If you’re looking to make a few investments in your property before putting it on the market, you’ll want to make sure that you only put your money in the places where you’ll most likely get a return. Here are some of the best areas to upgrade before you put your St. Louis home on the market:

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a place of utility, but it should also be a place of comfort. It’s arguably the heart of the home. Houses with state-of-the-art kitchens not only attract attention, but also increase the value of your home. If you have the budget and the time, a complete kitchen remodel will frequently bring a full return on the investment. However, if your budget won’t allow for an extensive overhaul, upgrading to granite counters, stainless steel appliances, or adding a kitchen island will add value and be very appealing to prospective buyers. At the very least, a new coat of fresh, neutral-colored paint and some new cabinet hardware will help freshen up the space.

The Flooring

Hardwood floors are always popular with buyers. They go with almost any décor, they keep a room feeling open and light, and they’re easy to clean. If you already have hardwood flooring, but it’s looking a bit worn, you can have them sanded and resealed. You’ll also want to fix any boards that are loose or squeaky. If the property doesn’t currently have hardwood floors, removing the carpeting or tile and replacing it with hardwood is a smart upgrade that will appeal to potential buyers.

The Bathrooms

Like the kitchen, the bathrooms should be comfortable. Making sure the bathrooms are sufficiently updated before you list the property is another worthwhile investment. For upgrading on a budget, remove rust stains, apply fresh caulking, and update the doorknobs and cabinet pulls. If you’re working with a larger budget, making upgrades to the master bathroom (or adding a master bathroom) with luxury amenities, like heated floors or a whirlpool tub, can add significant value to the property.

The Landscaping

When you’re spending so much time focused on the interior of the house, it can be easy to forget about the exterior. However, a messy front lawn and haphazard shrubbery and trees can block views, darken interiors, and dampen the house’s curb appeal. Making sure that your trees and hedges are trimmed neatly, and flowerbeds are free of debris and weeds can give the property an impressive aesthetic boost. A semi-recent HomeGain survey found that investing between $400 and $500 in landscaping can bring a return of four times that investment, so it’s smart to give the outside of your property some attention as well.

The Lighting

The house needs to feel welcoming and bright. Update any old or worn-out lighting fixtures. Consider installing dimmers in the living room, dining room, and master bedroom so you can add ambiance with the lighting. Also, the type of bulbs you choose make a difference. High wattage bulbs make small spaces feel larger and soft lighting warms up empty spaces.

Investing thousands of dollars (or even hundreds) into upgrades may seem unnecessary, but that investment may just be the thing that motivates a prospective buyer to make an offer.

If you’d like a recommendation for a sharp, local Realtor, if you need to get a pre-approval on a mortgage, please get in touch. We’d be happy to help.