Improvements to make and enjoy now that will pay off when you sell your home

Portland broker Bobby Curtis can’t count how many times his clients lament making costly home improvements not for themselves but for a new owner to enjoy.

“Why didn’t I do this sooner?” they ask Curtis as they are looking at photos of their now-stylish residence readied for the real estate listing.

Don’t wait. There are low- to high-cost ways to upgrade a residential property and increase its livability now that may bump up its value when it’s on the market later.

Another motivation: Putting off repairs could make the situation worse, and perhaps harder, or impossible, to sell the house later.

Unless the structure is a tear down, failing electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems as well as a bad roof and safety issues have to be repaired to sell a property to a buyer relying on an appraisal to secure a mortgage.

A well-maintained home sells faster and for more, say experts.

Then there are enhancements that can have almost their entire expense added to the asking price, if the seller doesn’t overspend.

Rebates for installing energy-saving appliances, double-pane windows and wall insulation lessen upfront costs and the owner benefits from lower monthly utility bills while making a home more appealing to potential buyers.

Replacing an oversized, inefficient oil-fired boiler and furnace in an older home can also free up the basement to be finished as additional living space, increasing the property’s market value and widening its appeal, says Curtis.

Since the pandemic started, home shoppers have been keen on having flexible spaces that can be a work, craft, hobby or wellness area, says Curtis, who calls having a bonus room “the best seller.”

If an owner has the resources, converting underused space in a house into an in-law apartment for extended family members or a lower level with an exterior door into a rentable accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be rewarding now and enticing to a future buyer.

Biggest rewards

Research shows that sellers get the most bang for their renovation bucks by focusing on the kitchen, bathrooms and curb appeal with a handsome front door and low-maintenance landscaping.

The front yard is the first impression a home shopper sees after liking the property’s online photos and description, says Curtis.

The biggest payoff, however, now and in the future, comes at little cost but big effort: Decluttering. If you plan to move sometime, it’s helpful to start boxing and storing excess objects now, says Curtis.

“Most people can move a third of their possessions to a corner of the garage and still have a livable, workable home,” says Curtis. “Many people instantly see this as an improvement and wonder why they didn’t do it years earlier.”

Timeless upgrades

Sometimes, just rearranging furniture makes a home look more inviting, and pulling back heavy drapes to let natural light into a dark space is a quick fix, says Curtis.

If expensive kitchen cabinets and other built-in renovations are on the home improvement to-do list, select timeless styles and finishes that won’t look dated in the future.

Give in to trends with an accent wall color or textile like a sofa pillow or rug.

Faded or frayed wall-to-wall carpet should be replaced unless the home is being sold at a discount “as is” or buyers are offered a flooring allowance to make their own choice.

An owner purchasing new carpet should select a budget-friendly brand in a neutral color, according to the real estate marketplace Redfin. Better yet, install laminated or hardwood floors or tile, which often appraise higher than homes that have equal parts hardwood and carpeted flooring, says Redfin.

Can’t decide on how much to invest before selling? Research the market to see recent nearby sales. Then get advice. Curtis is a licensed contractor as well as a broker, and he has restored houses over his career. His insight: Renovations don’t have to look like every other new remodel, he says.

One of his recent listings, which he describes as a “truly unique, tasteful and bold” renovated midcentury modern house in Northwest Portland’s Kings Heights neighborhood, received an accepted offer in four days.

“It’s just not one of those renovations, but it was thoughtful and extensive,” he says.

Trends with wide appeal

Erin Davis of Mosaik Design and Remodeling in Portland says kitchens and bathrooms are the most used spaces in a home and the most sought-after remodeling projects.

“Staying with quality materials and a timeless style is a safe bet that both you and potential buyers down the road will enjoy,” she says.

A custom designed, high-end large kitchen can cost $50,000 or more, according to a 2023 study by Houzz, an online resource with content by more than 3 million home remodeling and design professionals.

Designers with the National Kitchen & Bath Association can recommend alternatives to high-priced products and materials for the latest looks are also available at home improvement stores in standard sizes and popular colors.

Some owners make improvements in phases to stay within a budget, and do some of the work themselves.

This article is written by Janet Eastman from The Oregonian and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].