Summer is here and it’s the perfect time for home projects. If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and getting your feet wet, join Redfin’s Summer Home Equity Boosting Challenge. Each week brings a new opportunity to improve some aspect of your home, increase property value, and have fun doing it.
Depending on your budget, some may not be feasible right now, and that’s totally fine. When taking on a home improvement project, any effort is bound to yield positive results. Enjoy the process and take pride in polishing your home.
Week 1: Clean and organize your house
A thorough cleaning of your house—including pressure washing, deep carpet cleaning, and bathroom grout cleaning—is a cost-effective way to significantly increase the value of your property. A spotless home indicates that the property has been well maintained and cared for. Pressure washing the exterior removes dirt and mold, restoring your home’s original beauty and enhancing its curb appeal. Deep carpet cleaning refreshes your floors and removes allergens and stains, while meticulous grout cleaning in the bathroom keeps these important spaces looking fresh and sanitary.
Not only do these cleaning jobs improve the overall aesthetics of your home, they also convey a level of care and attention to detail that makes your property more attractive and attractive, while also being a comfortable place to live. Investing the time and effort in a comprehensive cleaning regimen can reap high returns by increasing the marketability and perceived value of your home.
Week 2: Create an outdoor recreation area
An inviting outdoor space with comfortable seating, shade options, and stunning landscaping expands your home’s living area, making it more attractive to guests and potential buyers. It provides a versatile space to relax, entertain and enjoy the outdoors, which is increasingly sought after in today’s real estate market.
A well-designed outdoor entertaining area can enhance the overall beauty of your property, add to its functionality, and create a desirable lifestyle. By transforming your yard into a welcoming retreat, you not only improve your quality of life, but you also increase the marketability and resale value of your home.
Week 3: Make your home energy efficient
If you choose to sell, making your home more energy efficient can significantly increase its value by significantly reducing energy costs and attracting environmentally conscious buyers. Upgrades such as installing energy-efficient windows, solar panels, adding insulation, and using energy-efficient appliances can lower utility bills and make a home more cost-effective to live in.
Additionally, energy-efficient homes are generally more comfortable, with better temperature regulation and improved air quality. As sustainability becomes more of a concern, homes with a smaller environmental footprint tend to be worth more. Additionally, energy-efficient homes tend to have higher resale values because they are seen as modern and well-maintained.
Week 4: Replace outdated appliances
New appliances not only enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the kitchen and other areas, but they also show that the home has been well-maintained. Modern appliances tend to be energy efficient, which can lower utility bills, while newer appliances often have advanced features that simplify daily tasks and improve the overall living experience. By investing in new appliances, homeowners can make their property more attractive and competitive in the real estate market, ultimately increasing its resale value.
Week 5: Apply a fresh coat of paint
Painting your home inside and out is one of the most cost-effective ways to significantly increase your property’s value. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way to improving the appearance of your home, making it look clean, well-maintained, and new.
On the exterior, new paint enhances curb appeal and makes your home stand out and look more attractive. Inside, modern, neutral colors can make a room feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming, creating a blank canvas for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Additionally, paint protects your home from weather damage and wear and tear and maintains its structural integrity. Investing in a professional paint job is a relatively low-cost improvement that can yield high returns by increasing the marketability and perceived value of your home.
Week 6: New deck of cards
For a more costly but ultimately beneficial renovation, adding a deck to your home can significantly increase your home’s value, providing a great return on investment. Decks enhance outdoor living spaces, making a property more attractive to potential buyers by providing areas to relax, entertain and enjoy the outdoors.
This addition can increase the usable square footage of a home, effectively expanding the living space without the cost and complexity of a full interior renovation. Additionally, decks can be customized to fit the aesthetics of the home, adding to its overall visual appeal and curb appeal. according to Redfin’s Home Trends Tooldecks have a 98.4% sales-to-home ratio, proving that as the outdoor living trend continues to gain popularity, a well-designed deck can make a property stand out in the real estate market.
Week 7: Replace your garage door and front door
New doors bring a fresh, modern look that can change the entire look of your home and make a great first impression. High-quality, stylish doors improve security, energy efficiency and functionality, adding to the overall appeal of your home.
Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can help lower utility costs and improve comfort, further attracting environmentally conscious buyers. Additionally, a well-maintained and visually appealing entryway increases buyer confidence by showing that the rest of the home has been taken care of as well. Investing in a new garage and front door is a cost-effective way to enhance your home’s appearance, improve its marketability, and ultimately increase its resale value.
