• Finish the Basement

While below grade spaces aren’t typically counted toward the square footage of a home, finishing the basement can have a huge impact on a buyer’s opinion of the home. With good lighting, quality finishing, and nice flooring, a finished basement can provide opportunity for extra bedrooms, work from home space, or workout space. Consider building in storage for an extra boost. Check with your local building department regarding any required permits - especially if you’re going to add bedrooms below grade.

• Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions really do matter - especially when it comes to home sales. Ensure that the exterior of your home is in good repair. Some renovations are more costly than others, such as repainting the house or replacing the garage door. If it’s in your budget, repainting the entire house can be one of the fastest ways to boost your curb appeal as well as make your home attractive to buyers with VA or FHA loans. If you’re keeping within a smaller budget, repainting the front door could be just the boost your home needs. Don’t neglect the landscaping either. Buyers are spending more time at home than ever before so outdoor spaces have a larger impact than ever.

• Replace Flooring

New, pretty floors have a big impact on how a buyer perceives your home. While hardwood is always the top choice, it can be pretty expensive. Consider replacing carpet or worn out flooring with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring instead. It tends to be quick and easy to install and comes in tons of different styles. Good flooring gives buyers confidence in your home; they want to purchase a home that has been well taken care of. Good floors project confidence to buyers.

• Add a Deck 

With so many people working from home these days, outdoor spaces are particularly important to buyers. Adding a deck, or increasing the size of an existing deck, can bring a high return on investment. Buyers see the space as extra square footage for living, working, and entertaining. Be sure to check your local building codes for restrictions on deck height, size, and setbacks. If your home is guided by an HOA or CC&Rs, be sure to check those too before beginning to build. 

• Upgrade the Kitchen 

The kitchen is typically the heart of the home. While a major kitchen renovation won’t usually give a high ROI, minor kitchen renos can bring a huge return. Instead of ripping out and replacing all existing cabinets, consider giving them a facelift by refacing or painting cabinet doors and installing modern hardware. Update the countertop with low maintenance quartz or granite. Replace lighting fixtures with brighter, more energy efficient bulbs and consider swapping out old appliances for new models.

• Replace the Roof

This one sounds expensive, but may have the highest ROI of anything on the list. Replacing the roof comes with a big price tag, averaging $7,500 according to NARs “Remodeling Impact Report;” however, the average return on investment for a roof replacement is $8,000! This is one of the few home improvement projects that will typically translate directly to more money in your pocket. Be sure to get a great transferable warranty too from a local company such as Linkville Roofing and Siding. They offer a 50 year warranty which is sure to give buyers confidence.