If your home is 15 years or older, features that were once “standard” are now turn-offs for potential buyers. If you’re considering listing your home, that’s probably not the best news. After all, no homeowner wants to hear their home is “outdated” or that the sale price should be lower.
The good news is that making minor improvements to your home will appeal to new home buyers, and some projects can increase your home’s value! Here are the top six home features you should change ASAP if you plan to sell soon:
- Popcorn Ceilings
We had to start here. Popcorn, cottage cheese, or textured ceilings were standard 30 years ago, but today they scream HUGE PROJECT to potential home buyers. Textured ceilings add shadows, giving the illusion of dark and low ceilings you don’t want.
You’re also at risk for asbestos. If your home was built before 1979, get the ceiling material tested for asbestos before you do anything.
- Poor Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to selling your home. While most people will focus on improving their landscaping, there’s a more significant area you should be concerned about: your roof.
Your roof makes up about 40% of the overall curb appeal of your home. Missing shingles, existing damage, and debris buildup can send a huge red flag to potential homebuyers.
While getting a new roof or fixing repairs may seem a significant expense, doing so before listing your home can get you more money at closing. One study showed that a new roof could increase a home’s overall value by at least $12k.
- Exterior
New siding ranks as HGTV’s number-one upgrade to add value to a home. Old and faded or cracked siding severely damages curb appeal and lumps a home into the “fixer-upper” category. If potential buyers see a damaged and unappealing exterior, they won’t expect much more from the inside. Replacing siding instantly boosts curb appeal. Refreshing the yard with new shrubs and flowers adds curb appeal and makes the home more marketable.
- Laminate / Tile Countertops
Tile countertops are inconvenient, hard to clean, and hard to fix. Laminate countertops can’t handle the heat a kitchen counter should, and it screams “’90s.” Either option signals a remodel for potential buyers – the more work they think they must do, the more scared they get.
Avoid spooking potential buyers by replacing those outdated countertops with marble, granite, quartz, wood, stainless steel, concrete, or soapstone, depending on your home and the neighborhood.
- Dated Fixtures & Hardware
Shiny brass or gold hardware will instantly take your buyers back to the ’80s. Switching them for more contemporary materials like brushed nickel is a relatively inexpensive way to make your kitchen and bathrooms look more modern immediately. If you decide to make the switch, cover all your bases so your house matches throughout. Make sure to check your cabinet hinges and pulls, your door handles, and your lighting fixtures.
- Storm Damage
This isn’t a flashback home feature, but all sellers should know about exterior storm damage. Why is it such a big deal? In one recent survey, 44% said storm damage and costly repairs were their #1 fear in owning a home.
One way to put potential buyers’ minds at ease is to get a professional roof inspection before listing your home. This way, you can have proof that your roof and home are safe!
How many of these features does your home have? At Arnett Roofing and Construction, we provide start-to-finish expertise and service to our residential and commercial clients. Contact us today if you need help with your next home exterior project!
