8 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

8 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Resale Value

  • Ellen O'Connor
  • 10/8/24

Boosting your home's resale value is an exciting venture that enhances its marketability and increases your enjoyment of the property in the meantime. If you’re ready to level up your living space and achieve a profitable transaction with thoughtful and strategic updates, read on. Here’s how to captivate potential buyers and ensure your home stands out in the Skaneateles real estate market.

1. Modernize Your Kitchen

The kitchen is a central feature in home valuation, so it’s time to transform your kitchen into a culinary haven that captivates potential buyers at first glance. Upgrading this space can yield significant returns on investment.

Start with state-of-the-art, stainless-steel appliances that promise efficiency and elegance — think smart refrigerators and induction cooktops that appeal to the avid culinary enthusiast. Switching dated countertops for quartz or marble adds instant luxe and durability. Don’t overlook the cabinetry; modern shaker-style or sleek, handle-less cabinets in neutral tones can dramatically change the vibe of your kitchen space. Finally, a stylish backsplash that complements the countertops can tie the entire room together, making your kitchen not just a room but a conversation starter.

These updates —- modern appliances, stunning countertops, and chic cabinetry — can elevate your kitchen from ordinary to extraordinary. Throughout, opt for a color palette that combines contemporary appeal with timeless elegance, and watch your kitchen become the highlight of your Skaneateles home.

2. Enhance Your Outdoor Space

Maximize the allure of your outdoor space by turning it into an enchanting retreat. Begin with pristine landscaping, including lush lawns and strategic plantings that provide both privacy and visual interest. Features like an elegant stone pathway, decorative lighting, and a water feature can elevate the space to the sublime.

For those with enough room, an outdoor kitchen equipped with a barbecue and a chic dining area can transform your backyard into an entertainer's dream. Fire pits and comfortable seating areas surrounded by soft outdoor lighting make the space all the more inviting, extending the livability of your home into the great outdoors.

3. Boost Energy Efficiency

Prospective buyers are increasingly drawn to residences that marry comfort with sustainability. Enhance your home’s energy efficiency by installing new, double-glazed windows that keep the elements out and reduce heating and cooling costs. Consider a newer, high-efficiency HVAC system that promises lower energy bills and improved indoor air quality. Simple updates like programmable smart thermostats, new appliances, extra insulation, and energy-efficient water heaters can also be major selling points, offering potential savings and convenience.

4. Create Spa-Inspired, Serene Bathrooms

Bathrooms that promise a retreat-like experience can level up your home's appeal. Start by updating essential fixtures and fittings, such as modern faucets and a sleek shower head. If budget allows, replacing old tubs with a walk-in shower adorned with frameless glass doors can add a sense of sophistication. Ambient lighting, heated floors, and modern mirrors with integrated lighting can transform a basic bathroom into a spa-inspired space. High-end finishes, such as natural stone or beautiful tiles, can complete the transformation, making your bathroom a standout feature in your Skaneateles home.

5. Refresh with Paint

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most straightforward ways to transform your home’s atmosphere, making it look cleaner, more welcoming, and more cohesive. Opt for neutral colors like soft grays, warm whites, or soothing beiges that can make spaces feel more expansive and inviting. Consider the finish as well; matte paints can help hide imperfections in older walls, while a satin finish can be easy to clean and perfect for high-foot-traffic areas. Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to update your beautiful home, offering a considerable return on investment.

6. Rejuvenate the Flooring

Quality flooring is not just a background detail — it's a crucial element that impacts your home's aesthetics and functionality. Hardwood floors are a perennial favorite, offering durability, ease of maintenance, and a timeless look.

If replacing all floors throughout the house isn’t feasible, consider refinishing existing hardwood floors to restore their shine and eliminate signs of wear. Alternatively, high-quality laminate or vinyl tile can offer the look of real wood or stone but at a more affordable price point and with excellent durability. Whatever choice you make, ensure it complements the overall design and color scheme of your Skaneateles home.

7. Smarten Up Your Living Space

Smart home technology adds convenience and can be a major draw for buyers looking for a modern, updated living space. Start with the essentials like smart thermostats, which offer both enhanced functionality and potential energy savings. Smart lighting systems that allow homeowners to control ambiance and usage from their smartphones can be a key selling point for many forward-thinking buyers. For added appeal, consider a centralized system that integrates various smart features, including voice-activated assistants. These technologies make life easier and can help differentiate your home from others.

8. Illuminate Your Interiors

Proper lighting design can change the perception of your space dramatically. Ensure that each room features a mix of lighting types: ambient lighting to provide overall illumination, task lighting to enhance functionality, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or intriguing art pieces. Upgrading to modern fixtures that complement the style of your home can also be a visual upgrade. Consider the power of natural light as well; ensure that windows are unobstructed, and consider adding skylights or solar tubes in darker spaces to brighten them up naturally.

By strategically implementing these updates and renovations, you can enhance the functionality and aesthetic of your Skaneateles home while maximizing its potential on the market. If you’re hoping for a streamlined, top-dollar sale, begin your journey in Skaneateles real estate with Ellen O'Connor leading the way.



Skaneateles real estate agent

Ellen O'Connor

Associate Real Estate Broker

About The Author

Ellen O'Connor ABR, CLHMS, GRI, SRES, 
Licensed Associate Broker
Uniting Extraordinary People with Exceptional Places
 

Impeccable service, top-tier area expertise, and a keen eye for potential. These are just some of the many qualities you can expect when working with Ellen O’Connor, realtor and real estate broker. Primarily serving the greater Syracuse area, Ellen has 18+ years of industry experience, and prides herself on matching her clients to their dream homes. 

Born and raised in Central New York, Ellen is a lifelong resident of the area and is one of Skaneateles’ leading industry experts. Her real estate career began in 2004 when she decided to combine her love of historic properties and helping others. Through many years of hard work and dedication to her clients, Ellen has become one of the area’s most renowned real estate experts. She has also painstakingly renovated over 19 properties, some dating back to the 19th Century, giving her unique insight on real estate investment in the area. Ellen is a licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, a Member of the National Association of Realtors, and holds numerous industry designations, including Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). In addition to her industry awards and accolades, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Lawrence University. 

Ellen is well-versed in many different facets of a real estate transaction. From her first-hand experience of property restoration to her many years of brokering deals, she has built an exemplary reputation as a top-tier agent. Ellen understands the nuances of lakefront properties and the hidden potential of under-appreciated assets, which give her a distinctive edge over the competition. She guides her clients through every aspect of a real estate transaction, from the first meeting to the closing table. Ellen works with buyers, sellers, and investors throughout the Central New York Region, specializing in lakefront homes, historic houses, investment properties, and vacation homes.

Along with building a successful real estate career, Ellen has made a wonderful life for herself beyond her work. She is the proud mother of two grown sons. She currently lives in Manlius and on Skaneateles Lake with her rescue dog, Beauregard, a Jack Russell/ Australian Cattle Dog mix who definitely runs the show. Her passions include historic property restoration, gardening, cooking, decorating, and design, as well as perusing vintage shops and estate sales for antiques.

Work With Ellen

Ellen O'Connor offers impeccable service to real estate clients in the Central New York region, with a specialized focus on waterfront and distinctive properties.

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