As parents, we know that we have to provide the best for our children, and that includes the best home and living conditions as well. If youโre planning on expanding the family within the next year or two, upgrading your living situation may also be in the scope before the new family addition. But h
If you own a two- or three-bedroom home, it may be just the right time to make some upgrades before selling your house and move before the baby comes rather than waiting until after.
If youโre not a homeowner, here are some alternate tips for buying your first home. Depending on your local real estate market, it may make financial sense to start making some upgrades to your home, so you get
1. Update the Kitchen
Home buyers tend to be serious about their kitchens. A newly renovated kitchen is a major selling feature for a home. Even a small-scale renovation could substantially enhance the kitchen, adding some smart technology can not only improve the appearance drastically but is likely to increase the value of the home and impress potential buyers.
Upgrading the 10+ year old linoleum flooring, new energy-efficient appliances, and especially new countertops (buyers like granite or quartz counters) can really change the setting of your kitchen. Even smaller upgrades like LED modern lighting fixtures can reduce the homes ecological footprint and if there is room for it – kitchen islands are fairly inexpensive too.
2. Bathroom Renovations
While spare bathrooms are seen by many, master bathrooms are more likely to be seen by few; however, keeping the same style of upgrades may help keep consistency throughout the home. Starting with some of the most inexpensive bathroom upgrades: sinks, faucets, towel hangers and even upgrading the toilet can transform a mediocre bathroom to a visually appealing space for you and your guests to use the facilities.
Catering the home decor to women and still including what men should have in their bathroom may also attract more potential buyers. On the higher end side and focusing more on the master bathroom, replace the old tub or shower with spa-like features including a soaking tub, possibly a separate or second shower area, and well-toned paint can go a long way too to increase the value of
3. Outdoor Landscaping
While outdoor landscaping isnโt a โhouseโ upgrade, it is a property enhancement which increases overall curb appeal and the value of the home as well. A home with poor curb appeal can turn off potential buyers right from the moment they drive up to your house. While there may be more privacy in the backyard, the front yard is what the public sees first.
Keeping the bushes and trees trimmed will keep it looking fresh, while adding some colorful flowers surrounded by some garden brick can really dress up the front yard. Next, take time to transform the porch. Look at your front door โ does it look inviting? If it doesnโt need replaced, a nice, fresh, coat of paint could truly upgrade the curb appeal. Updating porch lighting fixtures and shutters can also be cheap DIY home improvements to increase the overall value of the home.
When youโre expecting a baby, time seems to fly by too quickly so you should start the upgrades sooner than later. If youโre planning on selling a house, be sure to keep these home improvements in mind. Making these types of investments is something that sellers can often recoup when they sell the house. Many sellers will increase their asking price in order to ensure they recoup most of those home improvement costs and increase the value of the home.
