Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market right now or you’re thinking about selling it in the future, there are a number of improvements you can make to appeal to a wide range of prospective buyers. 

1. Update the Kitchen

Regardless of whether your prospective buyers are gourmet chefs or takeout addicts, the kitchen is the centerpiece of every home. It’s where guests gather and where families spend a good portion of their time.

Many buyers won’t even purchase a home unless the kitchen has an open layout. If yours is blocked off by three or four walls, consider opening it up so that your kitchen becomes a primary part of your central living space. Additionally, one of the first things new buyers do is replace their refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers with newer stainless steel models. You can save them a step and increase your home value by installing these yourself. Replacing worn-out cabinets and aging countertops can also go a long way in giving your kitchen a modern feel。

2. Transform Your Master Bath

The master bathroom isn’t just a place to get ready each morning — it should be an uplifting and inviting space where buyers feel like they can relax and indulge themselves a bit.

We’ve all seen bathrooms outfitted with patterned wallpaper or bright, solid colors. While this may reflect your personal taste, buyers often prefer a neutral color palette that they can customize later. There are many inexpensive ways to make your master bath feel like a spa. Soft lighting, waterfall shower heads, and spotless, inviting tubs can create a soothing environment.

3. Save Energy

Tallahassee utility costs are some of the highest in the nation. Installing energy-saving heating and cooling systems can save you and prospective buyers big money. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning accounts for more than 40 percent of utility bills. However, during those hot summer months, upgrading from a 10-SEER to a 14-SEER system can reduce your air-conditioning costs by more than 25 percent.

Installing a WiFi connected, programmable thermostat from Nest or Honeywell can help lower costs even more. Nest Labs released a white paper, which reported that its thermostat saved consumers 10 to 12 percent on heating costs and 15 percent on cooling — adding up to about $131 to $145 per year in savings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN TALLAHASSEE, PLEASE CONTACT fincher@finchtally.com