When you’re planning to sell your home soon, it is smart to take stock of its condition. Before going live with a listing, you will want to invest in some home improvement projects that can enhance your home’s value.
Living in a coveted community like Santa Fe means buyers will have high expectations for your home. Santa Fe County’s population has grown by 7.4% over the last decade as more families, retirees, and young professionals flock to the Sun Belt. Buyers want to see updated amenities, spaces that capitalize on New Mexico’s abundant sunshine, and outdoor retreats that make staying home a joy.
By pursuing home improvements, you can gain more enjoyment during your time in the home and feel prepared when you are ready to sell. Continue reading to learn where you should focus your efforts when you want to make home improvements.
Remodel your kitchen
An impressive, updated kitchen is one of the easiest places to make the most of your renovation dollars. While high-end renovations to large kitchens can hit a six-figure price tag, more modest or partial renovations can also yield transformative results. Kitchens with faux wood finishes, old appliances, busy backsplashes, and tile countertops will not make a good impression.
Your remodeling efforts can include easy fixes, such as swapping out aging appliances for stainless steel smart appliances. In more intimate kitchens, consider using paneled refrigerators that blend into the surrounding cabinetry. Aim to match your appliances’ finishes to those of your exhaust hood, faucet, and drawer pulls. Go with brushed stainless steel for an enduring sense of style, or opt for trendy choices like shiny gold metallics or black.
You can never go wrong with an all-white kitchen but do not be afraid to reach for pops of color. Paint cabinets green or blue to establish contrast against classic white subway tile or clean quartz countertops. Or add pops of patterns and bolder colors in a backsplash behind your stovetop.
Your remodeling efforts can include easy fixes, such as swapping out aging appliances for stainless steel smart appliances. In more intimate kitchens, consider using paneled refrigerators that blend into the surrounding cabinetry. Aim to match your appliances’ finishes to those of your exhaust hood, faucet, and drawer pulls. Go with brushed stainless steel for an enduring sense of style, or opt for trendy choices like shiny gold metallics or black.
You can never go wrong with an all-white kitchen but do not be afraid to reach for pops of color. Paint cabinets green or blue to establish contrast against classic white subway tile or clean quartz countertops. Or add pops of patterns and bolder colors in a backsplash behind your stovetop.
Transform your entry door
Did you know that an action as simple as changing out a front door can elevate your home’s curb appeal immensely? When time is of the essence, this cosmetic change is among the best you can make. In some cases, you may not need an entirely new door, either. Simply painting your door, surrounding it with new trim, or introducing modern wall sconces on either side of your door can do the trick.
Adding new trim in a color that matches your door can help your entryway feel grander, while choosing a contrasting trim color can add a dynamic flair to the space. If you tackle the upgrades yourself, be sure that you choose an exterior paint designed to hold up to the elements and enlist qualified professionals to handle lock or electrical updates to your entryway.
When you choose to replace your door entirely, investigate different styles that can complement your home’s facade. For a strong choice to anchor the entryway, a Craftsman-style door frames your space with clean lines and rustic appeal, especially in a stained wood finish. Modern doors painted black or charcoal gray with large, horizontal panes of glass will suit a contemporary home, while arched double doors imbue a sense of elegance that will radiate throughout the rest of your property.
Adding new trim in a color that matches your door can help your entryway feel grander, while choosing a contrasting trim color can add a dynamic flair to the space. If you tackle the upgrades yourself, be sure that you choose an exterior paint designed to hold up to the elements and enlist qualified professionals to handle lock or electrical updates to your entryway.
When you choose to replace your door entirely, investigate different styles that can complement your home’s facade. For a strong choice to anchor the entryway, a Craftsman-style door frames your space with clean lines and rustic appeal, especially in a stained wood finish. Modern doors painted black or charcoal gray with large, horizontal panes of glass will suit a contemporary home, while arched double doors imbue a sense of elegance that will radiate throughout the rest of your property.
Give your bathroom a minor update
You may not want to overhaul every bathroom in your home. The good news is that you do not have to in order to reap some financial benefits. Small bathroom updates can go a long way toward refreshing your spaces and impressing potential buyers. And many of these updates will not require you to seek the help of a contractor.
Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls to brighten your space or create contrast against the sink, tub, and floor tiles. Try swapping out fixtures like shower heads, faucets, and cabinet knobs. For a slightly higher investment, you may want to upgrade your sink’s backsplash, refinish your tub, or swap out your bathroom’s fan. After all, a noisy and dirty fan will not give anyone confidence that your fan is removing moisture from the air, nor will it contribute to a bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.
Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls to brighten your space or create contrast against the sink, tub, and floor tiles. Try swapping out fixtures like shower heads, faucets, and cabinet knobs. For a slightly higher investment, you may want to upgrade your sink’s backsplash, refinish your tub, or swap out your bathroom’s fan. After all, a noisy and dirty fan will not give anyone confidence that your fan is removing moisture from the air, nor will it contribute to a bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.
Create a backyard sanctuary
When you live in New Mexico, you have dazzling natural beauty at your fingertips. Whether someone is looking for Eldorado, Tesuque, or Nambe homes for sale, they will expect the home to capitalize on the area’s scenic landscape. With the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as your backdrop, you can craft an inviting outdoor oasis capitalizing on the desert’s cool nights and crisp air.
If you do not already have a backyard deck or patio, add one. A new deck may cost as much as $14,000, but you also could pay as little as $2,000 for a smaller one or a simple concrete patio. For a worthwhile upgrade, spend a little more to get a composite deck, which comes with a lifespan of up to 30 years. Or try materials like sandstone or slate if a patio suits your space better. The textured earthiness of these natural materials will create a soothing ambiance for evenings outside with cocktails or company.
If you already have an outdoor gathering point, take the time to restain a deck that is looking weathered or seal cracks in your patio. A bold area rug can work wonders to conceal repair work, as can trellises, potted plants, and fresh patio furniture. Add recessed lighting to illuminate deck stairs or install upward spotlights to highlight plantings around your outdoor space.
If you do not already have a backyard deck or patio, add one. A new deck may cost as much as $14,000, but you also could pay as little as $2,000 for a smaller one or a simple concrete patio. For a worthwhile upgrade, spend a little more to get a composite deck, which comes with a lifespan of up to 30 years. Or try materials like sandstone or slate if a patio suits your space better. The textured earthiness of these natural materials will create a soothing ambiance for evenings outside with cocktails or company.
If you already have an outdoor gathering point, take the time to restain a deck that is looking weathered or seal cracks in your patio. A bold area rug can work wonders to conceal repair work, as can trellises, potted plants, and fresh patio furniture. Add recessed lighting to illuminate deck stairs or install upward spotlights to highlight plantings around your outdoor space.
Boost your property’s value
Pursuing home improvement projects can help position your home for success once you list it. While you do not need to pour money into extensive and expensive remodels, you will want to make some modest upgrades to align your home with the current market expectations. Partnering with a skilled real estate agent can help you determine what changes can give you the best listing price increase.
The Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith & Tara Earley Team has extensive experience with the New Mexico real estate market. Whether you plan to sell your home now or later, it always is wise to ask a trusted local agent for home improvement advice. Contact them today with any questions you have so you can get the best return on investment for home improvement projects.
The Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith & Tara Earley Team has extensive experience with the New Mexico real estate market. Whether you plan to sell your home now or later, it always is wise to ask a trusted local agent for home improvement advice. Contact them today with any questions you have so you can get the best return on investment for home improvement projects.
