make the yard more attractive
The front and back side of any house are the main areas. Many people judge a home based on what they see on the outside – so you want the front yard to be a great curb appeal. Likewise, the backyard should be attractive and should be a space that can be used for relaxing, entertaining, and more.
According to Consumer Reports, you should think of your home’s patio as an opportunity to expand the livable space. If you can “expand” the home, it may be more attractive and worth more. For example, adding a deck or patio with a seating area, a built-in grill or BBQ area, or an outdoor dining area will create defined, usable space outside.
Additionally, you can add value to your yards by simplifying them. Overgrown plants and weeds can seem like a lot of maintenance—and can make your home less attractive. Cutting down on the number of plants and eliminating any messy areas can make for a much easier place to manage.
Possible price hike: Your home may sell for 3 to 5 percent more.
paint the interior and exterior
A fresh coat of paint may seem like a really simple upgrade, but it can actually do a lot for your home and its financial value. Over time, due to various types of weather and wear and tear of all kinds, your home’s paint can become chipped, damaged, and discolored, both inside and out.
Painting both the exterior and interior of your home can increase both its appeal and value. A freshly painted house is more attractive and well taken care of. It also reduces the burden of potential buyers; When they first move in, they won’t have to work too hard for the paint job.
When you’re choosing paint to add value to your home, you’ll want to choose carefully. Some colors can reduce financial value, while others can increase it. According to Consumer Reports, neutral colors are often the best choice — white and off-white are the most appealing to potential buyers. Other neutral colors like beige are also classic colors that never go out of style.
Possible price hike: You can add 1 to 2 percent to the value of your home.
