When it comes to selling a home, there are many ways to improve the value to ensure top dollar. Even if your luxury home is in impeccable condition, chances are there are home improvement upgrades that will make it more appealing to a broader audience. These improvements could be as simple as ensuring the house is adequately staged or as complex as adding additional square footage. No matter the size of the project, some improvements will create more value than others, and I'm here to give you tips.

Here Sandra Valenzuela shares the best ways to increase your home value using simple improvements.

You have this beautiful luxury home, and the interior looks gorgeous, but the exterior is plain and drab. Odds are buyers will pass your home upon arrival because nothing about it stands out. The best way to combat this is with exceptional curb appeal.

Have those hedges trimmed, flower beds cleaned up, and ensure there are no loose branches or leaf piles. Where necessary, a fresh coat of paint on the house, painting the front door, adding flower pots, and a new welcome mat are all ways to attract buyers. Pressure washing a driveway or sidewalk is key.

Consider hiring someone to upgrade the landscaping entirely if that's preferable. Data shows that improving your home's curb appeal can increase the value of your home by up to seven percent in some cases. Either way, drawing buyers in from the beginning will do wonders for increasing offers and maximizing profits.

 

 

Another great way to maximize outdoor space is to create useable space to enjoy. It's no surprise that people enjoy being outdoors in the gorgeous South Florida weather, so if you make a relaxing space in the backyard, it will increase the value and appeal of your home. If your home doesn't have a deck, add one. Build a firepit and create additional space for people to relax and enjoy a quiet evening in the area’s lovely tropical climate.

Something as simple as adding outdoor lighting to highlight your existing area will pique interest and add value. Does your backyard have a pool, or do you live near the beach? Adding an outdoor shower is an appealing feature that will add value and appeal to people, especially those with children.

Simple home upgrades and adjustments can add appeal and increase value. These changes can be like replacing the kitchen countertops or updating the windows. Consider what will catch a buyer's eye or perhaps what you're looking for in a new home, and make necessary upgrades that way. Other simple improvements like painting the house in neutral shades, updating old fixtures, using modern finishes, and showcasing a well-maintained home with a clean appearance will suffice.

Hiring a home improvement contractor will simplify things and maximize time so your home can go on the market sooner. Additionally, hiring a property manager is also a wise move, as they are knowledgeable in the latest home improvements and what will add the most value to a South Florida home, and will take care of everything for you.

Whether you choose to make minor improvements or not, professionally staging your home will go a long way in ensuring top dollar. Data shows that more than 75% of professionally staged homes sold up to 20% more and sat on the market for less time. Professional companies can help maximize returns because they tend to be well-versed in luxury properties and know how to style your home for the correct audience. They will know current styles, the best home upgrades for your home, and understand specific features of luxury homes to highlight.

Staging varies from simply decluttering and depersonalizing the home to fully refinishing the home furnishings and decor to appeal to a broader audience. The more work put into staging a home, the more profit you'll gain.

 

Unsurprisingly, the kitchen is often considered the "heart of the home" and should be highlighted appropriately. Whether your kitchen is outdated, the layout is not the greatest, or there isn't a ton of storage, updating it will do wonders for the home's value. Many contractors will work with you to figure out the best way to update your kitchen quickly and match your home's style. Updating your kitchen can be time-consuming and costly, but that additional money now will add value and increase earnings later. We have many experienced contractors who work together with us on the home owner’s vision and are very intentional and professional as they have worked in renovations for 15+ years here in Miami. 

 

If you don't have the time to update the kitchen, adding minor upgrades here will still go a long way. Simple things like adding modern touches to the cabinets, new appliances, granite or stone countertops, storage space, and lighting can add appeal and value. Also adding a stone back splash in a kitchen goes a long way for its appeal.

 

We all know that additional square footage can significantly impact the value of your home and its appeal to buyers. You may be looking to move to have more space for your family, but you can still add value and space to your existing home to make it appealing. Because more significant properties sell for more money, it's easy to see how this home improvement will add value for you in the long run.

Consider adding an addition to the house to boost the value and create usable space. This task can be done in various ways, from adding physical additions to increasing functional areas within the existing structure. If you have a space above the garage, you can have an extra bedroom or home office built.

An unfinished basement is another great way to add functional space without expanding the home. Using a basement will add liveable space and create and require minimal contracting, which is a great way to increase the home's value. Adding space outdoors is another way to accomplish this. You can add a guest house or home office if your yard is large enough. Doing this will add space and offer the privacy many people desire.

There are five ways you can add to the value of your home with relative ease. Hiring an exceptional home contractor can make your life easier and get the job done quicker. Contact me today if you're ready to talk about selling your luxury real estate. I'm happy to help.

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