7 Pre-Sale Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

7 Pre-Sale Home Improvements That Really Pay Off

When it comes time to sell, most homeowners in the San Francisco Bay Area consider making significant changes to kitchens and bathrooms in order to increase their home’s value, and many members of the National Association of Realtors agree. But it’s important to note that not all upgrades lead to a big boost in ROI. In fact, many won’t even recoup the money spent. 

A pre-sale home renovation doesn’t have to include extravagant remodels, and there are small projects that can have a big return on investment. Strategic pre-sale improvements consistently yield a bump in sale price that exceeds their cost, and they can be as simple as refinishing hardwood floors or adding a new coat of paint. Read on for our list of 7 improvements that will get you the greatest ROI in the San Francisco Bay Area

1. Paint

A fresh coat of paint, both interior and exterior, is an extremely cost effective way to boost your home’s value before it hits the market. In fact, it’s the quick-and-easy upgrade that yields the highest returns. Simple touches like this, in addition to other transformations, can result in returns that are 2 to 3 times your renovation cost. 

It’s important to note that there’s a science to choosing the right color, and getting it right can mean the difference between being at the top of buyers’ most-wanted list and being forgotten altogether. Trends and color preferences change over time and you want to choose a hue that feels contemporary. At NurtureSource, we track the Benjamin Moore “Color of the Year” and really educate ourselves around the marketing and science of color choices.

2. Flooring

Flooring is essential to what we do at NurtureSource. Updated flooring makes a positive visual impact and directly translates to higher returns for all types of homes. It’s especially advantageous for increasing the value of condos and townhomes where you have limited square footage. Upgrades can be as simple as replacing vinyl flooring in kitchens with wood flooring, refinishing existing wood floors, and swapping out old bathroom tiles with ceramic flooring in interesting or colorful designs. We can help you determine whether replacing or refurbishing will get you the greatest ROI. Either way, flooring that’s both high quality and timeless will make a notable impact on buyers.

3. Lighting

Modern lighting can brighten a home, make a big difference in the feel of the space, and create real value when your home hits the market. The challenge is choosing the right fixture at the right price point. If the fixture is too expensive, it’s hard to get a good ROI. If it’s a bargain pick, it will make the home feel cheap. It’s important to strategically choose light fixtures that make your space feel more luxurious & updated without breaking the bank. We focus first on key areas that set the overall aesthetic of the home – kitchens, living rooms, and master bathrooms. For the greatest versatility, consider contemporary fixtures that are neutral in appearance rather than trend-forward. 

At NurtureSource, we always use LED light bulbs with warm white light (typically 1,000 lumens or 3,000 kelvin), which is best for all-purpose room lighting. Look for a color rating index (CRI) between 80 and 100 – the higher the CRI, the more an object’s coloring appears as it would under natural sunlight. Keep in mind that not every room needs a complete lighting overhaul. Spare bedrooms, laundry rooms, playrooms, and basements can benefit from a good dusting and cleaning or swapping out glass fitters if the existing fixtures are in good shape and not terribly out of style.

4. Appliances

We spend so much of our lives in the kitchen, which is why many people are drawn towards kitchen upgrades when they’re considering home improvements. But many sellers aren’t quite sure where to start. Oftentimes, our designers at NurtureSource will advise you to skip the major overhaul and instead consider buying new appliances. Installing new appliances can elevate the feeling of your whole space if your existing appliances are outdated. High-quality, energy-efficient ones can be a key selling point to environmentally conscious buyers, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. In fact, 94% of home buyers value energy-efficient appliances according to a study by the National Association of Home Builders.

5. Landscaping

First impressions are everything, and this is especially true when it comes to landscaping. Maximizing the look and feel of your outdoor spaces can greatly improve your chances of attracting serious buyers. You don’t need to spend a fortune here though. We often recommend starting with simple pressure washing of hardscapes and trimming existing bushes and shrubs. After that, adding some new plantings and mulch can have a transformative effect while only costing a few thousand dollars.

6. Small Repairs & Strategic Fixes

It’s easy to get caught up focusing on big, impressionable updates like major kitchen remodels or fully renovated bathrooms, but sometimes small, simple repairs can make a big difference.  First, make sure things like light switches and light bulbs work. Then make sure things like fixtures and finishes match, doors swing smoothly and close easily, and cabinet pulls and door handles are consistent. Honing in on the details can totally transform a space.

7. Converted Spaces

Turning unfinished spaces (garages, basements, attics) into functional spaces (office, gym, guest room) is especially important in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although a bigger investment than easy upgrades like fresh paint, these areas can be created without altering the building’s footprint and buyers will reward the seller’s efforts. Giving buyers additional rooms that fit their lifestyles can really pay off. But before you commit to converting any unused space, talk to us about whether this makes sense for your home.

Getting Started with the Most Valuable Home Improvements

Choosing the best pre-sale home improvements to increase value and maximize your ROI can be tricky, and NurtureSource can help identify which changes will get you the highest possible return on investment. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and considering selling your home, reach out to schedule a no-pressure consultation. We can help you create a plan that matches your budget and timeline. We also offer financing, so no project is out of range, as long as it’s a good investment. Once you start to get high offers from multiple home buyers, you’ll remember why it was all worth it.

One final note: Staging is one of the quickest ways to drive notable ROI once your house hits the market. Talk to us about staging your home after these improvements are finished. It helps buyers envision themselves in the space and gives them a place to sit down with their agent to write an offer.