Should You Upgrade Now.. Or Before You Sell?

Oftentimes, to prep for sale, you’ll have a running list of home improvement projects. We’re here to ask you- why wait? When it comes to home upgrades, should you do them now, or wait until right before you sell?

There are two sides to every coin. If you opt to do the upgrades now, you’ll get to enjoy them before you move. However, if you do the upgrades now, you risk them looking run down or dated when it comes time to sell. Below is a breakdown of the projects show to fetch you the most ROI- that is, Return On Investment- and when to do them.

7-10 Years

If you know your home isn’t a ‘forever home’ (but is still a ‘for awhile home’), here are some projects you can do now and enjoy for 7-10 years.

Landscaping: this one gets better with age. Plant trees that will grow and flower over the years. Add entertaining spaces like a patio, a pond, or open spaces for lawn games.
Garage Door: if you have a garage door, go ahead and make updates now! These ultra-tough doors often last upwards of 40 years and pack big curb appeal punch.
Roof: a newer roof is a huge selling point. Buyers want to see a roof less than 20 years old, especially one made out of sturdy materials like concrete or asphalt shingles.

5 Years

Do a once-over of your major appliances and systems now. This way you won’t have to pay to upgrade them all at once when you decide to sell.

Check your heating and cooling systems, water heater, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and plumbing. This is also a good time to check on something that has an existing warranty. Don’t let a warranty expire without ensuring your appliances are in good working order!

1-2 Years

A “trend” is often something that is favored for around 10 years. If you’ve chosen to renovate a kitchen or bathroom, take comfort in the fact that choosing trendy fixtures and colors should be en vogue for quite some time.

Paint: covering your walls with a neutral color is a cost efficient way to make your house sparkle. It removes any scuffs or holes and can be done relatively quickly.

Flooring: a huge selling point can be fresh carpet (especially if you have pets), and new hardwoods. Many strides have been taken in faux-wood quality so opting for laminate is cost-effective and could fetch you lots of interested buyers.

There you have it! There are options for making your house seem both like a brand new shiny penny and a well-loved home filled with memories.