4 Ways to Make Your Home More Appealing

Water Softeners Preserve Appliances

Hard water is often considered a boon, because the phrase simply refers to water that has additional nutrients and minerals infused into it, typically through the course of natural processes. That means that hard water is great for human consumption, because pure water is a net neutral; it’s necessary, but it doesn’t add anything your body needs. However, hard water can cause problems in a few areas. Most notably, hard water can create buildup within washing machines that can eventually lead to malfunctions, and the same is true of dishwashers. Likewise, hard water can have an adverse effect on your skin and hair, and it can stain clothing. Adding a water softener system to your home can make it more livable for you or the home’s new owner moving forward, but it’s worth noting that soft water typically has a salty taste because it still contains sodium, so using a water softener for drinking water isn’t recommended.

Update Antiquated Features

Many homes on the market are quite old, and that’s mostly a sign of quality craftsmanship. However, it also comes with the potential downside of outdated features that can cause problems both minor and major. One prominent example is that of uninsulated windows that can complicate heating and air conditioning by letting too much air in and out. Antique windows are also much more fragile. Fireplaces and woodstoves are common in old homes, and these heating solutions are often inadequate and cumbersome. These features provide a certain rustic charm, so it’s not necessary to remove them; in fact, they make a property more appealing. However, the addition of central air or heating makes a world of difference for the quality of life a home provides and, in turn, the market value of the home. Antique locks are problematic, because their keys aren’t easily duplicated in order to prevent being locked in or out of a room, so replacing antique doorknobs is a must.

Repairs and Maintenance

Nothing lasts forever, and the same is true of any home. Pre-owned homes account for most homes on the market, and a lived-in home necessarily has some wear and tear that may or may not necessarily need to be addressed immediately. However, taking the initiative to repair even minor issues does a lot to make the house more livable. When moving into a new home, it’s a good idea to check for anything the previous owners missed or neglected in order to bring everything up to a baseline level of quality so that you’re not caught off guard later on. Likewise, you should prevent the above scenario by performing these kinds of repairs before selling a home so that the new owners won’t have to. These issues can be minor, such as loose screws on a doorknob, or major concerns like a cracked foundation. Finding and repairing these issues can drastically improve the experience of living in the home, and providing that service to the future owner of the house you’re trying to sell will boost your home’s value.

Beautify the Home

One of the many factors that influence the value of the home is the way it looks, and that’s true for both the interior and the exterior. If your home’s exterior has chipped paint, consider a touch up or an entirely new paint job. If your wallpaper is dog-eared or torn, consider replacing it with a fresh wallpaper or even opting for paint. Smokers run the risk of ruining white walls with nicotine stains, so consider cleaning or repainting the walls in such a case. The beautification of your home doesn’t even have to stop with just the house itself. Adding aesthetic value to your lawn by adding  a flower bed or a garden can increase your property value immensely, as can things like a gazebo or a stone walking path. Any number of improvements big and small can coalesce into a more appealing, and therefore more valuable, property. Updating your home’s features can also be a part of this process, as replacing old doors with new glass doors, for example, can be a nice touch of class that will entice prospective buyers.

Increasing the value of your home is important, even if it’s because you’re moving out of it. Whether you’re trying to sell it at a higher price or enjoy living in it more, making these improvements, among others, can help you fine tune your home.