11. ATTIC BEDROOM CONVERSION Adding an entire new bedroom to your house has obvious appeal, especially if it’s a family-oriented home. Attic bedrooms also have a unique, cozy charm that extend their appeal beyond just an extra bedroom. Keep in mind that converting other finished spaces, like basements, into extra bedrooms, can also be a huge upgrade. 12. OPEN FLOOR PLAN Most buyers today prefer an open floor plan, especially when it comes to central shared spaces like the kitchen, dining room, living room, and family room. Knocking down walls between rooms is actually quite complicated, so you’ll want to let a qualified, licensed contractor handle this job for you. 13. NEW GARAGE DOOR Like new windows and a gleaming new steel front door, a new garage door can substantially increase your home’s curb appeal. A fresh new garage door looks nice, and a new, smoothly running garage door system tells buyers your home is well-maintained and updated. There are few things more off-putting to buyers than a squealing, shaky garage door. •
and an updated color palette for the walls and counters.
these features expands the amount of usable space that comes with the home, just as if you were adding a bedroom—and it will provide a big boost to the home’s value.
5. HOME OFFICE Since the pandemic began in
March 2020, demand for home offices has exploded. As employers across the country make work-from-home policies permanent, this is going to be a top-tier home feature for the foreseeable future. Some buyers are even looking for homes with multiple home offices! Size isn’t a huge consideration, and even something like a converted walk-in closet can often make a great home office. 6. NEW DOOR Remember when we said curb appeal is a huge factor in what kind of impression your home makes on a buyer and that most buyers make up their minds about a home within seconds? A new front door is one of the most effective ways to boost a home’s sale prospects. According to experts, a classy, understated black or charcoal gray front door provides the largest boost to resale value. On the other hand, bright, eye-catching colors like turquoise, yellow, and pink are the most effective in selling a contemporary home. Make sure you match the style of your new door to the style of the rest of the home. 7. DECK OR PATIO ADDITION Adding outdoor space or enhancing outdoor space with features like a patio or deck is a no-brainer. Adding
8. BASEMENT FINISH/ RENOVATION
A fully finished basement is a huge selling point, as it can be used as an extra bedroom, a home office, or a recreation room. Like other items on this list, you’re adding more livable, usable space to the home, which adds to the property’s value and appeal. 9. NEW WINDOWS When it comes to enhancing a home’s curb appeal, new windows are right up there with a new front door and fresh landscaping. Gleaming new windows are aesthetically pleasing. And insulated, energy-efficient windows convey that a home is up-to-date and won’t cost the next owner unnecessary money on utilities.
10. REFINISHED
HARDWOOD FLOORS Freshly refinished hardwood floors
can make a home look newer and classier—and make a buyer more willing to pony up for a high price. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, ripping it out and redoing the wood floors can dramatically increase a home’s value. Like painting the walls, you can do this yourself in a relatively short time.
Luke Babich is the co-founder of Clever Real Estate, a real estate education platform committed to helping home buyers, sellers, and investors make
smarter financial decisions. A licensed real estate agent in Missouri, his research and insights have been featured on BiggerPockets, Inman, the LA Times, and other media outlets. Babich has a bachelor’s degree with honors in political science from Stanford University.
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