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Weekend Projects That Help Increase Your Omaha, NE Home Value

by Nancy Heim-berg

Weekend Projects That Help Increase Your Omaha, NE Home ValueIf you are in the process of listing your home to sell, then you understand just how important it is that your house appeals to a range of buyers. And while the thought of major home renovations seems very daunting and costly, you can rest assured that route is not always the way to go. 

Since you will have a variety of people touring your home, many with vastly different tastes and preferences, it may be best to keep things simple when it comes up fixing things up as to not deter potential buyers. There are many time-efficient and cost-effective ways to spruce up your home and bring a little life back into the living spaces. 

Below we have listed a few DIY home improvement projects that you can tackle over a few weekends to ensure your home shows well to potential buyers in the weeks to follow:

-The first weekend, before you do anything else, you will want to take time to declutter your home in a big way. Nothing screams chaos and closes off a space more than having too many unnecessary items around. Take a few days to donate or throw away items you no longer need (including clothing, toys, furniture, decor, etc.) and clear a clean space to conduct the rest of your DIY projects.

-There is no better or cost-effective way to liven up your home then a fresh layer of paint. We recommend coating your walls with neutral colors that complement each other. If you can’t do every room in the house, stick to the high-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen and family room. 

-On that note, if your kitchen is looking a little outdated, a way to save money but also freshen up this space is to paint your kitchen cabinets. This option is much more inexpensive then replacing them altogether and you may be shocked at how it changes the whole aesthetic of the area. 

-Another inexpensive project is to replace and update the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms. Your goal should be to achieve a cohesive style throughout which will help make your home appear more up-to-date and move-in ready. 

-Consider adding a mosaic backsplash to your kitchen. This is something you can do on your own, is relatively inexpensive and can completely transform the look and feel of the space. 

-If you have carpets in any area of your home, be sure they are deep cleaned prior to the start of showings. Although vacuums help, your carpets are home to dirt, dust, allergens and odors that can only be removed through deep cleaning. It will be a major turn off to buyers to have unpleasant odors around while touring your home, so this is a must!

 

Selling your home in Omaha, NE? Be sure to check out our Home Selling Tips page here for more useful tips and tricks!

Tips And Tricks For Increasing Your Home Appraisal In Omaha, NE

by Nancy Heim-berg

Tips And Tricks For Increasing Your Home Appraisal In Omaha, NEIf you are in the market to sell your Omaha, NE home, chances are you will have to go through the appraisal process *cue groans*. And while there are certain factors that are out of your control, such as square footage, layout and location, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that your home appraisal comes back at maximum value. 

Before we jump into all the tips and tricks, we first wanted to make sure that our readers understand exactly what a home appraisal is. So, let’s begin at step one: a home appraisal is the process in which a certified appraiser comes to your home to perform an in-depth inspection in order to determine how much your property is really worth. Now please keep in mind the appraisal amount is not always equal to what the listing price will be set at, but it should provide an accurate understanding of the appraised value of the property. 

Now for the fun part – ways to help increase your home appraisal: 

-Our first tip for you is to fix - everything! You know those seemingly small home repairs that have been on your “to-do” list for ages, but you just haven’t gotten around to yet? The running toilet, the squeaky patio door, the dent on the wall from your kid’s skateboard accident – sound familiar? While these things may not seem like a big deal to you, they can be a red flag to the appraiser and potentially reduce the perceived overall condition of your abode. 

-Cosmetic upgrades can go a long way in helping your home look fresher and newer. We aren’t saying splurge on a full-on remodel (because really, who wants to take on that job?!), but investing in areas such as new carpets, a new coat of paint, an updated bathroom vanity, etc. can actually go a long way!

-Staying on the last point, it doesn’t hurt to keep track of all the improvements/upgrades you did in a list to show the appraiser as they may not be familiar with homes in your area. This is a great opportunity to stand out and display any added value that your home provides. Additionally, if you can include any paperwork, like contractor invoices, that will help your case tremendously and provide weight to the claims you make.

-Arguably one of the most important areas of your property to keep in mind is the front of your home. Curb appeal is everything and as they say, you don’t have a second chance at a first impression. The appraiser’s initial judgement and assessment of your home will be as they walk up and it is a great opportunity to impress. Paint the front door, trim the weeds, plant colorful flowers, add a wreath and doormat – anything that you think will add some spice to the front of your home. 

-Lastly, be sure to clean! We understand this may seem obvious, but a spotless house will most likely increase the chances of the appraiser viewing your home in good condition. So, whether you take a weekend to hit every nook and cranny or hire an in-home service, just make sure that things are squeaky clean for appraisal day! 

 

Have you been wondering what your Omaha, NE home is worth? If so, be sure to check out our instant market valuation page here!

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Photo of Heim-Berg Team Real Estate
Heim-Berg Team
Berkshire Hathaway
331 Village Pointe Plaza
Omaha NE 68118
(402) 677-9024
(402) 679-7108 | (402) 830-6123
Fax: 402-493-4805

Stacey OHara CMG financial 515-306-2360

 

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