6 Home Improvements That Add Value in Seattle (and 3 that don’t)

FastExpert partner and experienced real estate agent, Margo Christophilis, provides a Realtor’s perspective on home improvements that add value in Seattle.

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Are you a homeowner in Seattle or the surrounding areas looking to increase the value of your property?

Look no further! As a professional real estate agent based in the Pacific Northwest, I’m here to offer some relevant and practical tips on doing just that this Spring season! Let’s dive in!

Quick & EasyHome Improvements

Landscaping

Let’s start with some quick and easy options that can make a huge impact.

Your front door and landscaping significantly affect your home’s overall appearance. A fresh coat of paint or a new door can add a pop of color and create a welcoming entrance.

Simple landscaping changes like adding flowers or trimming hedges can also make a big difference. These minor updates can cost as little as a few hundred dollars but can increase your home value by thousands.

Paint

Another easy upgrade that can improve your home’s value is adding a fresh coat of paint.

A neutral color palette can appeal to a broader range of buyers and make the space feel larger and brighter. This is especially important for rooms like the living room and kitchen, which are often the main focal points of a home.

A new coat of paint can cost as little as $200 for a small room and up to $1,500 for a larger space. The return on investment for a simple painting upgrade is usually around 1-2%, making it a quick and easy way to increase your home value.

Cosmetic

Finally, don’t forget about the little details. Cosmetic upgrades like replacing light fixtures, updating hardware, or adding a backsplash in the kitchen can make a big difference. These upgrades are often affordable and help your home stand out and feel more modern!

High Cost, High Return Home Improvements

Now, let’s move on to high-cost but high-return options.

Bathroom

Adding a new bathroom or upgrading an existing one is an excellent way to increase the value of your home.

Buyers are always looking for homes with multiple bathrooms, and adding a new bathroom can increase your home value by up to 5%.

An upscale bathroom renovation can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000, but the return on investment can be as high as 70%. This is a significant investment, but if you plan to stay in your home for a while, it can be worth it in the long run.

Kitchen

Another high-cost upgrade that can have a significant impact on your home value is a kitchen remodel. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and buyers are willing to pay top dollar for a modern and updated kitchen.

A minor kitchen remodel can cost around $20,000 and have a return on investment of up to 80%.

A major kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 and can increase your home value by up to 10%. If you’re planning on selling your home in the near future, a kitchen remodel is definitely worth considering.

Exterior

Finally, don’t forget about the outside! The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it’s essential to make a good impression.

This can include updating your siding, replacing your roof, or adding new windows. While these upgrades can be costly, they can also have a significant impact on your home value.

For example, replacing your roof can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 but can increase your home value by up to $12,000.

New siding can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 but can increase your home value by up to 10%.

Adding new windows can cost around $10,000 but can increase your home value by up to 8%.

Another way to improve your home’s exterior appeal is by adding outdoor living spaces. This can include a deck, patio, or even a simple outdoor seating area.

Outdoor living spaces are becoming increasingly popular, and buyers are willing to pay more for homes with these features. A new deck can cost around $10,000, but can increase your home value by up to $15,000. A simple patio or seating area can cost as little as $1,000 but can add a lot of value to your home.

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Home Improvements to Avoid

It’s also important to consider what projects to avoid!

Pools

While adding a pool or hot tub might seem like a great idea, it’s not always the best investment. Pools and hot tubs are expensive to install and maintain, and not all buyers are interested in having one. In fact, some buyers may see a pool as a liability rather than an asset.

Specialized Rooms

Additionally, converting a bedroom into a specialized room, like a home theater or gym, might seem like a fun idea, but it can actually decrease the value of your home. Buyers want to see functional bedrooms, and eliminating one could make your home less appealing to potential buyers.

Excessive Personalization

Another project to avoid is over-personalizing your space.

While you may love a bright red accent wall or unique wallpaper, potential buyers may not share your style. It’s important to keep your home neutral and allow buyers to visualize themselves living in the space.

Consider a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color palette and simple decor to create an inviting and neutral atmosphere.

Choose What Works For You

In conclusion, there are many ways to increase the value of your home in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Ultimately, you must choose the projects that fit your budget and work with your home.

Quick and easy upgrades like a fresh coat of paint or simple landscaping changes can make a big impact. High-cost but high-return upgrades like a new bathroom or kitchen remodel can also increase your home value significantly. However, avoiding projects like adding a pool or hot tub or over-personalizing your space is important.

And don’t forget about the exterior of your home, curb appeal, and the little details that can make your home stand out.

With these tips, you can improve your home value and make your property more attractive to potential buyers this Spring!

Work with an Agent

A real estate agent can also guide you through decisions on which home improvements make the most sense for you.

Fortunately, FastExpert makes it easy to find your perfect agent! Take the guesswork out, read ratings, and check out reviews of agents in your area. Browse the real estate agent directory.

Or try FastExpert’s matching service. Fill out a few questions, and we’ll send you several agents that are matched to meet your needs. The complexity of home improvements or moving can be stressful, but we’ll make finding an agent simple.