The property improvements that buyers actually want.
Considering selling and seeking to add thousands of dollars to the value of your home?
Well, it’s the little things that make all the difference, according to our national network of agents, and often these improvements can be more cost-effective than you think.
So where should you direct your attention if you’re considering making improvements to a property prior to selling?
Big-ticket items
Swimming pool? Extension? New outdoor entertaining area or an overhaul of the bathroom? It can be tough to decide where to invest on big-ticket items that are most likely to appeal to buyers.
But the reality is some of these features come with a hefty price tag and they may not reap you the return you want.
For example, as great as a swimming pool is on a hot summer’s afternoon, buyers are also wary of the costs and maintenance involved, so unless you intend to get your money’s worth out of it prior to selling, it may not be the best use of your funds.
Instead, research indicates things like car accommodation such as off-street parking or a two-car garage are likely to appeal, along with a refresh of those high-use areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
A lick of paint
Highly cost-effective and truly transformative, a quick lick of paint is perhaps the best improvement you can make to a property prior to sale.
Couple that with some new carpets and window treatments and entire areas can be given a new lease on life in a very short period.
Then it comes down to the little things, such as lamps, rugs, and cushions to tie together the look, and the result can make a big difference to how a property presents and feels.
Best of all, each of these improvements is relatively inexpensive but together they help cement that positive first impression that creates property appeal.
Three key areas
When it comes to making that all-important great first impression, there are three key areas where it pays to direct your attention.
These are:
- The entrance, including garden and facade
- The bathrooms
- The kitchen
In each instance, a renovation is not necessarily required, but instead it comes down to repairs, tidying and an overall refresh.
Cast a critical eye over the front of your property and consider the impression it makes. Does it need a clean, a repaint, some repairs or an improvement? Would a fence or some garden maintenance make all the difference?
The property entrance is the first thing that piques buyer’s interest, so ensure it lives up to expectations by creating a wow factor that invites people to look inside.
Meanwhile, the kitchens and the bathrooms should be neat, tidy and appealing, and again this can be achieved by minor improvements like painting, benchtops, tapware and even towels or decorator items that create a welcoming feel.
The devil is in the detail
Regardless of what improvements you make, the devil is always in the detail. Any repairs or renovations should be executed to the highest standard.
While you’re at it, do look around the property for any areas that require a little TLC. Whether it’s a small cornice crack, a leaning fence, or dirty gutters, it’s often that little (and easily fixable) thing that raises red flags with potential buyers.
How we can help
If you’re considering buying or selling a property, why not chat with one of our friendly agents to understand the state of play in your local market?
We’re not just about property, but the people and the stories behind it. You can also view our list of currently available properties here.
