subject: Making Minor Improvements to Your Property [print this page] Making Minor Improvements to Your Property
One of the most vital things you can do to boost value to your property, as well as the most cost-effective, is to give the outside some attention. When you enter and leave a property, exterior is the first and last image you will look at, so it stands to reason that it has to look good to a visiting buyer. If you are thinking about selling your property you will have a lot of competition, so make sure your property looks fantastic. Be critical when looking at your house, see it as others see it. The garden - does it look like it requires some effort? Is the lawn short and neat? Does the property look spotless and free from rubbish? In today's market there are many ways to boost the curb appeal of your property, but keep in mind that not all necessarily add more resale value but just add a nice aesthetic touch to your home. Furthermore, a great first appearance of a property can add as much as 5 to 10 percent to the value.
Door Quality
One of the first things a prospective property buyer will notice is the front door. If the door needs a face-lift think about replacing it with a glass door that has lead or coloured glass panels, or if it doesn't need replacing but could do with livening up, decorate around the door. An affordable way to make your property feel more homely is by installing sidelights. The additional light will create space and make a narrow or small entryway seem larger. By improving the front door and the area around it will definitely give a good impression even if it doesn't add much, if any, value to the property.
Windows
Windows need to be serviceable as well as appealing and a buyer will assess your home on both these points in mind Windows need to be well insulated as well as keep out noise. Different window glass has different energy ratings, so are your windows energy efficient? Are the windows made out of safety glass and do they lock easily? If you are thinking about replacing your windows, make sure these issues are taken into consideration. Something else to look at is not just replacing but also upgrading to bigger windows which will let more light into the home, making the rooms look larger and open to the world. A house that is dark can feel claustrophobic, prospective buyers want to purchase a house that feels light and airy.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a big part in the appeal of any property, so if your landscaping looks like it could do with an overhaul look at paying for a professional, or even try improving it yourself with items such as plants in pretty plant pots. Gardenrooms, gazebos, patios and decks, and their integration with the surrounding area, are best handled by landscape architects and designers. Paying for that kind of knowledge isn't cheap; however, professional landscaping proved to add up to 20 percent to the property value, as much as the return on a new kitchen or bathroom. Did you also know that a property that has mature trees on the land literally boost 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 properties have increased by 7 to 19 percent.. I have several fruitful years in working as a realtor in Richmond BC Canada and witnessed how minor renovations boosted a house in the market!
