With a 6.3% drop from the prior year in April 2023, Wichita saw a small decline in housing prices. At $195,000, the typical property price provided prospective buyers an attractive way to enter the marketplace.
So, you can enhance the property’s attractiveness and even raise its resale value by making changes before relocating. These enhancements will make your home more enticing to potential buyers and get you a good ROI.
This article will delve deeper into key areas of your Wichita home that you can improve before moving out.
Declutter and Organize
Here’s why decluttering and organizing are important, along with a tip on how to make the process easier:
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Create a Spacious and Inviting Atmosphere:
When potential buyers walk into your home, they want to envision themselves living there. Removing excess items and organizing your belongings helps create an open and spacious atmosphere, which can be a major selling point.
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Simplify the Moving Process:
Moving can be overwhelming, but decluttering beforehand can make it much easier. By going through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard, you reduce the number of items you need to pack, transport, and unpack in your new home. It saves you time, energy, and money during the moving process.
One way to declutter your things easily and efficiently is by renting a storage unit. Many reputable Wichita movers offer short-term and long-term secure and climate-controlled storage solutions as part of their services. Here’s how it can help:
Renting a storage unit gives you a designated space to store items you don’t immediately need. This can be especially useful when you’re preparing your home for sale. You can store seasonal items, excess furniture, personal mementos, or other belongings that might clutter up your home during selling.
Fresh Paint
Applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior walls revitalizes the space and creates a clean and inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Opting for neutral colors, such as soft grays or warm beiges, can help create a neutral backdrop that appeals to various tastes.
By painting over scuffs, marks, or outdated colors, you can instantly breathe new life into each room, making it appear well-maintained and ready for the next occupant.
Bathroom Refresh
Updating the bathroom can significantly enhance its appeal and leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. Start by replacing old faucets, showerheads, and toilets to give the space a modern and clean look. Regrouting tiles and adding a fresh coat of caulk can rejuvenate the bathroom and make it appear well-maintained.
Before you start any bathroom remodeling – such as adding a new bath, changing out the shower system, expanding the bathroom area, and other major bath project, run some financial numbers to determine whether the renovation is a smart investment.
The numbers include the estimated costs, home value assessment, financing costs, and other related calculations.
Review these cost-related issues to remodeling vs. buying a new home.
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The 2nd step for planning your bathroom remodeling is deciding what you would like to do.
Will it be a –
- changing out the bathtub for something more modern,
- converting the shower area into a combo flow and steam shower,
- building out an extension to enlarge the bathroom area,
- replacing the bathroom counter, sinks and faucets,
- reducing the waste of water with a more efficient toilet,
- adding floor radiant heating and a new floor and tile,
- or something else.
Start collecting ideas by referencing our collection of remodeling analysis: view directory
Step 3 is sketching your ideas on paper (or digitally) and developing the spec plan.
The spec plan determines what type of bathroom remodeling materials, items, and design considerations that will be needed. It will also contain the product specifications for each renovation element.
You will use the spec plan and architectural design to bid the project out to a contractor.
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| developing the spec plan | |
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Step 4 is finding and negotiating the contract with a bath remodeling contractor.
Give your bathroom remodeling ideas and specs to a contractor for review and bid analysis. Use the local network (aligned with HomeAdvisor) to find the right contractor for your project.
Review guides for contractor selection and negotiation.
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| contractor evaluation form |
Step 5 is arranging financing once you selected the contractor and finalized the contract for your project.
Using the equity value in your home is one of the best financing option for bathroom remodeling. Start with a home equity line of credit or use the bank equity program.
Other options may include cash-out refinancing, personal savings, and/or financing from home improvement contractors.
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Step 6 is where the project begins.
It starts with setting up the work area, removing everything that needs to be replaced, installing electrical and network connections, putting in the final touches, etc.
It also means working with the contractor, managing the project, and getting the bath remodeling project inspected before releasing any funds.
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Curb Appeal
You can improve your curb appeal in numerous ways; for example,
- Remove any litter, fallen leaves, or other debris from your yard that may have gathered gradually. This simple step instantly creates a more polished and well-maintained appearance.
- Trimming the bushes and shrubs around your property can also give it a neater look. Consider pruning overgrown branches and shaping the bushes to create clean lines and a visually appealing landscape.
- To inject a burst of color and vibrancy, plant flowers in strategic areas, such as along the pathway or in flower beds. Choose a variety of flowers that bloom at different times to ensure a constant display of color throughout the seasons.
- Repair any cracks or uneven surfaces on the pathways to ensure safe and visually pleasing access to your home. Similarly, mend any broken sections of fences or gates, ensuring they are sturdy and presentable.
Lighting Enhancements
Bright and well-lit spaces create a welcoming atmosphere, making rooms appear larger and more inviting. You can effectively highlight your home’s best features by replacing old fixtures with modern ones and strategically placing lighting in dim areas.
Whether it’s installing recessed lighting, pendant lights, or energy-efficient LED fixtures, these lighting enhancements can elevate the ambiance and functionality of your home.
Kitchen Upgrades
By making some minor updates, you can give your kitchen a fresh and modern look and also add value to your home.
- Start by replacing outdated hardware, such as cabinet handles and drawer pulls. Choose stylish and contemporary options that complement the overall design of your kitchen.
- Additionally, consider updating fixtures such as faucets and sinks to more modern and efficient models. This can make a big difference in the overall aesthetics of your kitchen.
- Invest in new ones if your appliances are outdated or showing signs of wear. Stainless steel appliances are particularly popular as they give a sleek and timeless appearance.
- However, if your budget doesn’t allow for new appliances, you can consider refinishing or repainting them to give them a fresh look.
- Another impactful upgrade is replacing worn-out countertops with a more durable and attractive material like granite, quartz, or butcher block.
Flooring
By investing in high-quality flooring, you not only create a lasting impression on potential buyers but also ensure easy maintenance and longevity. Start by assessing the current condition of your floors and identifying any areas that require attention.
If you have worn-out carpets or outdated vinyl flooring, consider replacing them with more durable and visually appealing options such as hardwood, laminate, or tile.
Hardwood floors provide a timeless and elegant look, while laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative that mimics the appearance of hardwood.
other related articles of interest:
Conclusion
Making strategic home improvements before moving out of your Wichita home can greatly enhance its appeal and value in the real estate market.
By focusing on key areas such as curb appeal, interior upgrades, and energy efficiency enhancements, you can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers and increase your chances of selling quickly and at a higher price.
So, take the time to evaluate your home’s needs, prioritize the improvements, and embark on this journey to create a more desirable and market-ready property. Your efforts will benefit you financially and leave a legacy of a well-maintained and appealing home for the next fortunate occupants.
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Image credit: home improvement to make before moving out by envato.com
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