When it comes to selling your home, timing is everything—including when to make those crucial home upgrades. The key is to strike a balance between enjoying the improvements yourself and ensuring they look fresh and appealing to potential buyers. Here’s a timeline for when to tackle specific home upgrades to maximize your return on investment:
7 to 10 years out
- Redo your landscaping: Invest in landscaping that improves with age and is likely to remain timeless.
- Update the garage door: Enhance curb appeal with a new garage door, a top upgrade for ROI.
- Replace your roof: Consider replacing an old roof for immediate insurance savings and added selling points.
- Keep up on repairs: Don’t delay necessary repairs, as they help maintain the value of your home.
5 years out
- Replace major systems: Upgrade HVAC, plumbing, and other long-life systems to showcase their modernity.
- Check items with warranties: Assess items with current warranties, such as windows and appliances, while they are still covered.
- Switch out your front door: Consider replacing the front door to boost curb appeal and energy efficiency.
2 years out
- Reno the kitchen or bathroom: Plan a renovation for these key areas, but carefully select timeless decor to avoid dating.
- Get to organizing: Declutter and organize storage areas, closets, and the garage to prepare for selling.
1 year or less
- Redo flooring: Refinish or replace flooring, especially if it’s worn or dated.
- Roll on a fresh coat of paint: Refresh walls with a new coat of paint to make the home look well-maintained.
- Replace all your accessory items: Upgrade bedding, furnishings, and fixtures to give the home a fresh, new look.
Strategically plan your home upgrades to enjoy them while maximizing their appeal and value when the time comes to sell. Remember, seeking advice from a local real estate agent and hiring professionals for major renovations can help ensure cost-effective and attractive updates for your home.
Source: Realtor.com
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Shirin Rezania Ramos | 858.345.0685 | www.shirinramos.com | Compass, DRE 0203379
