HOME RENOVATIONS TO CONSIDER BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME

Planning to sell your home in the Okanagan in the near future? If so, you’ll want to make sure you get the best possible return on your investment.

Completing upgrades on your home and property is a great way to increase its value. However, renovations can be costly (both time and money) so it’s important that you get the best value for the money you spend.

Here are some of the best renovations to complete if you’re looking to increase your home’s value before selling. Or, if you want to know where to spend your money while living in your new home, check out these tips.

Upgrade the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. This is also one of the most important rooms when it comes to real estate transactions. The quality, size and layout of the kitchen not only increases the market value of the home, but it can make or break the deal for many home buyers.

A full gut and remodel isn’t needed, but makes a huge difference. If that isn’t an option, consider making smaller upgrades that make a big difference. Replacing old countertops and cabinets, or sanding, then repainting older cabinets is an affordable alternative. Add a fresh coat of paint on the walls, upgrade the hardware on your cabinets, install modern lighting fixtures, and boom! - you have a fresh new space.

If your appliances are looking like they have seen better days, or they have lots of wear and tear, you will want to consider replacing them. This makes home buyers’ very excited when they see new appliances. If this is an investment you are planning, look for a matching set of energy efficient appliances. Or you can look on online marketplaces for more affordable alternatives.

Give Your Bathroom a Refresh

The bathrooms are often considered one of the most important rooms, next to the kitchen. Luckily, a few simple changes can transform your outdated bathroom into a fresh, clean oasis.

Bathrooms are generally, a tub or shower, a vanity, and a toilet. Consider replacing one, or all of these units.

If replacing the tub or shower, or the other units isn’t an option, a reglaze can make your current setup look like new. Adding new caulking, regrouting, or cleaning the grout, and updating the mirror and backsplash gives you a fairly easy and effective bathroom makeover. And, as you’ll hear me say over and over, a fresh coat of paint never hurts!

Freshen up your Exterior

First impressions matter! Often, all it takes is a few seconds for someone to form an opinion. With some clever landscaping, and exterior updates, potential buyers may start falling in love with your home before they even step inside.

Maintain any existing plants, trees, or shrubs. Power wash your driveway and the home’s exterior (and if your home is due for a fresh coat of paint, or new siding, now is the best time!) Painting the front door can be surprisingly effective in making your home POP!

Fertilize and mow your lawn, and add some seasonal plants to add a pop of colour. If you’re going for a more low-maintenance appeal, consider swapping your traditional lawn and garden for a xeriscape with attractive rocks and drought resistant grasses.

Adding a focal point like a fountain, or a walkway, garden or pergola can really make your home stand out. Adding or updating any fencing, patios, or decks will also work in your favour.

Don’t forget the Basement!

A useful basement can make all the difference to homebuyers. Depending on your target market, you may want to transform your basement into a fun entertainment space, a flex space, or a gym. More bedrooms never hurts as well! The same can go for a bonus room or studio.

With the rise in popularity of income helpers, turning your basement into a secondary suite is a sure way to increase the value of your home. Just be aware of the secondary suite rules in BC before you begin building.

If you’re completing significant renovations on your basement, consider taking precautionary measures to prevent flood damage. Make sure buyers are aware of how this could save them frustration and money in the future.

Other upgrade options

If renovating a whole room isn’t an option, or warranted, or in the budget, there are some simple upgrades that you can complete which will increase the overall home value.

Substituting windows, casings and window coverings can not only add to the efficiency of your home, but the overall aesthetic appeal as well. Let that natural light in!

Replacing outdated fixtures or hardware throughout the home can add a lovely finishing touch. A fresh coat of paint can always make a big difference. And don’t forget to stage your home properly for photos and showings.

These tips can help you increase the value of your home - but that doesn’t mean it will sell itself. Working with an experienced REALTOR like Derek and the Okanagan Real Estate Pros is the best way to ensure that you get the best price for your home, in the least amount of time, with the minimum of inconvenience.

Okanagan Real Estate Pros know the market, local neighbourhoods and what buyers are looking for. If you want advise on which renovations might be the most effective, contact us today.

Click here to find out what your home is worth.

Derek Weatherhead

Contact Information

E-mail Address:

[email protected]

Office Phone:

2508601100

Cell Phone:

2508643325

About
Derek Weatherhead is a highly accomplished real estate professional with over a decade of experience in the stunning Okanagan Valley. As a Royal LePage Kelowna agent, Derek has successfully concluded transactions in all price ranges and property types, from small starter homes to luxurious lakefront estates. In fact, he's helped numerous clients achieve their real estate goals, from selling a stunning lakefront property in Kelowna, to helping a first-time buyers secure their dream home in Lake Country. Derek's primary goal is to provide his clients with a superlative real estate experience that incorporates guidance and education. He prioritizes regular communication with his clients to ensure that they are informed and empowered throughout the buying or selling process. As a skilled negotiator and problem-solver, Derek works tirelessly to ensure that his clients get the best possible outcome for their real estate transactions. Derek's success is built on a strong foundation of carpentry and construction experience. He started his career and love for real estate as a carpenter, working in his uncle's manufacturing shop, and progressed to finishing carpentry, framing and constructing home foundations in Sun Peaks, Calgary, and Vernon. Next, he followed through with completing his apprenticeship and achieving a journeyman status with Sawchuk Developments, a leading commercial construction contractor based in Kelowna. Since 2010, Derek has been devoted to studying the intricacies of real estate, becoming both a student and a teacher. He has gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of real estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties, which allows him to offer a broad range of services to his clients. In his free time, Derek enjoys exploring the beautiful lakes that can be found all over the Okanagan Valley, which gives him unique insights into different neighbourhoods and communities. He's also an avid golfer and enjoys hitting the slopes at Big White. But these hobbies are more than just leisure activities – they allow him to build relationships with clients and understand their needs and goals on a personal level. Derek is committed to partnering with and investing in Okanagan real estate. He believes in building a vast network of clients, friends, and business associates, all with a shared focus on real estate. If you're looking for a dedicated and experienced real estate agent in the Okanagan Valley, Derek looks forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have.