thermostat. If your thermostat is more than a decade old, you owe it to yourself to check out today’s models. You’ll love them, and so will any potential buyers. Nothing modernizes a home like a new, state-of-the-art smart thermostat that saves energy, cuts down on utility bills, and looks great doing it. One of the biggest sellers in recent years has been the Nest learning thermostat. More from Nest at nest.com.
Paint inside and out. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Whether you plan to sell or just enjoy the new look, hiring a crew to paint the inside and outside of your home will add value and livability. You might not want to move once you see your tired-old home looking all happy and new.
Updating your home is a wonderful idea, whether you plan to sell soon or not. If you need help affording some of the bigger projects, like a remodel or a new deck, give us a call at 503.397.2376 or stop by any branch and we’ll help you apply for a home equity loan or line of credit.