Best ROI Home Improvements for Home Sellers on a Budget

No one has a more critical eye than potential buyers, and one of the best ways to take away their negotiating power is to minimize (or eliminate!) their mental “to do” list when evaluating your home. Knowing which improvements to prioritize depends mainly on the condition of your home, what comparable houses offer, what buyers in our area typically want, and of course, cost.

Take a look at The Rhoades Team’s most recommended, high return on investment (ROI) updates for selling a house in the Katy, TX and Houston area:

1.  New Paint. Paint is has one of the strongest ROIs of any home improvement a potential seller can make since it gives each room a newer, cleaner feel. Use an eggshell finish and opt for neutral shades, like Sherwin Williams Latte or Balanced Beige, that appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Don’t forget to touch up baseboard and trim paint, too!

2.  Improve the Flooring. Carpets and wood floors are typically one of the first things prospective buyers notice when they step into the room. A professional carpet cleaning or wood floor waxing can be fairly inexpensive, sometimes less than 200. If your floors are beyond the point of cleaning help, consider replacing them before going on the market (don’t add to a buyer’s mental “to do” list, as they’ll probably over-estimate what it truly costs to replace it). Buyers typically prefer hardwood or tile in downstairs areas, but if you must use carpet, invest in great padding. Even inexpensive carpet feels and looks great when installed with a thick pad.

3. Upgrade Hardware and Lighting. Shiny brass fixtures and hardware will date your home (and might make it even seem older than it actually is). Most buyers prefer brushed nickel, stainless steel, or oil-rubbed bronze. Sometimes the update can be as simple as using a little spray paint! Remove old-fashioned fluorescent light tubes where possible (usually in kitchens) and replace with recessed lighting, a big selling point for many buyers since it brightens up the room and creates a more natural-looking light.

4. Bump Up Your Curb Appeal. You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure the front yard is in great shape.

• Trim hedges — no shagginess!
• Mow and water the lawn regularly.
• Add pots of fresh flowers (use neutral colored pots; yellow, red, or pink flowers show up well in MLS photos).
• Re-stain or paint the front door and update door handle hardware.

Our team of Realtors and home staging experts can help you prioritize the most effective, affordable updates to make to your Katy, TX or Houston area home before putting it on the market! Give The Rhoades Team a call at (713) 515-3463 to get started!