If you’re planning to sell your home in Minnesota, you might be considering making some repairs and upgrades before listing it. While certain changes can increase your property’s value in the long run, not all upgrades are created equal. Some can end up being costly mistakes that turn off potential buyers.
While updating and beautifying your home can attract more potential buyers, it’s crucial to avoid making too many upgrades or investing in things that won’t significantly increase your property’s value. Some upgrades can even have the opposite effect and deter buyers.
Before you grab your toolbox and start renovating, it’s best to focus on making necessary repairs and investing in upgrades that will pay for themselves by substantially increasing your home’s value. This approach can help you maximize your return on investment and make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
Don’t Add a Pool Unless YOU are Swimming In It
Adding a pool to your home may seem like a great idea for increasing its value, but the reality is quite different. The price you pay for a pool cannot simply be added to the previous value of your home. In fact, it’s common for homeowners to spend upwards of $50,000 to install a new pool, only to see a marginal increase of a couple of thousand dollars in their asking price.
Unless you plan on using the pool regularly for years to come, it’s unlikely that a pool will add more value to your home than what it costs to install and maintain. In many cases, a pool can actually end up costing you more than it adds to the value of your home.
If you’re considering adding a pool to your home, it’s essential to do your research and carefully consider the costs and benefits. In some cases, it may be a better investment to focus on other upgrades or repairs that will add more value to your property in the long run.Point blank: A pool doesn’t provide returns.
Don’t Get So Personal
It’s best to avoid overly customized designs when making upgrades to your home. This can include anything from unique kitchen or bathroom designs to bold-colored rooms that may not appeal to everyone. While these customizations may reflect your personal taste and style, they can limit the appeal of your home to potential buyers.
Instead, consider creating a more neutral environment that will appeal to a wider range of buyers. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in toning down bold colors and making your home more visually appealing. Remember, a can of paint is much less expensive than a total room overhaul.
By creating a neutral environment, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home, which can lead to more offers and a higher selling price. It’s important to keep in mind that you’re selling your home, not your personal style, and making upgrades with mass appeal in mind can help you maximize your return on investment.
Don’t Decide for Your Buyers
If there are obvious repairs or upgrades needed, don’t make them. Instead, provide a credit to the buyer, so they can have things done the way they want. It can be a great incentive when buyers have the ability to decide on the details of the home. People will be attracted to the idea of choosing their own countertops and lighting fixtures. Point Blank: Don’t make upgrades based on your own personal enjoyment or taste.
Leave the Basement Alone
Do you have a house with an unfinished basement? If, so… leave it that way. The costs to finish the basement aren’t worth what you will get back. Plus, many buyers will choose to renovate those areas on their own terms. If you haven’t renovated it while you lived there, there is no reason to do it now that you are trying to sell. Point Blank: An unfinished basement is best left that way.
Make the Space Intentional
Keep the rooms as they were intended. Extra bedroom? Keep it a bedroom, not an office. Let the prospective buyers decide how they want to use the space. A room conversion will only knock down the perceived value. A 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home will get more traction than a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom + den at the same price. Also, a gym/office/library/breakfast nook can become confusing. Point blank: Plan your space with purpose.
What are the Neighbors Doing?
Take a look at other homes in your neighborhood and keep your upgrades somewhere in the middle. If you go too far with your add-ons, you will be targeting high-end buyers. And maybe your neighborhood isn’t known for that. In addition, you will alienate buyers who love your neighborhood but don’t want to pay the high price. Point blank: Keep your property competitive within your neighborhood, but don’t take it too far!