First impressions are lasting. Some buyers won't even look at a a listing that doesn't have good curb appeal. Today's buyers are picky. There is no sense of urgency in the market, so buyers are holding out for the best home that they can find that will work for them for years to come. In some areas there are a lot of homes for sale. it is important to make sure that buyers will be attracted to your home before they even walk through the door.
The top 10 most cost effective improvements nationally were for exterior projects. Curb appeal is a important as ever, and may be more so in this market.
Sprucing up the front yard for sale needn't be costly. Clean out weeds and dead plants. Add flowering plants for color and mulch to tidy up areas that aren't heavily planted. Replace a lawn that has seen better days with less lawn and a boarder of flowering shrubs. Try to plant well in advance, so the plants have a chance to get established before your house goes on the market.
A deteriorated fence should be removed, repaired or replaced. Any peeling paint on the exterior should be refreshed. If you let it go, you'll be docked dollars by the buyer unless you repaint where needed before you sell.
Most home owners assume they'll get their money back and then some on improvements when they sell. In fact, most upgrade investments often don't return 100% of the amount invested, especially in a down market.
A minor to mid range kitchen remodel returns 72.8% nationally, according to the 1010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Index. An upscale major kitchen remodel project only pays back 59.7% nationally.
A deck addition ranked high on the list of popular exterior improvements. Although, nationally the cost recouped is only 72.8%. It may be an essential enhancement if your home has no outdoor living space and all the homes for sale in your neighborhood do.
The bottom line? Make your home as attractive as you can with the most cost efficient improvements.