Four Cost-Effective Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value: Insights from Zillow’s Amanda Pendleton

Selling your home can be both an exciting and daunting experience. After years of making mortgage payments, maintaining the property, and possibly investing in upgrades, you want to ensure you get the highest return on your investment. Fortunately, in today’s competitive real estate market, there are several cost-effective strategies you can implement to increase your home’s value. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home-trends expert, recently shared four practical tips on the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast that can help you maximize your sale price without breaking the bank.

1. Freshen Up with Paint

One of the simplest and most impactful ways to enhance your home’s value is by applying a fresh coat of paint. According to Pendleton, Zillow’s data indicates that buyers are particularly drawn to dark charcoal gray, especially in kitchens. In fact, homes featuring this color can command approximately $2,500 more than those with lighter shades.

Pendleton emphasizes that dark gray not only modernizes a space but also conceals imperfections, making it an excellent choice for various rooms, including bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re hesitant about using dark gray in your kitchen due to limited natural light, consider experimenting with it in other areas of your home. Additionally, dark navy blue is another trending color that can elevate your home’s aesthetic appeal.

2. Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping

First impressions matter, and landscaping is a powerful way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Pendleton suggests that creating an inviting outdoor space can significantly impact potential buyers’ perceptions. Simple additions like flowers, trimmed hedges, and outdoor furniture can transform your yard into an attractive oasis.

One particularly appealing feature is a fire pit, which can be easily installed and doesn’t require a hefty investment. Pendleton notes that a well-placed fire pit can lead to a sale price increase of over 1%. Even if you don’t plan to enjoy it yourself, staging your home with outdoor amenities can make it more appealing to buyers looking for a space to entertain.

3. Optimize Your Online Presence

In today’s digital age, the way your home appears online can significantly influence buyer interest. Pendleton highlights the importance of “screen appeal,” which encompasses everything from high-quality photographs to virtual tours. To enhance your listing, ensure your home is well-lit and clean, and consider using brighter light bulbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Zillow offers a free tool called 3D Home that allows you to create interactive tours of your property. Listings featuring virtual tours receive 69% more views and 80% more saves compared to those without. This means that investing a little time in capturing your home’s best angles can lead to a more successful sale.

4. Highlight Desirable Features in Your Listing

Finally, Pendleton stresses the importance of emphasizing unique and desirable features in your home’s online listing. Certain amenities can significantly boost your home’s value, such as outdoor showers, which can increase sale prices by 2.6%, and soapstone countertops, which may add up to 3%. Even small features like beverage centers can enhance your home’s appeal, leading to a price increase of up to 2.4%.

While you may not want to undertake major renovations, it’s essential to showcase the attractive features you already have. Use your listing description to highlight these elements, as they signal to potential buyers the overall quality and desirability of your home.

Conclusion

Selling your home doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process, especially when you have the right strategies in place. By implementing Amanda Pendleton’s four cost-effective tips—freshening up with paint, enhancing curb appeal through landscaping, optimizing your online presence, and highlighting desirable features—you can significantly boost your home’s value and attract potential buyers. With a little effort and creativity, you can maximize your return on investment and make your home stand out in a competitive market.