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Maximize Your Home’s Value with Strategic Improvements

Thinking about selling your home? Making strategic improvements can significantly enhance its appeal to potential buyers. Many projects can “pay for themselves” by boosting your home’s sale price. Read on for advice on smart home improvement investments that fit a variety of budgets.

Which Home Improvements Add the Most Value?

Start by addressing issues that affect your home’s safety or structural integrity, such as repairing a leaky roof or fixing a chimney. These are essential repairs that, if left unaddressed, could reduce your home’s value. Once these are taken care of, you can focus on improvements based on your budget and their potential return on investment (ROI).

Projects That Cost $5,000 or Less

• Yard Cleanup: Enhance curb appeal by replacing overgrown shrubs, trimming trees, and refreshing flowerbeds.
• Exterior Touch-Up: Repaint doors, trim, and other accents. Replace outdated light fixtures and door hardware.
• Thorough Cleaning: Use a home-detailing service to clean your home’s interior, including carpets and walls.
• Appliance Upgrade: Replace aging appliances to give your home a more contemporary feel.
• Lighting Overhaul: Update light fixtures with modern designs and LED bulbs.
• Smart-Home Features: Install smart thermostats, doorbell cameras, and lighting controls.

Projects That Cost $10,000 or Less

• Interior Painting: Repaint the interior with warm, neutral shades to provide a sense of newness.
• Cabinet Facelift: Reface or replace kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors and hardware.
• Ceiling Makeover: Replace outdated ceilings with modern styles and enhanced lighting.
• Carpeting and Flooring: Replace old carpeting with new, neutral-colored carpeting or hardwood flooring.

Projects That Cost $15,000 or Less

• Exterior Makeover: Give your house a facelift with new siding or a full exterior paint job.
• Open Up a Room: Remove walls to create more open space inside your home.
• Add or Enhance Insulation: Improve energy efficiency with better insulation.
• New Windows: Update windows to improve energy efficiency and aesthetics.

How to Pay for Presale Home Improvements

If you don’t have sufficient savings, consider these financing options:

• Home Equity Loan: Borrow a lump sum using your home equity as collateral.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Use your home equity as a borrowing limit for ongoing expenses.
• Personal Loan: Unsecured loans that don’t require collateral but may have higher interest rates.
• Credit Cards: Use a 0% introductory interest rate card for short-term financing.

The Bottom Line

Making home improvements before selling can significantly influence your home’s appeal and sale price. Consult with a real estate agent to determine the most effective projects for your property. If you need financing, review your credit report and FICO® Score to understand your standing before applying for credit.

For any mortgage-related needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you make the best financial decisions for your home.

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