Return on Investment. These three magic words can either make or break a seller’s piggy bank. Many new Austin real estate buyers and current sellers plan on tackling home improvement projects over the next few months. If you’d like to undertake a project this summer on your Austin area home in hopes of seeing a return on your funds down the road, here are five upgrades you can do now and still see a return years from now.

New windows can bring a lot of bang for the buck. Not only will they save you cash when paying the utility bill, but they will also increase the resale value of your Austin area home…especially if you live in an older home that still has wood or metal windows. Drafty, inefficient windows mean a colder home in the winter and a warmer home in the summer – not to mention increased spider and insect guests. And this is one upgrade that home buyers are sure to notice and appreciate. New windows will make your home feel and look newer than it actually is. If you’re interested in upgrading your windows, but aren’t sure where to start, ask your realtor. We know what buyers are looking for when searching for their perfect home.

Upgrading your kitchen appliances is always a good idea when improving your home for resale value. New appliances will catch the eye of any Austin real estate buyer. And if you’re a few years away from putting your home on the market, upgrade now and enjoy the new technology. We can even offer advice on which appliances will stand the test of time in the eye of potential buyers.

Low-maintenance landscaping will not only save your wallet, but will also save your weekends. Replacing your front yard lawn with low maintenance shrubs and trees is a great way to cut back on your utility bills, while giving you more time to spend relaxing and enjoying the Austin real estate area. And if you’re unsure what to plant, ask a professional. Most nurseries have a landscape designer on staff to answer all your design questions. And don’t forget to ask us for advice as well. We know what buyers are looking for in exterior spaces and can help you plan your dream landscape. The Natural Gardener in Austin is an excellent resource for low-maintenance landscaping.

Ductless mini-split air conditioning or heat pumps can be a great addition to a room. Knowing that there are still many opportunities to purchase and renovate older Austin homes, these units can be an inexpensive option to provide cooling and heating. They are less expensive to install than central air conditioning and heating and can allow a home owner to control temperatures room by room.

Storage is always a good idea. Austin homes for sale can never have too much storage. For everyday needs, closet organizers and kitchen cabinetry can mean the difference between a good morning and a stressful morning. And best of all, buyers will drool over your vast storage spaces and bring an offer that respects this valuable upgrade. Storage comes in all shapes and sizes, and your REALTOR will be able to give you useful advice on what types of storage will bring the best return on your investment. Bottom line, if you’d like to enjoy your Austin home improvement projects now and get your money back when it comes time to sell, make improvements that will stand the test of time…or better yet, gain value over time. And remember, you are not alone in your home improvement endeavors. If you’d like to ensure all your projects will be worth your time and money, give us a call and we will help you map out a plan that will bring you the biggest bang for your buck.

Guest post by Heather Lanoue of the Keller Williams Colorado Springs real estate offices.

Bookmark and Share