As you prepare to list your home for sale in Staten Island, especially in areas such as Rossville, Woodrow, Pleasant Plains, Annadale and Huguenot which are popular among homebuyers, you will most likely want to make sure your property looks absolutely perfect in order to get the highest price possible. Nevertheless, many home improvements have little to no ROI. For example, there is very rarely a full dollar-for-dollar recovery of an expensive kitchen renovation.
In order to generate maximum dollars from the sale of your Staten Island home without depleting your funds, focus on relatively inexpensive yet strategically placed upgrades that will attract the largest pool of potential buyers. The following are five high ROI upgrade ideas to think about when selling your Staten Island house.
1. A Fresh Coat of Neutral Paint
A brand new coat of paint in a neutral color will certainly help your house look very “clean” and “updated”. In addition to all the dings and scrapes that develop over time on a wall, also fading; painting the walls of a property is an inexpensive way to get a house looking updated, clean and move in ready. In neighborhoods such as Annadale (for example) a brand new look will give you a great deal of exposure to potential buyers.
- Pro Tip: Always stick with neutral paint colors. For instance, warm white, light gray or beige. A neutral paint job acts as a blank slate so it is much easier for a buyer to see their own furniture and decor when they are viewing the property.
2. Boost Your Curb Appeal
Buyers form their first impression of your home before they even step out of their car. If the exterior looks neglected, they will assume the interior is, too. You don’t need a total landscaping overhaul to make an impact on Staten Island’s diverse streetscapes.
- Quick fixes: Clean your sidewalk and driveway by power washing, mulch around plants in flowerbeds, prune back shrubs and bushes that are getting a little long, and paint your front entrance with a nice, dark contrasting color.
3. Minor Kitchen Refresh
Kitchens are often one of the most important rooms in your home when selling your home, however, a complete kitchen remodel can be very expensive just before putting your home on the market. A mini makeover, or a minor refresh of your kitchen will update your kitchen with modern elements and provide an attractive option for homebuyers who may have been considering homes in the Woodrow or Pleasant Plains area.
- Smart updates: Swap out dated cabinet hardware for modern brushed nickel or matte black pulls. Upgrade to a stylish new faucet, replace old pendant lights, and consider painting dark, heavy cabinets a lighter color to brighten the room.
4. Bathroom Touch-Ups
As with kitchen updates, bathroom remodels have a high level of scrutiny from potential homebuyers. However, updating your bathroom does not require ripping up all of the plumbing to create a spa-like ambiance. There are many small changes that will enhance the appeal of your bathroom, throughout Staten Island.
- Easy wins: Update the caulk on around the tub and sink (caulk is often brown or has started to peel off as soon as they enter). Update the vanity mirror. Replace existing lighting fixtures with newer models. Install a new, stylish showerhead. Purchase soft, white towels for showings.
5. Flooring Improvements
Flooring, especially when it’s worn out, stained or uniquely customized, can be a buyer turn-off. Flooring is a significant concern for Huguenot/Rossville area homebuyers as they expect to have their floors in good working order. The condition of your floor will affect how well the rest of the house sells.
- What to do: If you have an older home with hardwood flooring underneath old carpet, pull up the carpet and get the wood floors professionally refinished. If all you’ve got is dirty carpets, get them cleaned by a professional steam cleaning service. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) may be the best option if you’re going to replace some of your floors. It is very durable and cost effective; also has a great look of real wood.
The Bottom Line for Your Staten Island Home Sale
A major purpose of making pre-listing improvements is to eliminate distractions and create an impression that your home feels ready-to-move-in. By improving these 5 key areas, you will create a perception of greater value and help generate more competitive and better bids in today’s Staten Island real estate environment.
Do you want to know which exact upgrades will have the greatest return on investment (ROI) in your neighborhood? Let’s get together and I’ll come visit your home. I’ll work with you to develop a customized preparation plan to achieve maximum value from your sale.
EN
RU