Best Ways to Increase Your Home Value Before Selling
The Lehigh Valley Real Estate Market
In 2018, the Lehigh Valley housing market looked like a roller coaster, as a dramatic increase in prices coincided with a steep decline in the number of houses available on the open market. Contrast 2018 to 2019, when the Lehigh Valley housing market stabilized to establish record home prices. The median home sale price in Lehigh Valley in 2019 set the record at $216,500, which represented a median home price not seen in the Pennsylvania community since 2007.
As we enter spring 2020, how do Lehigh Valley homeowners continue to reap the financial reward of rising home prices? In other words, what are the best ways to increase your home value before selling?
Enhance Curb Appeal
They say you cannot judge a book by its cover, but that is not true when judging the value of a home based on its curb appeal. How your house looks from the street represents one of the most important factors that determine the value of your home. Improving the curb appeal of your home not only adds value, it also makes more prospective buyers want to ring the front door bell to see what is inside.
The first place to enhance the curb appeal of your home is the front lawn. You can plant flowers along the walkway to the front door, as well as trim bushes and hedges to create a uniform appearance. Fresh paint in an understated color on the shutters is another idea for improving the curb appeal of your house. For the front side of your house, power wash away the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the winter months.
No Maintenance
When you buy a new car, your kick the tires, so to speak. This means you conduct a thorough inspection or have a professional perform an inspection to ensure you do not have to deal with any major maintenance issues. Apply the same principle for prospective homeowners. Make sure the roof is in mint condition by either repairing holes or installing a new roof. Check large appliances such as the furnace and water heater to ensure the appliances operate flawlessly.
Energy Efficiency Matters
Home buyers purchase much more than the infrastructure of a house. They are also buying the utility bills that come with the home. Conserving energy by installing solar panels or cleaning out the current HVAC system can make a huge difference on how your home is priced. This is especially true for homes in exceptionally hot or cold climates. Lehigh Valley, PA experiences wild temperature swings, which makes home energy efficiency a top priority. Consider adding double-paned windows to keep out Old Man Winter, as well as install thick insulation in the attic. You can also transition to more energy efficient appliances and LED light fixtures as well.
Create an Outdoor Living Space
The larger your property, the higher a home’s value. If you cannot increase the square footage around your property, do the next best thing by optimizing some of the current space available on your property. By adding a custom pergola or installing a backyard deck, you increase the functional square footage of your home, which translates to a higher home value. One home value increasing idea is to set up a second kitchen located outside near the entrance to the first kitchen.
Utilize Smart Home Technology
You do not have to be a techie to benefit from installing smart home technology. From remotely controlled thermostats to multi-layer locking systems, you can increase the value of your home by making it smarter. Adding smart technology appliances also makes your home more energy efficient. You can transform your home into a smart technology paradise, without busting the home improvement budget.
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