Most people who are selling their house know that curb appeal is an important aspect of attracting potential buyers. What might be less obvious is that your home should be more attractive than your neighbors’ and other houses on your street. When people come to look at the property, they will be mentally comparing it to others in the area, whether they realize it or not. This takes curb appeal to a new level. You are no longer trying to “keep up with the Joneses,” but be the Jones family in your neighborhood.
To achieve the goal of attracting attention and making your home more memorable, think of adding customized additions or designs to the house, such as landscaping, high quality windows or a new roof. Improvements should be practical and use color schemes that would appeal to the broadest audience. This can help improve the overall appearance of the home while potentially adding value to the home.
The key word there is “potentially.” This means that you should be cautious about putting too much time or money into your home in order to sell it, since it is possible that you will not reap the financial benefits of your work when selling. In an article in Realtor Magazine, renovations such as adding a bathroom or putting on new shingles might not always pay off. According to the information in the article, the nationwide average return for a bathroom remodel is approximately 58%. The amount recouped for a new roof is even less.
When investing in home improvements, research to be sure you are putting money into the things that are likely to get you the best return. Also be sure to mention any added custom features your buyers will be interested in on the home’s listing information.