Before you list your Orlando-area house on the market, realtors recommend you consider upgrades that will increase the property value. But how do you know which upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck? Some exterior home upgrades to make before selling may come with higher upfront price tags, but nearly pay for themselves. Below cover a few things to consider.
Upgrade Science – Why Upgrade the Exterior of Your Home?
Home improvements should increase the overall value of the home and its attractiveness to potential buyers. Just throwing in a few shrubs and random flower beds out front for “curb appeal” won’t cut it.
Whole industries have cropped up on ranking the upgrades to make ahead of selling. Experts use data to advise on everything from trendy colors to paint your front door to the size of planters.
Every year, Remodeling Magazine releases their Cost vs. Value list of home improvements. They look at total project cost, resale value and calculate percentages of cost recouped in a home’s sale. The list averages out and ranks ROIs nationally and regionally. In 2020, manufactured stone veneer took first prize in national and South Atlantic region categories. They even provide recommendations for the Orlando area.
Head of the Upgrade Class
Other high-ranking exterior upgrades include:
- Roofing: Possibly one of the most expensive exterior upgrades, replacing a roof comes with one of the highest returns on investment. In fact, the age of a roof can serve as a major factor to getting your listing price.
- Deck Addition: This category may surprise you a bit, but outdoor living spaces add immense value to potential buyers.
- Vinyl Windows: Replacing older wood or aluminum windows adds an updated contemporary feel and can improve home insulation. However, unless the current windows clearly show their age, this upgrade may not take precedence over other less costly improvements.
Updates to Proceed with Caution
Certain circumstances can justify specific exterior improvements. For example, curb appeal means more in certain neighborhoods than others.
- Fresh Paint: Painting or staining porches, trim and railings may not equate to instant dollars added to sale price. But if they make the place more attractive to buyers, you’re still winning.
- Garage doors: The importance of replacing or upgrading existing garage doors depends on whether they sit at the front or back of the house. Street-facing garage doors should not draw attention (good or bad) to themselves.
- Lighting: Nothing adds to a home’s curb appeal at night like some well-placed up-lighting or inviting porch lights. Asking an expert to recommend placement can make all the difference in the overall effect.
- Flagstaff Walkways: Having an inviting path to the home or comfortable outdoor spaces (see above) can really bring a yard together. This works better for a home with a more expansive yard. But even a small yard can benefit from a well-maintained front walkway.
Prioritizing Projects – Before You Tackle Exterior Home Renovations
Knowing the latest amenities buyers are searching for right now can help you prioritize your project list. Of course, before tackling cosmetic upgrades, owners should address any functional shortcomings. Buyers can live with landscaping issues, but a leaking roof or rickety porch steps require immediate attention.
If you plan to sell your house soon, our realtors can provide suggestions for improvements and help you prioritize projects. Learn more by calling 321-218-4753 or connect with our realtors with our online form.
