by Alicia Murphy - 15 August 2012
For many homeowners, keeping their home in tip-top shape is a task that requires constant attention. Over the years the features that were once so en-vogue in your home become outdated and unattractive, not only to you and your family but also to potential buyers. One room where a little updating can go a long way is your bathroom.
© Wichittra Srisunon – Fotolia.com
Making The Master Masterful
The master suite isn’t really sweet without an en-suite. In particularly for those who own an older home many master bedrooms weren’t originally designed with a bathroom, and those that were often got a measly half bath. For today’s homebuyer in many markets a half bath can be considered sufficient while in other markets this simply wouldn’t do.
Before making costly changes check with a local REALTOR® to see what master bathroom features are trending in your area. If it is customary for homes in your area to have an en-suite you may want to consider adding one if your home is lacking that feature as this can be a huge turnoff for buyers. Fortunately bathroom improvements often carry a good rate of return so you’ll not only increase your home’s appeal to buyers but also increase your value.
Small Changes with BIG Impact
Many bathrooms suffer from dating in two key ways: wallpaper and old fixtures. If your bathroom suffers from wallpaper circa 1992 coupled with some nice gold fixtures chances are that it won’t be a top selling feature with buyers. By simply stripping the wallpaper and repainting the walls in a more neutral color you’ll move mountains. Fixtures such as drawer/cabinet pulls, towel rods, water faucets and lighting implements can be purchased for just a few hundred dollars. Adding some storage to a smaller bathroom is also a great way to maximize the space and buyer appeal.
Just remember that bathrooms are an important room to homebuyers. Updating or increasing this space not only increases your home’s value, it also gives it an edge on competing properties on the market.
A
major benefit to homeownership is community. There is a greater sense
of community among homeowners than there is with renters. Studies have
shown that homeowners have a higher participation in local volunteer
activities; participate more in local political activities and
organizations; have higher voting rates; and are more involved in
self-help activities (like the PTA and neighborhood crime watches) than
those who rent. Homeowners do not move as frequently as renters,
therefore providing more neighborhood stability. This helps reduce crime
and support neighborhood upkeep and value.
