If you plan to sell or refinance your home, you might be thinking of doing some work to add real estate value. Home improvements can be costly, but there are some relatively inexpensive ways to add value to your home.

You don’t have to shed $50,000 on a state-of-the-art kitchen or bathroom to see an increase in your home’s value. There are cheap ways how you can improve your home value without spending your hard-earned money.

How to Know Your Property Value?

As the market changes, your home value will also change. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median home value will rise by 15% nationally.

As a homeowner, you should always know your home’s value to make the best decisions when it comes to selling, refinancing, or taking a loan for renovations or remodeling.

Online Home Value Estimators

Trying to estimate your home’s value can be a tricky business. After all, many factors can affect your home’s worth, from its location and size to the property’s condition and the housing market’s current state. However, a few tools can help you get a ballpark estimate of your home’s value.

Online home value estimators use public records and other data to generate an estimate of a property’s worth. While these estimates are not always 100% accurate, they can give you a good idea of your home’s approximate value.

To get the most accurate estimate possible, input as much information as possible about your property, including its size, age, amenities, and location.

Hiring a Real Estate Appraiser

Before making any changes to your home, whether it be a new roof, an addition, or even just painting the shutters, you should first consult with a real estate appraiser. That might seem unnecessary, but trust us, it’s worth it.

A real estate appraiser can tell you what your home is currently worth and what value any potential changes might add. This is vital information to have before making any decisions because it will help you set a budget and ensure you don’t overspend on renovations that might not even increase the value of your home.

Many people tend to overlook the importance of an accurate appraisal, but it is essential to understanding the potential value of your property.

Ordering a Comparative Market Analysis (Cma) From a Real Estate Agent

Comparative Market Analysis, better known as a CMA, is “an assessment of a home’s value based on recent sales of similar properties in the same area.” In other words, it estimates what your home is worth compared to others in your neck of the woods.

If your house is in Houston and is interested in putting your home on the market, a real estate agent in that area will be able to pull up recent sales of comparable properties and help you price your home accordingly.

Cma is a valuable service because it will give you an idea of what buyers are currently willing to pay for homes like yours in your area. Asking a Realtor for a CMA is a great way to get an idea of your home’s value without spending any money.

After knowing your property’s market value, you can start making some home improvements.

Effective Ways How to Make Home Improvements Cheap and Affordable

Making home improvements doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are a number of ways to make significant improvements without breaking the bank.

Take Care of Your Exterior

The first step you need to do if you want to boost your house’s curb appeal is to take care of its exterior. It is the first thing people see when they visit, so you want to ensure it’s well-maintained. Here are some tips for taking care of your house exterior:

First, take a look at the exterior of your house and make a list of things to repair. This list includes fixing cracks in the foundation, painting the trim, or improving the gutters.

Painting the front door or one side of your exterior wall can be a great way of enhancing the curb appeal of your house, or painting the fence will cost you $160 for 5 gallons of a premium cedar stain.

Once you have a list of repairs, start making them one by one. Don’t try to do everything at once – focus on one task and finish it before moving on to the next.

Taking Care Take of Your Lawn

One way to improve the look of your home is to take care of your lawn. A well-maintained lawn can add to your home’s curb appeal and make it more inviting. You can expect an estimated $250 for regular landscaping and shrub clearing. But if you are the type of homeowner that wants to DIY, here are some tips for taking care of your lawn:

Mow Regularly

Mowing will help to keep the grass short and prevent it from getting too long and tangled. Be sure to mow differently each time to prevent the grass from getting compacted. A weekly lawn mowing can cost you $25.

Water Deeply and Less Often

Watering encourages roots to grow deeper, which makes the grass more resistant to drought. Watering less often also helps to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilize Regularly

Fertilizing provides the nutrients that grass needs to stay healthy and green. Be sure to use a fertilizer appropriate for your grass type.

By following these tips, you can maintain a healthy lawn that will add beauty and value to your home.

Fix Up the Interior

The next step is to focus on the interior of your house, where people will spend their time, so you want to ensure it’s comfortable and inviting. Here are some tips for fixing up the interior of your house:

• Start by decluttering each room. Get rid of anything you don’t need or use. This action will make the space feel larger and more open.
• Second, make your living space spacious by donating or selling the stuff you no longer want or need.
• Once you have decluttered, it’s time to start cleaning. Thoroughly clean each room from top to bottom by dusting, vacuuming, and mopping floors.
• If cleaning the whole house is too much work, you can hire a professional cleaning service for only $250-$240.
• Decide which rooms to focus on first. The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most important rooms in the house, so it’s a good idea to start there. Both rooms can be expensive to update, so focus on making small changes that will have a big impact. Cabinets, kitchen counters, and appliances can be expensive to replace, so consider painting them instead. For the bathroom, consider updating the fixtures or painting the walls.

Think About Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Energy-efficient upgrades are a great option if you’re looking for ways to save money. These upgrades can help you reduce your energy consumption, lowering your monthly utility bills.

There are a number of different energy-efficient upgrades you can make, such as:

• Installing energy-efficient windows
• Adding insulation to your attic
• Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances
• Adding solar lights that you can purchase for only $30 a dozen.

Incorporate Indoor Plants into Your Esthetic

Adding indoor plants to your home can add to its value, both aesthetically and functionally. Certain types of plants can help improve air quality and reduce stress levels.

Here are some of the most popular indoor plants that can add value to your home:

• Ficus Benjamina or Weeping Fig: This plant is known for reducing stress levels and improving air quality. It can cost anywhere from $20-$100.
• Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue: This plant is known for improving air quality by filtering out toxins. It can cost anywhere from $15-$50.
• Aloe Vera: This plant is known for its ability to heal cuts and burns. It can cost anywhere from $5-$20.
• Peace Lily: This plant is known for improving air quality by filtering out toxins. It can cost anywhere from $10-$50.

Run An Air Purifier

Adding air purifiers can help improve your home’s air quality and add value to your property. In Houston, air purifiers can cost anywhere from $50-$500. However, the benefits of having an air purifier in your home are worth the investment. Not only will you be able to breathe easier, but you will also create a more inviting space for potential buyers.

There are a number of different air purifiers on the market, but not all are affordable. Here are three affordable air purifiers that can help improve the air quality in your home:

1. The GermGuardian Air Purifier: This air purifier is known for removing allergens, dust, and pet dander. It can cost as little as $60 up to $130

2. The Honeywell Air Purifier: This air purifier claims that it can remove smoke, dust, and pollen from the air. It can cost as little as $100.

3. The Blueair 203W Air Purifier: This air purifier is famous for removing dust, pollen, and smoke from the air. It might cost as little as $120.

Adding an air purifier to your home can help improve the air quality and add value to your property. Choose an affordable option that fits your needs and budget, and enjoy its benefits.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of different ways you can add value to your home. Choose the right option for your needs and budget, and enjoy its benefits.