Home Projects That Boost Value

Whether youre planning to move soon or not, its smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when its time to sell."

Thats why, before you pick up a power tool or call a contractor, your first step should be talking to a local agent.

Planning Ahead Pays Off

If you plan to move relatively soon, youll want to get a jump start on your to-do list. And even if moving isnt on your radar yet, life can change quickly and a new job, a growing family, or shifting priorities can fast-track your plans. You dont want to be scrambling to fix up your home if your timeline changes.

Smart updates now = fewer headaches later.

By planning ahead, you can spread out the work over time, which is easier on your wallet and your stress levels. Plus, youll get to enjoy the upgrades while youre still living there and have the peace of mind your house is ready to impress when it's time to list.

What Buyers Want (and Whats Actually Worth Doing)

If youre not sure which projects are worth your time and money here's some information that can help. A study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows which upgrades typically offer the best return on your investment (ROI) (see graph below):

If an update you're already thinking about overlaps with those high-ROI upgrades, great. Odds are it'll improve your quality of life now and your homes value later.

But dont take this list as law. This is based on national data and is the sort of thing that's going to vary based on whats most sought-after where you live. Thats where your agent comes in. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:

The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvementsespecially if youre planning to sell soonis to talk to a real estate agent who is an expert in your market. Theyre sure to know the local trends, and they can show you how other homes with the features you want to add are selling. That way, you can make an educated decision before you start ordering lumber and knocking down walls.

You'll just want to make sure you don't overdo it. Too many high-end updates can make your home the priciest in the neighborhood. That might sound great, but it can actually turn buyers away if it's outside their expected price range for the area. The right agent will help you make smart updates that buyers will love, without going overboard.

Whether the project is big or small, it pays to be strategic. And an agent is a key piece of that strategy.

Bottom Line

It doesnt matter whether you plan to move soon or not, it can still pay off to make strategic updates thatll help you love your home now and stand out later.

Whats one upgrade youve been thinking about and wondering if its worth it? Connect with a local agent to make sure itll pay off when the time comes.

Venessa James - Broker Associate    

ABR, ALHS, CHMS, MCNE, LUXE, SFR, SRS  

Platinum Experience Group - KW Professionals 

(281) 889-8292 platinumexperiencegroup.com

Integrity, Experience, Results