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Improve Your Home’s Value While Social Distancing

Ken Venick • May 08, 2020

While it’s good practice to remain home to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 , it can lead to a sense of boredom and restlessness. This is why now is the perfect time to make some small repairs and upgrades to improve your home’s curb appeal. Follow these tips on how to increase your home’s value while social distancing and create a more enjoyable living space in the process.

Minor Repairs

Since you will be at home most days, you will likely have the time to make small repairs and upgrades. It will not only increase your home’s value if you ever want to sell your home, but it will improve the quality of staying home, which is more important than ever right now. 

Here are some easy upgrades to consider that won’t break the bank: 

  • Repaint your rooms
  • Upgrade the hardware in your kitchen
  • Replace doorknobs for a more contemporary feel
  • Update your outlet and light switch plates
  • Paint your front door
  • Add floating shelves for more storage
  • Upgrade sink fixtures and indoor lighting

Create a Home Office

If you don’t already have a home office, now might be the time to make one. Usually, we hear about desirable features homebuyers are looking for, such as upgraded kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. However, with companies now requiring their employees to work remotely, buyers right now are looking for houses with offices.

This can really add value to your home, so if you have some extra space or a room that isn’t used for much, consider converting it into a home office. Not only is this a good idea if you ever want to sell your home, but it will be great to have space for yourself while working remotely.

Focus on Your Home’s Exterior

Spring is here, which means you can spend more of your days outside in the sun. This makes it the perfect opportunity for you to focus on improving your home’s exterior. 

To easily enhance your curb appeal, focus on these tips:

  • Rake your yard and pick up any dead debris
  • Clean the exterior of your house and driveway with a pressure washer
  • Paint your front door
  • Use potted plants to add character to your entrance
  • Upgrade outdoor light fixtures
  • Add new mulch/bark to your shrubs and flowers

Deep Clean and Declutter Your Home

The least expensive way to add to your home’s value is simply dedicating a weekend to decluttering and cleaning up your home. Clutter detracts from the beauty of your home. No homebuyer wants to walk into a home that isn’t clean and presentable, and you will feel a lot better about staying indoors if you have a clean house to relax in. 

  • Store away your non-essential possessions 
  • Wash windows inside and out
  • Clean all mirrors
  • Clean drapes, curtains, and blinds
  • Open every window to let fresh spring air in
  • Clean the grout in your bathrooms

Taking this time to invest in your home will keep you productive and busy, and it can pay off down the road when you are ready to sell or rent.

If you’re worried about the cost, it’s possible you may be able to use the equity already in your home to finance your projects with a renovation loan , a cash-out refinance, or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). 

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