You might feel lucky if you own a home. Many Americans dream of being able to do this, and struggle to do it but never actually accomplish it. In truth, you’re probably not that lucky for owning a home as you likely got it through your own smart planning, hard work, and even blood, sweat, and tears.
It can feel bittersweet putting such a thing on the market, but if you’re moving into a newer home that suits you better, or just changing what part of the country you live in, it might still be an upgrade to the quality of your life.
You know that your home is likely one of your most valuable assets, financially speaking, and so you want to get the most you can for it. It is not at all uncommon to do renovations and even property enhancements before an appraisal in order to get the most value you can for it. The question is, do you know how to increase your home value for appraisal?
You can easily come up with a list of possible projects to do around the house that you can think of, but are they worth it? You are limited to how much time you have before going on market, as well as your renovation budget. You might extend that budget with using credit cards, but can you be sure you’ll get your money back?
It’s well worth it to consult a real estate agent or professional who knows the local market and what buyers are looking for. You might discover that blowing tens of thousands on a renovated kitchen is a bad idea when many buyers like customizing their own when they move in. You could also find out that something like a finished garage or basement is more valuable than a swimming pool in the backyard.
It’s great to avoid the expensive projects that wouldn’t return much value or even cost you more than they boost the appraisal value. It’s even more beneficial to find out what specific projects don’t cost that much but add the most to the appraisal value. Smart home technology, new appliances and fixtures, and enhanced windows and doors don’t cost but a few thousand in many cases, and yet can add over ten grand in some markets.
Once you do have a list of possibilities and know which ones are good ideas, then you have to decide whether or not you’re doing the work yourself to save money or hiring contractors to do it. If you can find a contracting agency in town that works with flippers, then you might have a great resource to use. If you’re able to move out of the home before the work, possibly temporarily into an apartment, then the contractors have free rein to get the work done well and fast, and then you can even stage the home professionally for viewings and tours when it’s on the market.