Just the Peaks
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Better Buyer Appeal Without Breaking the Bank
5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Valuable to Buyers
While it’s easy to think that big results require big change, increasing your home’s value doesn’t always require major renovations or huge investments. In fact, there are many ways to make cost-effective improvements that will still significantly increase your home’s overall marketability when you do decide to sell. In the meantime, these simple, yet impactful upgrades will give you a more appealing space without breaking the bank.
Everest Loan Officer, Alex will be walking us through these key strategies. Plus, we’ll be going over ways to finance more costly improvements when needed.
Let’s get upgrading!
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Power Wash Your Siding
You might be surprised at how much a clean exterior can improve your home’s curb appeal. In fact, one of the simplest and most dramatic ways to freshen up your home is through an exterior power wash.
Over time, dirt, mildew, and general grime accumulate on your home’s siding, roof, gutters, and walkways. This can make your home appear more worn and neglected at first glance. Thankfully, a good power washing can restore your home’s shine.
“Another great reason to powerwash is the insight it will give you,” says Alex. “A clean surface can make it much easier to spot areas in need of repair or renovation. Basically, you get immediate impact and benefit for minimal time and cost.”
You can easily rent a powerwasher from your local hardware or home repair chain store. Some local libraries also loan out equipment like powerwashers through their “Library of Things”, so that’s another place to check. You can also hire a professional to do the powerwashing for you if you’re short on time.
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Do Some Landscaping
When it comes to first impressions, little does more to give your home that “wow” factor than fresh, well-maintained greenery. And the great thing is, you don’t have to invest in a complete yard redesign to make things look better. Simple steps like trimming hedges, mowing grass, adding mulch, or planting perennial flowers in porch pots can go a long way in boosting your home’s overall appeal.
“A well-maintained yard or garden is a low-cost investment that adds visual interest to your property,” explains Alex. “The more you can help people visualize themselves living in the space you’re selling, the more likely you are to get a reasonable offer.”
You can easily DIY most gardening projects with a few plants, a couple of bags of mulch, and a shipment of quarry stones. Many cities also have gardening programs to help boost local ecosystems. Check your city website and local library for news on gardening groups, seed exchanges, and composting initiatives.
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Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Energy efficient improvements not only make your home more sustainable, they can also raise its market value. With the cost of living rising at a steady rate, many buyers are attracted to homes with lower utility bills.
“Energy efficient updates don’t need to be complicated,” says Alex. “Consider replacing old windows, upgrading insulation, or installing energy-efficient appliances. Even small changes like swapping out incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs or adding a smart thermostat can significantly reduce energy costs.”
Many of these updates can be done yourself, with just a quick trip to the hardware store. Other renovations, whether you hire someone or not, may also qualify for reimbursement from your local or federal government—especially larger-scale additions such as solar panels. Either way, with buyers willing to pay more for your home, you can earn a significant return on your investment.
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Refresh Your Walls
A new coat of paint or a layer of wallpaper is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to update a space. Painting is particularly inexpensive, though costs can vary depending on the size of the room and the type of paint you choose. Painting the exterior of your home is another similar upgrade. This can be pricier, but the boost in curb appeal is often worth the investment.
“If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to go all-out to make a difference,” Alex says. “Even just a single accent wall can brighten an entire room. If you have a lighter color wall, you can also try sponge painting a thinner layer of color. This will use less paint and create a unique texture.”
The great thing about this kind of renovation is that it’s simple for anyone to do with little to no training involved. Just follow the directions on your can of paint or box of wallpaper and get going. To reduce troublesome splatter, be sure to cover anything you don’t want to paint with painter’s tape, plastic, or dropcloth fabric—and wear some clothes you won’t mind getting dirty.
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Touch-Up the Details
Just like Alex said a moment ago: the smallest changes can make a big difference in your home’s buyer appeal during a showing. Here are some ideas:
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Replace your old mailbox
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Refinish your house number
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Paint your front door
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Add some yard decorations
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Replace torn screens
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Polish floors and clean carpets
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Add a stylish cover to worn furniture
“People often overlook these little things but they can create a positive impact without significant investment,” Alex explains. “And often, there are funding options and reimbursements available for some of the bigger projects; you just need to know where to look.”
Let’s talk about home improvement financing.
While the updates we’ve already mentioned are relatively affordable, larger projects like solar panel installations or kitchen remodels may require more substantial financial investment. Fortunately, home buyers have several options to get this done:
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Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit – If you have significant equity in your home, you can take out a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). These options typically come with lower interest rates than standard credit cards. Plus, the interest may be tax-deductible if the funding is used for home improvement projects.
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Personal Loan – Personal loans are an unsecured option for those who need to fund smaller projects. Speak with your loan officer about the options you may have based on your credit history and the purpose for the funding.
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Cash-Out Refinance – If you plan to refinance your mortgage anyway, a cash-out refinance can be a helpful funding option. Essentially, you’ll receive the difference between your new mortgage and the old one—and you can use that for renovations.
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Credit Cards – For the smallest projects on your list, using a 0% APR credit card can be an effective way to finance. Just be sure to pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid high interest rates.
“The important thing to remember with any costly renovations is that even interest from a loan can be worth it,” says Alex. “An experienced professional can help you track trends in the local housing market—to see which renovations might have a larger impact on buyers. In the end, whatever work you’ve done may just pay for itself.”
In fact, with the right partners, you can learn valuable skills and strategies that will be invaluable to you in the future. From basic home DIY skills to financing to government funding, you’ll be in a better position anytime you decide to sell your home, refinance a loan, or start the estate planning process. In the meantime, just kick back and enjoy the more beautiful, more efficient space you’ve created.
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