Are you thinking of selling your home? Whether you’re planning to do it right away or in the next year or two, you may be wondering if you should make some changes first. The truth is, renovations can pay off in the form of a higher return—but they’re not all created equal.

In this post, we’ll look at whether it makes sense to improve your property before you sell it…

Many renos don’t offer a worthwhile return

Many homeowners opt to redo their kitchens, add a spare bedroom, or install a pool—all the while knowing they’ll sell their property soon. While they may enjoy these upgrades until they decide to move, the main motivation is often increasing their eventual sale price.

The unfortunate thing is, many large-scale improvements don’t pay off in the long run. In other words: if you’re planning an expensive project, make sure it’s something you’ll get a lot of use out of (and if future buyers will pay a pretty penny for it, that’s a bonus).

Small improvements or repairs that can provide value

While overhauling entire rooms may not lead to the boost you’re hoping for, there are some smaller improvements that can make buyers look more favourably at your home. Here are just a few examples of upgrades that could have an impact on your property value.

Refacing your kitchen cabinets

Outdated kitchen cabinets will catch a home buyer’s eye quickly—for all the wrong reasons. While completely replacing them can be very costly, refacing is a less expensive option that can make a significant positive impression. Having a beautiful new veneer applied to your cabinets can change the entire look and feel of your kitchen.

Bathroom improvements

There are a lot of relatively small things you can do to dramatically improve the aesthetic of your bathroom. You can install concrete or natural stone for your vanity, or update your fixtures (i.e. swap out your brass taps and faucets with brushed metal options). If you have a bathroom with a shower-tub combo, opt for a soak tub or sleek shower stall instead (just make sure you have at least one bathtub and one shower in your house).

Investing in landscaping

Studies show that landscaping can add up to 20 per cent to the value of your home. Of course, you have to do it strategically. Your lawn should be green and trim, and aesthetically pleasing features should take centre stage. Lighting, fences, shrubbery, garden paths—it can all add to the value of your property.

Give it a coat of paint

It’s one of the easiest ways to give your home an instant boost. A fresh coat of paint in a popular neutral shade can increase your future buyer pool and add thousands of dollars to your bottom line. Consider doing your research and choosing hues strategically.

The power of pre-listing home preparations

While it’s true that some relatively small improvements can lead to higher returns, working with your agent to prepare your home can often have an even bigger impact. From deep cleaning and decluttering to staging and small repairs, pre-listing changes can be truly transformative.

Fortunately, a well-connected and experienced local agent will have a strong professional network—and they’ll know when to tap into it. They’ll be able to advise you on the impression your home currently makes. For this reason, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional before making major changes solely to boost your property’s value.

For over 36 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. Contact us today to talk about your needs, by emailing us at evan@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888 ext. 772.