It’s no secret that home values are on the rise. In fact, according to recent data from Zillow, home prices have increased by 8.7% over the past year.
If you’re like most homeowners, you want your home to be worth as much as possible without breaking the bank on insurance, so when it comes time to sell, you can get top dollar. Who wouldn’t like a decrease in home insurance and a property value increase?
We’ll share some simple DIY updates you can make to your home to increase its value. Keep reading for expert tips.
Give Your Home a Front Door Facelift
Updating your home doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. Sometimes, making small changes can have a big impact. Where better to start our home value improvement journey than at the front door?
First impressions matter, and your front door is often one of the first things potential buyers will see when they pull up to your home. Give your home a fresh look by painting the front door in a bright, welcoming color.
A bright hue will create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere, while a more subdued shade will add a touch of sophistication.
You can also use paint to create a focal point on your front door. For example, you could paint the door frame in a contrasting color or add stripes or patterns.
Whatever design you choose, painting your front door is an easy and effective way to give your home some curb appeal.
Sprucing Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is all about making your home look its best from the street. Spruce things up by planting some flowers or shrubs, power washing the exterior of your home, and adding some new outdoor lighting fixtures.
You can also take a look at updating your mailbox. A mailbox is more than just a way to get your mail. It’s also a reflection of your personal style and the overall look of your home.
If your current mailbox is looking a little worse for wear, or if it doesn’t match the exterior of your house, then it might be time for an upgrade.
When choosing a new mailbox, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Consider the material. Would you like a classic metal box or something more unique, like stone or wood?
- Think about the size. Will a small box be sufficient, or do you need something larger to accommodate oversized items?
- Don’t forget about the color. Choose a shade that will complement the rest of your home’s exterior.
With so many options available, it’s easy to find the perfect mailbox to match your home’s style.
Cooking Up Some Kitchen Updates and Cleanliness
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home, so it’s no surprise that potential buyers will be closely scrutinizing this space.
If your kitchen is outdated or in need of some TLC, consider making some simple updates like painting the cabinets, replacing old hardware, or installing a new backsplash.
If you’d like to take a less intense approach, one of the easiest things to do to update your kitchen is to clean it.
This may seem obvious, but potential buyers will be turned off by dirty dishes in the sink or piles of laundry on the floor. Start by purchasing some quality home cleaning supplies and get to work.
A clean home shows that you take pride in your property and makes it more inviting for potential buyers. In addition, decluttering your home can make it appear larger and more spacious.
So, if you’re trying to sell your home, take a few minutes each day to tidy up. It may not seem like much, but it could make a big difference in the final sale price.
Making the Backyard Feel Inviting
There’s nothing better than coming home and spending time outdoors. However, if your outdoor space is limited, it can be difficult to find a comfortable spot to relax.
One easy way to transform your outdoor space is to add an outdoor rug.
Outdoor rugs are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
Additionally, they can help to define the space and make it feel more inviting. If you’re looking for a way to create a cozy outdoor retreat, an outdoor rug is a great place to start.
How does property value affect home insurance?
Many people are surprised to learn that their home insurance premiums can be affected by the value of their property. In general, the higher the value of your home, the more expensive your insurance will be.
This is because damage done to expensive homes is likely to be costly. Therefore, more expensive homes will likely require more expensive repairs, depending on the region the market is in
As a result, insurers must charge higher rates to cover the increased risk. However, there are a few ways to offset this cost. One is to purchase a policy with a high deductible.
This means that you will have to pay a larger amount out of pocket if you need to make a claim, but it will also lower your overall premium. Another option is to choose a policy with less coverage.
This will obviously provide less protection in the event of an accident, but it can also help to keep premiums down. Ultimately, the best way to save on home insurance is to shop around and compare rates from different companies.
By doing so, you can ensure you are getting the best possible coverage at the most affordable price.
Another way to lower your premium is to bundle your insurance, which means having your home and auto insurance policies with the same provider.
How to Start the Home Selling Process
If you’re thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you need to do before putting it on the market.
First, you’ll need to get your home in tip-top shape. This means making any necessary repairs and updates, like the ones we’ve discussed.
Once your home is ready to show, you’ll need to find a real estate agent. A good real estate agent will be familiar with the local market and will help you determine the right asking price for your home.
Finally, you’ll need to stage your home for showings. This involves decluttering and arranging your furniture in a way that makes your home look its best.
Selling your home can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation, you can make it go smoothly. By following these tips, you can increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today.
Luke Williams writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, Clearsurance.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and helping homeowners decrease premiums and increase value.
