Selling your home? At The Halyard Group, we know that maximizing its value is a top priority for homeowners.
Our guide offers practical home value tips to help you boost your property’s appeal and potential selling price.
From enhancing curb appeal to making strategic interior upgrades, we’ll show you how to make your home stand out in a competitive market.
How to Make a Great First Impression
Landscaping: Your Home’s Green Carpet
Start with your lawn. A lush, green lawn creates an inviting atmosphere. Seventy-eight percent of real estate professionals say poor landscaping and hardscaping negatively affect a home’s value.
Mow regularly, edge walkways, and overseed patchy areas. Trim bushes and trees, especially those that block windows or walkways. Add colorful flowers or potted plants near the entrance to create a welcoming feel.
A Fresh Coat of Confidence
Nothing says “well-maintained” like fresh exterior paint. Choose colors that complement your home’s style and neighborhood. A study by Zillow found that homes with black front doors sell for $6,450 more than expected. Touch up trim, shutters, and the garage door for a cohesive look.
Make an Entrance
Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. Paint it a bold, contrasting color to make it pop. Replace old hardware with modern, high-quality pieces. A new doorknob, knocker, and house numbers can make a big difference. The National Association of Realtors reports that a new steel front door can recoup up to 74% of its cost at resale.
Light the Way
Good outdoor lighting enhances safety and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Install pathway lights to guide visitors to your door. Add accent lighting to highlight architectural features or landscaping. Solar-powered options are cost-effective and easy to install.
The Power of Pressure Washing
A clean exterior can dramatically improve your home’s appearance. Pressure wash your driveway, walkways, and siding (if appropriate for the material) to remove dirt, grime, and mildew. This simple step can make your home look years younger and well-maintained.
Curb appeal sets the stage for a successful sale. These exterior improvements will not only boost your home’s value but also create a positive first impression that will make potential buyers eager to see what’s inside. As we move to the interior, you’ll find that the same attention to detail can yield significant returns on your investment.
Planning to Move This Year?
Which Interior Upgrades Boost Home Value?
Interior upgrades can significantly increase a home’s value, but not all renovations offer equal returns. Let’s explore the improvements that consistently provide the highest return on investment (ROI) for homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area.
Kitchen: The Heart of Home Value
The kitchen remains the most influential room for buyers. A kitchen renovation in Toronto can cost anywhere from $50,000 for a minor facelift to $300,000+ for a major overhaul.
To maximize value:
- Update countertops: Quartz countertops ($50 to $200 per square foot) offer durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Upgrade appliances: Energy-efficient stainless steel appliances look modern and save on utility bills.
- Improve lighting: Under-cabinet LED lights can transform the space (as little as $30 per light).
Bathroom Brilliance
Bathrooms are another high-impact area. To enhance your bathroom:
- Install new vanities and modern lighting fixtures.
- Update tiling for a fresh look.
- Consider a walk-in shower with a frameless glass door (appeals to young professionals and aging homeowners).
- Add heated floors (a standout feature in colder climates like Toronto’s).
Flooring That Stands Out
Flooring upgrades can yield significant returns. Options include:
- Hardwood: $8 to $15 per square foot
- High-quality laminate: $3 to $7 per square foot (mimics wood at a fraction of the cost)
Energy Efficiency: The Hidden Value Booster
Energy-efficient improvements may not be as visible, but they’re increasingly important to buyers:
- Double-pane windows
- Attic insulation
- New HVAC system: A major selling point, especially in older homes
Balancing Improvements with Market Expectations
While these upgrades can increase your home’s value, it’s important to balance improvements with market expectations. The Halyard Group provides tailored advice on which upgrades will yield the best returns in your specific neighborhood and price range. Their goal is to help you make smart investments that not only boost your home’s value but also appeal to potential buyers in the competitive Greater Toronto Area market.
As we move forward, let’s explore how to present your newly upgraded home in the best light through decluttering and staging techniques. In areas like Leaside, semi-detached homes often feature spacious interiors and modern updates, making them attractive options for buyers looking for value in family-friendly neighborhoods.
How to Declutter and Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
The Power of Deep Cleaning
Start with a thorough deep clean of your entire home. This goes beyond regular tidying and includes often-overlooked areas like baseboards, light fixtures, and window tracks. Studies by the NAR have shown that minor improvements like cleaning and decluttering can increase a home’s sale price by up to 3%-a solid boost for a relatively small investment. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service for best results. They typically charge between $200 and $400 for a thorough clean of a 2,000 square foot home.
Depersonalize to Help Buyers Envision Their Future
Remove personal items and family photos. This step allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Pack away at least 30% of your belongings to create a sense of spaciousness. Focus on clearing countertops, tables, and other visible surfaces. This process also gives you a head start on moving.
Maximize Space Through Strategic Furniture Arrangement
Rearrange furniture to create an open, flowing layout. Remove bulky or excess pieces that make rooms feel cramped. Create conversation areas in living spaces and ensure a clear path through each room. This approach helps buyers navigate the space easily and appreciate its full potential.
The Professional Touch: Home Staging Experts
While DIY staging can be effective, professional home stagers bring expertise that can significantly impact your home’s appeal. According to NAR, 20% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1% to 5% of the dollar value offered by buyers for staged homes compared to similar homes. Professional stagers typically charge between $300 and $600 for an initial consultation, with full staging services ranging from $500 to $5,000 (depending on the home’s size and the extent of staging required).
When you select a home stager, look for professionals with a proven track record in your local market. These professionals can highlight your home’s best features and address any potential concerns before they become issues for buyers.
Final Thoughts
Boosting your home’s value before selling requires careful planning and execution. From enhancing curb appeal to making high-impact interior upgrades, every improvement contributes to your home’s overall appeal. Energy-efficient updates attract buyers and offer long-term savings, while decluttering and staging create a welcoming atmosphere.
The key to maximizing your home’s value lies in early preparation. This proactive approach can lead to a faster sale and potentially higher offers. Home value tips (such as those mentioned earlier) can significantly impact your property’s appeal, but navigating the real estate market requires expertise.
The Halyard Group offers specialized knowledge of the Greater Toronto Area market. Their comprehensive support includes guidance on decluttering, staging, and effective marketing strategies. The Halyard Group’s expertise in helping families upsize to larger homes positions you for success in the competitive real estate market.
