Home Improvement Projects to Add Value to Your Home – From Your Friendly Vancouver Mortgage Broker

Home Improvement Projects to Add Value to Your Home – From Your Friendly Vancouver Mortgage Broker

Thinking of selling yourVancouverhome?  Or, maybe you’re trying to sell it, but it’s just not moving. 

Well, I got a great suggestion to help you achieve your goal.  Some homes, especially older ones, could you use a little pick-me-up.

What do I mean? Well, it could be different things for different homes. Some homes only have a single bathroom, or a kitchen that was designed in the 1950’s for example.

If you step back and look at your house from the perspective of the buyer, you just might see some short comings which might be causing them to shake their head and walk away, or say ‘Yuck!’.

I know what you’re thinking – he’s telling us we got to spend a bunch of money. Yes, that’s partially true, but here’s the good news. Many home improvement projects actually have a great ROI (Return on Investment).

A well conceived home improvement project can put most or all of that money back in your pocket. The home you want to sell increases in value because of the all effort you put into it.

It might take a second mortgage or construction loan, but it’s well worth it. Take it from your friendlyVancouvermortgage broker, I just happen to kinda be on top of these things.

Down to brass tacks – What are the most important home improvements you can do to add value to your Vancouver Home?

Here’s my top 5 Vancouver Home Improvement Projects

1. Painting

That’s right! Something as simple as a tasteful coat of paint to both inside and/or outside can make all the difference. It brightens up the place and makes it look fresh and new.

Don’t neglect the outside either because curb appeal is also really important. Just don’t go wild with the colour schemes though. And, if you’re going to do it yourself, take a little time with the prep work and get it just right.

2. Upgrade the Kitchen

This is perhaps one of the most closely scrutinized areas of the home that people look at, because it’s where we spend a lot of time. Upgrading the design of your kitchen with modern cabinets that suit the style of your home, with lots of handy outlets can make all the difference. This can be a pricy project so do some research first.

3. Bathrooms Galore

Life is busy and no one  wants to be lining up at the bathroom in the morning. If you only have one bathroom, then you most definitely want to add another. That’s not all though. Even if you have 2 or more bathrooms, if they’re not in great shape, they definitely can bring down the mood of a perspective buyer.

Adding new faucets, tile, vanity, new mirrors, bath tub or shower can make your place shine.

4. Finish it Up

Have an unfinished basement or the garage needs upgrading? Get it done! People who want to move into your home really don’t want to be taking on any new home improvement projects. Get those bare walls dry walled and painted.

If your gutters are sagging, get them replaced. And please, make sure your roof is in top shape. Nobody wants to watch T.V. while holding an umbrella.

5. Windows and Doors

Buyers in today’s fast paced world want energy efficient windows that don’t leak out the heat in winter, or the air conditioning in summer. If you window and sills are old or even a bit rotten, it’s a real turn off to a prospective home buyer.

The same goes for your doors. If they look beat up or weathered, get the hook and replace them.

Two Home Improvement Projects to Avoid

There are 2 projects that I strongly advise that you completely avoid if you’re thinking of selling your home. They have a really bad ROI and can be a waste of money. Do not add a swimming pool and do not go crazy with the landscaping.

It’s okay to tidy the yard, but if you get extreme, the new buyer may just end up ripping it all out, or walk away because it’s too much. This stuff is okay to do when buying a house and you plan to live there awhile, but not when you’re planning to sell.