The first projects you think will ad value to your home are usually kitchen and bathroom remodels. Sometimes you just don't have the time or money to do a complete overhaul, especially if you are planning on selling in the near future. If you don't have a modern kitchen or master bathroom, don't fret! Your home might already have some features than can increase your home's price tag.
Here are a few everyday "extras" that buyers love:
1. Fences
Homes without fences are typically priced significantly lower than their fenced-in neighbors. The style matters though: no one really loves a chain-link fence; opt for natural materials like cedar, which bring privacy while adding plenty of curb appeal
2. Original flooring
Wood floors rank high on the wish list of many homebuyers. Another valuable benefit of original wood floors is the fact that most damage can be sanded out and refinished extremely easily.
3. Stainless steel appliances
Quality always counts, even cheaper homes can benefit from including these. If you spend around $2,000 on new appliances, your home would sell much faster and probably at a higher value. Most first time homeowners do not plan on spending extra money on new appliances, but might be willing to stretch their budget for a home that includes them.
4. Walk-in closets
Walk-in closets have gone from a desired amenity to an expectation nowadays. Lets face it, most of us have too much clutter, and extra space to store that is highly sought after.
5. Fireplace
A fireplace isn't something you can easily add once the home is built, so buyers want it done when they buy the home. Especially for us in the northeast, fireplaces are highly sought after for those cold winters.
6. Formal dining room
The formal dining room is making a comeback -- especially with higher-end homebuyers. Most people will hardly use it, but still want one for the holidays and entertaining.
7. Attic or basement bedrooms
An attic or basement can be a great use of a commonly overlooked area of the home. Just be sure to take permitting seriously as well. A nonconforming bedroom can hurt more than it helps when it comes time to sell.
8. Pool
Depending mostly on the location, this feature can add a great deal of value to a home. Homes in Florida and California benefit from having a pool when the time comes to sell.
9. Exposed brick
Exposed brick is something that many buyers are gravitating towards these days. It adds a sense of character and history to the home. If this is something your home already has, or is hiding behind your Sheetrock, expose the brick! It can add to the purchase price of your home.
10. Mudrooms
Like exposed brick, these specialty spaces tend to be a geographic preference; they're especially popular in New England. This feature is regularly considered an essential for families in the suburbs -- any suburb.
11. Impressive trees
Sometimes money does grow on trees. According to "Green Cities: Good Health," a study by the University of Washington College of the Environment, a mature tree in a yard added 2% to a home's price, while mature trees visible in high-income neighborhoods add 10% to 15% to property values -- especially when they help shade your street.
12. Smart tech
While it might not be as fun as, say, a custom closet, a sprinkler system, high-end programmable thermostat, or other green-tech extra can still be attractive features for your home's next owner. It's all thanks to the general movement toward increasing energy efficiency!
Now that you know what extras are increasing the value of your home, how are you planning on positioning your home for sale?