When looking at improving the value of your house, the most cost-effective action to do this is to improve the external. When you enter and leave a house, exterior is the first and last image you will see, so it stands to reason that it needs to look good to a visiting buyer. We all know first impressions are important, this also covers your house. Be analytical when looking at your house, see it as buyers see it. How is the grounds? Is the grassed area short and tidy? Does the house look clean and tidy? Of course, not everything you do to the external area will increase the value, some will just be a nice touch therefore more appealing. Furthermore, a decent first appearance of a house can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value.
Door Quality
Your front door is the doorway into your house, so it is going to be one of the first things a prospective buyer will see. If the door needs a face-lift think about replacing it with a glass door that has lead or coloured glass panels, but if it doesn't need replacing but could do with cheering up, decorate around the door. Sidelights will add sparkle and shine both from the inside as well as the outside of the house. Light produces the feeling of space, making a narrow or tiny porch area appear more spacious. Money-wise, you're not looking at a large value-booster, but this little modification greatly affects the first impression of a viewer.
Windows
When viewers look at windows, they not only assess the appeal but their usefulness, too. Have your windows got good insulation is the glass double-glazed? Different glass has different energy ratings, so are your windows energy efficient? All the locking mechanisms need to be in good working order and secure and the glass needs to free from damage. Look at all these issues if you decide to replace your windows. If your windows are little and you are replacing them, think about installing larger windows to let in more light and make inside rooms look bigger. Purchasers buy space and light; who walks into a really dark property and says, 'I love this'.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a big part in the appeal of any house, so if your landscaping looks like it could do with an overhaul look at hiring a professional, or even try improving it yourself with items such as plants in colourful plant pots. Conservatories, gazebos, patios and wooden decks, and their integration with the surrounding garden, are best handled by landscape architects and designers. Paying for a professional is never the cheap way forward, but if you do then you could see your home value go up by as much as 20 percent. Did you also know that a house that has mature trees on the land actually increases the saleability? Numerous organizations have conducted surveys on this; not only did they find it was fact but also if your property is well landscaped and you have mature trees then the value of homes have increased by 7 to 19 percent.. I have number fruitful years in working as a realtor in Richmond BC Canada and saw how small renovations kick started a house in the market!
picture by Robnik
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