May 2022 
Over the last couple of years, we have all spent much more time indoors. Now, you may be thinking of ways to enhance your surroundings. Whether you recently purchased a new house or you simply want to increase your home’s value, consider taking on some of these affordable upgrades.
Clean and declutter
The first step before you take on any project should be to clean and declutter your home. Doing so will not only provide a better space for working, but it could also improve the value of your home. Per a HomeLight report from 2019, decluttering and deep cleaning could increase resale value by more than $4,000. Cleaning is one of the most inexpensive tasks you can do for your home, but it will likely be a lot more work if you plan on doing it well. Clean out storage areas like closets, sheds, or garages. Create a designated space for donations and a separate spot for simply throwing things away or recycling.
Once you have those items out of the way, it is time to clean. Start from the top of every room and work your way down to avoid having to clean something twice. Dust the top of tall dressers or wardrobes, and don’t forget to wipe down any crown molding while you are up there.
Kitchen upgrades
When browsing the market, many prospective buyers will focus on the kitchen. If you are planning to sell, start with this area — especially if your kitchen is outdated or not being utilized to its full potential. Don’t worry about doing an entire remodel if it is not in your budget; doing small upgrades can go a long way. Take a look at the floors, sinks, countertops, light fixtures, and cabinets. If possible, replace the sink faucet with something more modern. Do the same with light fixtures, too. If it is in the budget, consider adding a stylish backsplash. One of the biggest returns in kitchen upgrades is in the cabinets.
Freshen up with paint
One of the easiest ways to brighten a room and increase appeal is to give the walls a fresh coat of paint. According to personal finance writer Amy Fontinelle, when writing for Investopedia, “To maximize the value of your home for a sale, choose a neutral color scheme that unifies the entire house, makes space look more prominent, and appeals to a wide variety of potential buyers.” Avoid incredibly bright primary colors like yellow, blue, or red, and steer clear of black at all costs, as this color will make any room seem smaller.
Tech upgrades
For some, being able to connect to a home with their smartphone is a big bonus. An easy way to improve your home’s value is by making it more efficient in this way. Consider adding a smart thermostat that allows you, or a potential buyer, to control the climate from anywhere in the house. Think of other affordable tech options that can be added, like Bluetooth® light bulbs, smart Wi-Fi plugs, or a video doorbell. These advanced perks can go a long way when it comes to buyer convenience and resale value.
Before beginning any project, always come up with a plan and a budget. The last thing you want to do is get in over your head. With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to making your home more stylish and valuable.
Last, don’t forget we’re here to help. Whether that’s with a Home Equity Line of Credit to help make those bigger renovations happen, or pre-approving you for your next home purchase, you can always call or visit one of our friendly bankers at your local Waukesha State Bank office.