The housing market in Raleigh is currently undergoing a modest shift. The median house price stands at $415,000, reflecting a 1.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Plus, properties are taking approximately 35 days to sell, marking an increase of 7 days from the 28-day average observed last year.
So, if you’re planning on putting your house on the market and making a profit, make sure it has all the right features and upgrades to attract potential buyers.
But where to start? Is “gut renovation” the only solution?
Absolutely not! You don’t have to empty your wallet and turn your house upside down to make it more market-ready.
Follow this guide to figure out the key areas that’ll bump your house’s market value if paid attention to.
1. Kitchen
As per Test Hut, an average American clocks in around 400 hours a year in their kitchen. All that activity in this busy space leads to wear and tear over time. Think stained walls, greasy cabinets, and rusty hardware. All these make your kitchen look unkempt. So, when you’re ready to invest in a renovation project, pin the kitchen on top of the list.
In addition to fixing the aesthetic issues, consider renovating to make the space more functional and efficient. Install a kitchen island or build a breakfast nook. Use hooks and shelves on the walls and cabinets to make storage more efficient. Install modern appliances such as a dishwasher, refrigerator, and oven with energy-efficient properties.
While some things you can DIY, we suggest getting professionals like Luxury Bath and Kitchens of Raleigh on board for the major remodeling projects like installing new cabinets, countertops, or new flooring. They’ll make sure the project reaches completion without any hiccups.
2. Bathrooms
A bathroom must always be sparkling clean, modern, and clutter-free, regardless of whether you’re selling the house or not.
If you have a tight budget, base your renovations around that. A fresh coat of paint or tile polish will do wonders to revive an old bathroom. Look for small details like replacing rusty fixtures or updating showerheads with more efficient models.
For bigger projects, focus on increasing storage and taking advantage of space. Install larger cabinets, add shelves to walls and corners, or create a separate linen closet to keep things organized. Choose wallpapers with moisture-resistant properties if you wish to give the space an extra oomph of style.
Also, consider adding modern amenities such as heated floors, rainfall shower heads, and steam baths for a luxurious experience. If you’re looking for more green options, go for low-flow toilets and LED lighting.
3. Master Bedroom
After a tiring day of work, all you want is a made-up bed, soft pillows, and some nice candles. Does your master bedroom deliver? If not, here’s where you need to put your money.
Ideally, a master bedroom should feel spacious and inviting. There shouldn’t be any clutter, musty odors, or icky carpets. So, start by decluttering and removing the items that are in bad shape.
Next, make the changes that you think will fit best – it’s an open field. Need more storage? Invest in an artisan chest of drawers. Hating the crayon-stained walls? Repaint them with the colors of your choice. Sick of the age-old mosaic flooring? Get a modern alternative like hardwood.
You can also add large mirrors, cushy accent chairs, plush rugs, and luxurious decor items for a regal touch.
If your master bedroom has a wardrobe, replace its doors with new, more resilient models. For extra convenience, add a few built-in lights and a closet organizer.
4. Living Room
The living room is the first room that guests (or potential buyers) see when they enter your house. It should always look well-organized, inviting, and elegant. If you feel yours is more on a “we just got hit by a thunderstorm” side, it’s time to make a few changes.
Start by decluttering and removing the stuff that’s old and worn out. Replace old furniture with new ones and give existing items a new life using paint or an upholstery job. You can mix and match fabric for a more modern vibe. For instance, a velvet sofa, a cotton-polyester loveseat, and an ottoman with leather upholstery.
In terms of decor, think colorful throw pillows, rustic plants, modern wall art pieces, classic accent chairs – basically anything that adds the desired feel to your living room.
Change the wall paint if you’re looking for cheap but effective solutions. Pick a neutral color in emulsion or matte, and don’t be afraid to add an accent wall. Other than that, you can also add some custom built-in shelves, big windows for natural lighting, and luxe curtains for the perfect picture window.
If you have kids in the house, add a few baskets and storage boxes to tuck their toys away.
5. Landscaping
Renovation projects don’t always have to put the interiors in the spotlight. Your home’s exterior has a lot of potential, too.
Plant trees and shrubs that will add to your home’s curb appeal and provide shade during hot summer days. Make sure to get rid of any weeds or pests that could damage your plants.
If you have a large backyard, build a pergola for outdoor entertaining and dining. Choose weather-resistant furniture like that made from teak, rattan, or metal.
Final Thoughts
Renovating your home is always a big and time-consuming project. And it also comes with a significant financial investment. To ensure a successful outcome, it’s crucial to create a well-thought-out plan and commence the project as soon as possible. The more time you allocate, the better choices you’ll be able to make.
For large-scale projects, we highly recommend enlisting the expertise of professionals. Although the initial cost may seem steep, it ultimately translates to long-term savings. However, before hiring someone, do your due diligence. Read reviews, check portfolios, and get multiple quotations. We are sure you’ll be able to transform your Raleigh house into your dream home.
