Older homes have charming appeal that many home buyers are drawn to. In fact, it may have been one of the reasons why you decided to purchase your current home. If you own an older home and are preparing to sell it in the near future, you may be banking on your home’s historic character to attract offers. However, you may also be interested in generating the maximum profit possible from the sale. There are several improvements that you can make to an older home that will help you to generate a faster offer at a higher price point.
Make Energy Efficient Improvements
Energy efficiency is not just the latest buzzword in the real estate industry. It equates to real financial savings for homeowners over the years, and it also can impact the environment considerably. Many home buyers are drawn to energy efficient homes, but older homes are unfortunately not built with this in mind. You can take numerous steps to address energy efficiency in your older home. For example, you can replace your HVAC system or water heater. If your system is very old and needs repair work, your home warranty may even pay for a portion of the replacement. Adding more insulation, replacing windows and re-sealing doors and windows can also be beneficial.
Enhance the Square Footage
While many homeowners may be drawn to the charm and architectural detail in an older home, they also often prefer the open floor plan that is commonly associated with newer designs. Taking down a wall or two in the home to open up the kitchen to the dining and living areas can add great appeal to your home. If possible, you can also finish out an attic or basement to add even more functional square footage to the home.
Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
Because many of the features in a kitchen and bathrooms are built-in features, they are often dated. Some buyers may find charm in these older features, but in many cases, they need to be restored or updated so that they are more functional and appealing. When you are renovating these spaces, try to resource materials as much as possible. In addition, retain the historic character of the home while adding modern features. For example, an antique look on the cabinets paired with modern appliances is a great combination for a kitchen in an older home.
Add Fresh Paint to the Walls and Trim
Re-painting the interior and exterior of the home is a rather affordable project to complete, and it can add dramatic appeal to the space. Fresh paint makes a home look cleaner and brighter, and this is particularly true when the right colors are selected for the home. Because many rooms in an older home are smaller in size, use painting techniques to create the illusion of space for maximum results.
Focus on Curb Appeal
While home buyers may be sold on a home based on the interior design and condition, the curb appeal can play a large role in enticing buyers to stop by and tour the home. Curb appeal is instantly noticeable when buyers are searching online for listings, and it makes a first impression on the buyer when he or she arrives for an on-site visit. Spending time refreshing the lawn, trimming bushes and updating flower beds can enhance your property’s value and appeal.
An older home has special charm and personality that many newer homes lack, and this can be an instant selling point. However, when you are focused on maximizing the return you can get from selling your home, you may need to spend time making some repairs and improvements to the home. These are some of the projects that are most commonly needed with older homes and that can have a major impact on property value. Analyze your property to determine how these ideas can benefit your space.
David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about home maintenance and DIY home repair. He’s also knowledgeable about topics like how to improve social presence and building a reputation online.
