Home Update 2019: Home Improvements That Save Money in the Long Run

According to US News and World Report, 2019 is a good time to put your house on the market. New buyers are entering the market. Interest rates are still low.

Several sources recommend considering a house update to increase market appeal. Declutter, deep clean, and make the house feel open and inviting.

What House Update Will Increase the Marketability of Your Home?

Home improvements add value to your home whether you plan to sell it or to improve your quality of life. Green upgrades can create an instant return on your investment.

Remodeling the Kitchen

According to a recent survey, 80% of homebuyers put the kitchen in the top 3 most important spaces in the house. According to HGTV, kitchen remodels should provide a 70% return on your investment.

Be sure the kitchen updates don’t make it more modern than the rest of the. Simple, low cost upgrades can go a long way.

Put a fresh coat of paint in modern colors on the walls. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models that are Energy Star-rated. This future cost savings appeals to buyers.

You may consider a new faucet if the current one is old, rusty, or outdated. Faucets can be expensive, so shop carefully.

Upgrade the Bathroom

If your house only has one bathroom, you may check the cost/benefit of adding a second bathroom. A half-bath will need 18 square feet.

You can also upgrade bathrooms with fresh paint in light colors. Replace old-looking light fixtures and faucets. Clean the bathroom and remove mold and mildew stains.

If you shop at resale stores, you may be able to find toilets, sinks, counters, showers, or tubs at reasonable prices that could modernize your bathroom.

Add Energy-Efficient Windows

Energy Star-rated windows can save up to $500 in heating and cooling cost each year. The average cost of window replacement is approximately $10,000. Yet, when you look at potential cost savings over time, this can be a good return on investment.

More Ways to Increase Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Add an extra layer of insulation to your attic for approximately $200. This could result in a $2,500 savings per year in utility charges. Likewise, sealing cracks around windows, doors, and other places in your home can increase its energy efficiency.

Consider replacing light fixtures with ones that use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFL fixtures use 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and put out 75% less heat.

Programmable thermostats decrease your energy use by maximizing the air conditioning and heating for times when you are home. When you are away from home, you can program the thermostat to a more economical temperature.

Finally, consider a high-efficiency water heater. Experienced homebuyers will recognize this detail as another cost saving effort.

Replace the Roof

The potential buyer sees the roof first. If the roof doesn’t appear in great shape, this put the buyer ill-at-ease. It doesn’t matter how great the inside of the house is if the roof leaks when it rains.

Consider replacing the roof if needed. Then you can promote this as a positive selling point. When you are ready to find a roofer, click here to receive an estimate and compare local companies.

Is It Time to Find a New Home to Fit Your Needs?

Our company provides expertise for purchasing and selling real estate. We work with residential, multi-family, land, and commercial properties.

We can help you increase marketability with a house update. Our staff can provide design services and resources to meet your goals.

Real estate is our passion. Explore our site today and let us help make your dreams come true.

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