Key Home Improvements That Boost Property Value

Owning a home is not just about having a place to live; it’s an investment that can be appreciated over time. Strategic home improvements can enhance your living experience and increase the property’s market value. Here are some essential home improvements that can give you the best return on investment (ROI).

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and updating it can significantly increase your home’s appeal. Focus on modernizing the space with new countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Opt for energy-efficient models, which attract eco-conscious buyers and save on utility bills.

ROI: Minor kitchen remodels can recoup around 80% of the costs, while major remodels can return approximately 60-70%.

Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are another area where updates can yield a high return. Simple changes like replacing outdated fixtures, adding new tiles, or installing a modern vanity can make a big difference. If your home has fewer than two bathrooms, consider adding a second bathroom, which can significantly boost your property’s value.

ROI: Bathroom remodels typically recoup around 70% of the costs.

Curb Appeal Enhancements

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can be as simple as maintaining the lawn, adding fresh paint, or installing a new front door. Landscaping improvements, such as planting trees or adding flower beds, can make your home more attractive.

ROI: Basic curb appeal projects can offer up to 100% ROI.

Energy-Efficient Improvements

Energy efficiency is a significant selling point in today’s market. Consider installing energy-efficient windows, adding insulation, or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system. Solar panels are also becoming increasingly popular and can significantly reduce energy costs.

ROI: Energy-efficient improvements can return 50-75% of the costs, with long-term savings on utility bills adding further value.

Basement Finishing

Finishing an unfinished basement can add valuable living space to your home. Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a home office, or a recreational room, a finished basement increases your home’s usable square footage, which can significantly boost its market value.

ROI: Basement finishing projects typically recoup around 70-75% of the costs.

Attic Insulation

Adding or upgrading attic insulation is a relatively low-cost improvement that can yield substantial benefits. It improves your home’s energy efficiency, reduces heating and cooling costs, and enhances overall comfort.

ROI: Attic insulation can offer an ROI of over 100%, making it one of the best investments for homeowners.

Smart Home Technology

Incorporating smart home technology can make your home more attractive to tech-savvy buyers. Smart thermostats, security systems, lighting, and home automation devices add convenience and modern appeal.

ROI: Smart home features can vary, but they generally enhance the overall desirability and functionality of the home.

Conclusion

Investing in home improvements can significantly increase your property’s value and appeal. Prioritize projects that offer the highest returns and align with current market trends. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or want to enjoy a more comfortable living space, these key improvements can help you achieve your goals. Consider your budget and consult with professionals to ensure you make the best choices for your home and investment.

Provider and Settlement Service	Charge or Range of Charges
Sonic Realty LLC	1%-6% of purchase price
Sonic Title Agency, LLC	Title Insurance Policy: $950 - $1706 on a $250,000 property. (Rates vary and are dependent on the state, selling price, and loan amount on the property.) Title Search Fee: $250 - $325 (where applicable) Closing Fee: $450 - $650
Sonic Loans Inc. This company provides various real estate mortgage loan origination activities either as a third-party originator or a mortgage broker, including loan pre-qualification, competitive bid process (when providing third-party origination services), loan origination, loan pre-approval, loan structuring, processing, and closing.	Loan Origination Charge: 0-3 % of loan amount (may include 3^rd party fees) Loan Discount Fee/points: 0.5%-6% of loan amount. Application/Processing Fee: $0.00 - $875.00 Flood and tax service: $0.00 - $95.00 Underwriting Fee: $0.00 - $1295.00 Document Review Fee: $0.00 - $400.00 Appraisal Fee: $0.00 - $850.00 Credit Report Fee: $0.00 - $135.00 Actual charges may vary according to the particular lender selected, the particular services provided, and the underlying transaction, borrower selections, etc. Some or all of these fees may be charged by third parties and/or the Member Mortgage Lender/Mortgage Broker. The Member Lenders and Mortgage Brokers have agreed to pay a fee ranging from 0.5% to 2.75% of the loan amount to Sonic Loans in connection with a range of loan origination services provided by Sonic Loans to the Member Lender/Mortgage Broker. The fees are paid either directly to Sonic Loans by the Member Lender/Mortgage Broker or billed directly to you at closing.

Provider and Settlement Service	Charge or Range of Charges
Appraisal Fee	$0-$800
Credit Report Fee	$63-$125

Key Home Improvements That Boost Property Value