If you're thinking about selling your home, you're probably wondering what it's worth. We offer free valuations of your property, which can help you decide if you would like to renovate before selling or leave-as-is. Once you know which features aren't popular among homebuyers, making that decision on renovations can be made easier.

Here are some of the home renovations we recommend to increase the potential selling price of your home.

1. Hardwood or Laminate Flooring:

While carpets used to be a desirable home feature, they're no longer trending. In fact, most of the time when viewing homes to purchase, our buyers comment on changing out the carpet as soon as they move in. Check to see if there is wood below—and, if there is, there might be an advantage of refinishing the floors. Otherwise, go for an easy-to-clean surface like laminate.

2. Kitchen Cabinetry:

Depending on the condition of your cabinets, opting for a fresh coat of paint or stain can really liven up the kitchen space. Buyers are looking for cleanliness, so a crisp white cabinet is always in style. Neutral colors also work. Skip the "rustic" or "vintage" look, as this can easily come off as worn and old.

3. Bathroom Fixtures:

Sometimes, all your bathroom really needs is a refresh. Eco-friendly toilets and new fixtures can make bathrooms look brand new. You're wanting to sell a home that's move-in ready for buyers, and a few hundred dollars updating the fixtures might translate to a few thousand dollars on the asking price. Swap out the toilet seat if it's cracked or scratched. Use some cleaner to buff and shine the faucets. And if your sink is in bad shape, swap it out for a new one. Shower doors are also a huge focal point, so make sure they're clean and functioning.

4. LED Lighting:

Lighting sets the mood. Buyers are looking for homes that feel new, but also warm. This is a very simple and inexpensive fix that can liven up your space. Don't use blue or harsh white LEDs, opt for around 2700K range for a nice warm glow. Find a perfect balance of a warm sunny day, and get rid of any yellow or dingy lights.

5. Outdoor Space:

Let's face it, us Americans like to show off our outdoor space and BBQ'ing skills. In California especially, outdoor space is a huge deciding factor when buying a home, as the weather is nice for most of the year. Some of the most sought-after updates are covered porches, pergolas, tons of greenery, hardscaping, paved patios, fire pits, and outdoor kitchens. You might see a high return of investment, sometimes 75 to 100%.

If you're looking to sell your home, choose Sousa! We are here to help you stage, list, and show off your property to the right buyer. Ask us today for our complete and customized marketing plan for your property. Call today!