If you’re putting your Las Vegas home on the market, it’s a good idea to do some improvements that can make the property more appealing to a greater number of buyers. By upgrading and updating your home, you can potentially increase its value and gain an edge over the competition.
However, not all home improvements will have the same result. While buyers are willing to pay a premium for certain features, many will also shy away from something that adds little value to their own lifestyle.
When looking into things to do before selling your house, it pays to first find out how the property stacks up against others in your area. Choose upgrades that will make your property more competitive without pricing it out of the market.
With that in mind, here are some home improvement projects that are best avoided:
1. Expensive carpeting
If your old carpet looks worn and dirty, installing a new one can certainly improve your home’s desirability. However, you don’t need to go for an expensive replacement. A new affordably-priced carpet with a neutral design can give your home a clean, cared for appearance, which should be enough to improve the property’s desirability. Besides, the new owner might want to change the carpeting to suit their own decorating style, so it’s safe to stick to something inexpensive.
2. Swimming pool
Unless every other home in your neighborhood has a swimming pool, adding one in your property will not necessarily improve its resale value. Many homebuyers are not willing to pay a premium for a swimming pool, and in fact, regard a pool as a liability because of the high maintenance and insurance costs that come with it. Many families with young children also view a pool as a safety hazard.
If you want a pool for your and your family’s enjoyment, then it’s perfectly alright to add one. But if your goal is to add value to your property, it’s probably best to put your money somewhere else.
3. Chef’s kitchen
You’ve most likely heard that a kitchen improvement is one of the top home renovation projects that yield good returns, and this is true. The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and is also one of the most scrutinized rooms in a house for sale, so it’s important to make it as attractive, comfortable, and functional as possible.
This doesn’t mean, however, that you should go for an expensive upgrade with all the bells and whistles you see in home interior magazines. Most buyers will look for updated appliances, well-finished working cabinets, plenty of storage, and easy to maintain surfaces. And in many cases, a minor to mid-range renovation can do the trick. Typically, the work involves inexpensive changes, such as refacing the cabinets, changing outdated appliances, and repainting.
If you need new countertops, go for a more affordable but durable and functional material like laminate or ceramic tile. You’ll find plenty of inexpensive options in a wide range of finishes, including those that mimic the look and texture of high end materials, such as marble or granite.
4. A sunroom
Sunrooms are certainly nice to have, especially in a sunny place like Las Vegas. However, if you’re looking to add value to your property, this is probably not the improvement you need. They’re generally expensive to build and most homebuyers are not willing to pay extra for them. Furthermore, as most sunrooms are unheated, they cannot be added to the square footage of the home, which would have made an impact in an appraisal.
Instead of sunrooms, consider adding a deck or patio instead. These improvements have been shown to yield good ROI and are some of the most sought after features by buyers today. They’re also generally less expensive to build than sunrooms.
5. Fancy bathrooms
Along with the kitchen, the bathroom is regarded by homebuyers as one of the most important features in a house. While you should certainly make sure your bathrooms look fresh and clean, you should avoid going over the top with expensive improvements, especially when the rest of your home can’t keep up.
You don’t need expensive tiles or fancy fixtures and bathtubs. Saunas may even scare off some buyers. Perhaps all your bathroom needs is a thorough scrubbing or regrouting, along with some inexpensive updates, such as new towel rods, faucets, and showerheads. Fresh plants can instantly give your bathroom a welcoming feel.
If you need to change the walls or flooring, look for more affordable options, such as ceramic or porcelain tiles in neutral colors. You can find stylish and inexpensive bathroom items in home improvement stores, including storage bins, vanities, cabinets, and sinks.
The important thing to remember is to have a harmonized and decluttered look, which is the trademark of modern bathrooms.
Selling your home in Las Vegas, NV?
Work with us at Loralee Wood, LLC. We are the number one military specialist in the area and a 5-star Preferred Zillow agent. With over twenty years of experience in the Las Vegas real estate market, we can help you prepare your home to make it appealing to the right buyers and make sure you get top dollar for it.
Call us today at 702.419.3212 or email us at loralee(dotted)wood(at)cbvegas(dotted)com.
