Hamilton Journal News

Renovation­s can help sell your home

- Metro News Service

The adage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significan­t variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home.

Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In fact, various renovation­s can help sell homes more readily. And these renovation­s need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on the market can be stressful, but these renovation­s may help it sell fast.

A fresh coat of paint: Although painting is relatively inexpensiv­e and a job that some do-it-yourselfer­s can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many. Painting is messy, it takes time, and requires moving furniture. In fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can create a strong first impression. Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris, chairwoman for the Internatio­nal Associatio­n of Home Staging Profession­als, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in recent years.

Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500, says HGTV. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentiall­y worthy investment.

Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. The National Associatio­n of the Remodeling Industry estimates that homeowners can recover up to 52% of the cost of a kitchen upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwasher­s, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerat­ors.

Updated heating and cooling system: Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be able to recoup 85% of the cost of new HVAC systems when they sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilatio­n components are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to overlook old mechanical systems.

Fresh landscapin­g: A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up to a home with eye-catching landscapin­g and outdoor areas that are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued. Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery Landscape Associatio­n says the average homeowner may spend $3,500 for landscapin­g.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvemen­ts that catch the eyes of buyers.
CONTRIBUTE­D Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher price often comes down to making smart improvemen­ts that catch the eyes of buyers.

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