My Real Estate Blog

Making minor improvements to homes rather than full-on remodeling is the most cost effective way for sellers to boost the value of their properties according to Zillow.

Real estate agents and interior designers who responded to a survey from Zillow's home improvement marketplace, said that low cost projects like landscaping and painting walls in neutral colors offer more bang for their buck than full blown renovations, whose addition to a home's value might not outweigh their cost.

According to the survey, the five home improvement projects delivering the most bang for the buck are:

• Curb appeal including fresh potted flowers, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, etc.
• Staging, which includes neutral colors and minimal furniture.
• Small home improvements, such as update light fixtures, cabinet or door handles, and minor kitchen and bath updates.
• Decluttering, old appliances and furniture can be overlooked if a space is clean, simple and well edited.
• Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Interior designs may come and go, and most high end finishes don't always equal high end returns, but buyers are still requesting granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.