If you’re thinking about selling your Waterloo Region home, now is the time to start making any necessary renovations and updates. While you might think you know exactly what needs to be done, it’s smart to talk to a real estate agent before you get started. We will be able to tell you exactly which features are most popular with homebuyers so you can focus your time and money on the projects most likely to improve your bottom line.
While homebuyers often have varying priorities when it comes to a home’s interior, most often want the same features on the outside. And these outdoor improvements are growing in importance, as 2020’s stay at home orders – and the likelihood that most us will be taking staycations not vacations this year – have increased the importance of great outdoor spaces at home even higher in buyer’s minds and on their want lists.
Investing in the following five projects will help increase the chances of selling your home for top dollar.
Exterior Lighting
Illuminating the outside of your house with landscape lighting and spotlights can transform it from a beautiful home to one that’s absolutely breathtaking. Not only will it bring attention to the home’s architectural features and perfectly manicured lawn, but it also adds an element of safety that’s highly desirable.
Add solar-powered lights, motion-sensors, and smart lights to make an even greater impact. Home buyers are still looking for green and eco-friendly home features, and these certainly fit the bill.
Outdoor Patio
If you have a large backyard, potential buyers will love imagining themselves relaxing outdoors with a cool drink in their hand. An outdoor patio and seating area expand your home’s livable space, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Adding a well-designed concrete – or even gravel – patio is one of the best ways to make your home appear larger without undertaking a major renovation. If you already have a patio, put the effort into repairing it and making it look as new as possible. This small project can bring a huge return on investment.
Firepit
Homes with outdoor fire pits allow owners to enjoy spending time in the backyard almost all year long. A nice-looking firepit will entice homebuyers, especially if it runs on natural gas. Build a beautiful structure, and you’re likely to recoup almost all of your investment in the form of a higher sale price.
Before jumping into this project, make sure you’re following all the local ordinances and necessary safety precautions. The last thing you want to do is add something to your home that will cause you problems down the line.
Landscaping/Garden
Even if you don’t make any major changes to the outside of your home, paying attention to your landscaping and garden will have a major impact on its curb appeal. Fertilize your lawn, touch up the mulch, and trim your bushes and overgrown trees.
Maintain your perennial flower beds and add some annuals for instant colour. If you have unique plants around your home, consider labeling them as they might help attract the right kind of buyer. Finish your project off by adding a water feature to make your yard feel like a relaxing oasis.
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor living is hugely popular right now, making a great outdoor kitchen one of the most coveted features for higher end home buyers especially. Depending on the scope of the project and the size and location of the home, sellers adding an outdoor kitchen can typically expect to break even or make as much as 20 percent back on their investment.
When building an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to focus it around the grill and make sure you have plenty of counter space. Keep it simple and avoid adding extras like a big oven, as the new homebuyer might not want these features, causing them to be undervalued.