How to Level-Up Your Home Value

Your home is one of the greatest assets to your name. And in today’s market, it’s important to protect and build on your investment. If your home is dated or in need of repair, making timely improvements and upgrades can be critical. There are certain improvements that will bring you more return on your investment than others, if you have the time and the right financing (like a home equity loan). Not only do these projects make your space more functional and enjoyable for you and your family today, they can pay dividends in the future.

Simple Steps

Basic Home Maintenance

It’s not glamourous, but ongoing maintenance is essential to preserving your home’s value — and saves money in the long run. Make sure basic systems are working well and your home is in good repair, such as leaks in the roof or basement, aging and inefficient heating or cooling systems, or deteriorating walkways.

Even the little things that often get put off, like torn screens, broken door latches and chipped paint, can make a big difference if you are thinking about selling. Plus, they tend to be relatively quick and inexpensive solutions.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting is one of the simplest, most cost-effective home improvements you can make. Any color will do, but if you are thinking about selling your home then you should choose neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.

Refresh Your Décor

Replacing dated décor can have a big impact. Consider new and more contemporary light fixtures, electrical switches and outlet covers, faucets, doorknobs, floor registers, window treatments and curtains. Even inexpensive options can give your home a much more modern look.

Big Projects with Big Payoffs

Improve Energy Efficiency

Not only do eco-friendly home improvements add value to your home, they also save you money over time. There are many affordable ways to make your home more energy efficient such as installing programable thermostats, adding insulation, or caulking around doors and windows to keep drafts out. For even greater cost-savings, you can make a larger investment in energy efficiency by replacing windows, adding solar panels, or installing a heat pump.

Kitchen Renovation

You don’t have to do a total overhaul and spend a lot of money to upgrade your kitchen. Pick and choose from relatively simple updates to fit your objectives and budget, such as:

• Modernize cabinets and countertops
• Replace dated light fixtures
• Install energy-efficient appliances
• Renovate sink and faucet
• Update flooring
• Add a backsplash

To save money, make thrifty decisions. Instead of buying new cabinets, repainting and adding new hardware will give your kitchen a fresh look. Buy builder-grade fixtures and shop for flooring and new appliances at discount stores. Many social media accounts have great ideas for budget-friendly kitchen upgrades.

Bathroom Upgrades

Bathrooms are arguably the most heavily used rooms in a house. That’s why a bathroom update can bring great returns for your money. Consider refreshing your bathroom with a new vanity or repaint the existing one and add new hardware. New fixtures, be it toilet, faucet, or showerhead, can make a world of difference. A new mirror can help modernize the space and different light fixtures can add style to the bathroom. You can also improve functionality with a more efficient vent fan to reduce moisture build-up. As with the kitchen, pick and choose which updates work best for your family and your wallet.

Contemporary Flooring

If your carpeting, tile, or linoleum floors are dingy and worn, new floors could be a great investment. Hardwood floors have wide appeal but can be expensive. If you want the look of hardwood for less, laminate flooring is a great alternative. Today, there are many other high-quality and affordable flooring options to suit all tastes and budgets. If you have hardwood floors that look worn down, consider refinishing them to brighten up the room.

Adding Curb Appeal

Improve the Landscaping

New landscaping can help make your house look clean and appealing, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Start simple with yard clean up, fresh grass seed in bare spots, mulching flower beds and pruning overgrown bushes. Add some low-cost landscaping, like colorful shrubs and plants. Shop local garden centers to get advice on what to plant or talk with neighbors and friends who have a green thumb for ideas.

Spruce Up the Exterior

If you are thinking about selling your home soon, curb appeal matters. Buyers are more likely to look at the inside of your house if they like what they see on the outside. These four home improvements can bring some of the highest returns on your investment:

1. Repair any loose siding or shutters and seal any cracks in the driveway.
2. Paint your front door, exterior trim, and window shutters so they look fresh and bright.
3. Make sure walkways are in good repair.
4. Replace any broken or damaged doors or siding.

Some other low-cost changes that can add a “homey” touch include a new welcome mat, mailbox, and updated house numbers.

Build (or Refinish) a Deck

A deck is a great way to add value to any home. It is a great spot for entertaining and relaxing with family and friends. If your home has a wooden deck, a good power wash and fresh stain will make it feel brand new. Add outdoor lighting to give it a modern feel or build a firepit for a fun and cozy vibe.

Paying for Home Improvements

Before you start to work on a project, you have to figure out your budget. Whether you are hiring a contractor or doing the work yourself, you need to know how much the improvements will cost. If you don’t have the cash to cover the cost of the improvements, there are a couple of options to consider:

• If you plan to make small, piecemeal purchases to add value over time, you can use a credit card to earn rewards while you invest in your home.
• Conversely, a Personal Flex loan might be the right option if you do not have equity, but you need a little more flexibility than a credit card offers.
• One of the strongest ways to fund home renovations is by leveraging your home equity. A fixed rate home equity loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit could be the answer for your large-scale home improvements.

Reach out to Town & Country to learn more about home improvement financing options available that will fit your budget and help make that project a reality. Contact us at info@tcfcu.com or 800.649.3495 to schedule time to talk with one of our loan officers.