Are you looking for home improvement projects that are easy and affordable? Now that this season has changed here in the Long Branch, New Jersey area, many homeowners are ready for home upgrades. Hi, I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and broker of Shore Prime Properties. These improvements will not only enhance your home’s livability, but market appeal as well. There are any ways to add value to your home, but extensive and expensive renovations may not always be the best return on investment.
In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors’ most recent remodeling impact report, it’s not always the big ticket items that pay off when it comes time to sell. This list includes a variety of home improvements that are ideally suited for a fall, DIY, and weekend warrior projects. Whether you live in a single family home or a condo in the Long Branch, New Jersey area, each of these projects offers the chance to add value and market appeal when it comes time to sell in the future. Best of all, these affordable projects offer exceptional return on an investment potential.
Number one, lawn maintenance and upgrades. If you live in a house in the Long Branch, New Jersey area, think about how much your home’s curb appeal is dependent on the condition of the lawn. While many homeowners spend their weekends on lawn maintenance during the spring and summer, in fall, they tend to focus more on leaf and removal. Be sure to take the time to properly aerate your lawn and prepare it for hibernation. Cover planting beds with fresh straw or mulch, and have irrigated systems drained and prepared for winter.
Number two, plant new trees. According to the Arbor Tree Foundation, fall is the ideal time to plant new trees. Fall planting offers an added growing season before the stress of the hot summer months and encourages optimal root growth. According to the USDA Forest Service, healthy mature trees can add an average of 10% to a homes value, as well as providing insulation and home energy savings. That means that plant a tree this fall could pay dividends for years to come.
Number three, upgrade your curb appeal. There are a variety of ways to add curb appeal with simple and affordable upgrades. These can include painting the front door, replacing the hardware, street numbers, mailbox, and light fixtures, and painting or power washing the front steps. If you’re looking for an even bigger impact, consider having new garage doors installed. It can practically pay for itself when it comes time to sell.
Number four, install a fire pit and upgrade your outdoor space. Fall is the perfect time to upgrade your outdoor spaces and install a fire pit for those cool autumn evenings. This upgrade is simple to do yourself, and it can improve your home’s marketability as a part of an overall outdoor refresh. Consider repairing, refinishing, or expanding an existing deck or terrace, adding landscape lighting, or having an irrigation system installed for additional appeal.
Number five, install an elegant wet bar. You may remember the giant 1970s rec room bars, but today’s wet bars are sleek and chic. You probably have space in an existing coat closet or unused nook where you could fit shelving, a small counter and a sink, plus an under-counter wine fridge. This provides a lovely accent and helps to simplify serving when entertaining at home.
Number six, upgrade your closet space. Reimagine or reconfigure your current closets for an added appeal and user friendly convenience. Knock out a wall to turn a step-in closet into a walk-in. Or, borrow some space in the bathroom to create dual closets. Install an updated organizational system in an existing closet for custom design and optimal space utilization. Add upgraded lighting and finishes for a high end look and feel.
Number seven, refinish or repaint cabinetry. If you don’t have of the budget for a kitchen overhaul, start with the most prominent visual feature, the cabinets. Check online for how-tos and design ideas, and refresh the whole kitchen with a cabinetry facelift. The most important factor here is taking the time to do the job right, and to allow freshly painted cabinets to dry thoroughly, before replacing the doors and new hardware.
Number eight, repaint the interior. Repainting the interior of your home can have a significant impact on the way buyers see your home and the way you do as well. According to the National Association of Realtors’ report, repainting helps homeowners enjoy the space more, while also offering a simple DIY way to add more value to the home. Choose from a neutral palette to make the interior more appealing to eventual buyers. Or, if you don’t have the time or energy to repaint the entire interior, start with a fresh coat of paint in the entryway or foyer.
Number nine, replace outdated fixtures and finishes. If you’re looking for a super simple, inexpensive way to upgrade your home’s interior, changing out outdated fixtures and finishes is the way to go. Replace mismatched light switches and outlet covers with new neutral styles. Replace old-fashioned interior door hardware with a cohesive contemporary finish throughout. Change out cabinet hardware, update light fixtures, and switch out faucets to create a modern look and feel throughout your space.
Number 10, install smart home upgrades. Smart home upgrades offer the benefit of energy efficiency while you’re living in the home, and a wow factor when it’s time to sell. Start simple with smart door locks and light bulbs, and then invest in a smart home thermostat and security setup. Plan ahead to ensure that all your smart home devices work well together for a more simple, integrated, and enjoyable system.
Not sure where to start? Give us a call here at Shore Prime Properties. We can help to guide you to what buyers are looking for here at the Jersey Shore. We can also help you to prioritize your to-do list to increase the value of your home, helping to sell quickly when the time comes. I’m Michele Irizarry, selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
