decided to add a backsplash and more cabinet space in the kitchen and then updated the appliances and refinished the oak flooring. Total cost was $4,000. The seller kept the price comparable to sales in the area and ended up selling for $27,000 more than the asking price because interested buyers started a bidding war! The lesson here? You do not need to bust your budget to sell your home, but you do want to have mass appeal. Kitchens are pivotal in home appeal. Here are some suggestions of what you can do to your kitchen and bath to impress buyers without losing ROI: • Paint neutral colors. • Add a new backsplash in the kitchen. • Install new countertops if dated or if you need to bring the home up to current area standards. • Add new, multifunctional kitchen faucets. • Add cabinet space or increase storage in the pantry. • Replace dated bathroom vanities. Pedestal sinks or trendy cabinet sinks have mass appeal. • Replace toilet seats — or the entire toilet, if necessary.
TWO ENERGY-SAVING UPGRADES TO LOWER UTILITY BILLS
More and more buyers are looking for homes that reduce consumption and save them money on utility expenses. Here are two options that can make your home more energy-efficient. • Install an energy-saving smart thermostat (less than $250) that saves on utility bills. • Install solar vents ($500-$700) in the attic space that help expel hot air during the summer months. MAKING A CASE FOR SPACE
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