Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends | Hawaii Life (2024)

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  • By Leeana Runningbear
  • August 28, 2023
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When it comes to selling your home, maximizing its value is not only the seller’s top priority but also your agent’s. With the right strategies and investments, you can significantly increase the selling price of your property.

As real estate agents, we have the experience and knowledge of what can be done to improve your property value depending on your needs, budget, and timing. In this blog post, I’ll explore proven ways to add at least $50,000 in value to your home, ensuring a higher return on your real estate sale.

Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends | Hawaii Life (1)

Curb Appeal Matters

First impressions count. Enhance your home’s curb appeal by maintaining a well-manicured lawn, planting colorful flowers, ground cover, and ensuring the exterior is clean and in good repair. A welcoming exterior can make potential buyers more inclined to explore the inside. Depending on the size of your property and its condition, this can be an easy fix that adds a lot of value, especially when we live in a state where the outdoor lifestyle is one of our biggest appeals.

Upgrade the Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home. Consider making strategic upgrades such as installing modern appliances, updating countertops, and refinishing or replacing cabinets. An attractive and functional kitchen can significantly boost your home’s value.

Bathroom Remodel

Bathrooms also hold great value. A bathroom remodel can include updating fixtures, adding a new vanity, and improving the overall aesthetics. Buyers appreciate clean, updated bathrooms and are often willing to pay more. In some of our older homes on the island, the grout can often look dirty and old due to age. Consider re-grouting as a simple fix.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Investing in energy-efficient upgrades not only adds value but also lowers utility costs. Consider adding a nest thermostat, upgrading windows to double-pane or an energy-efficient air-conditioner, and installing an on-demand or solar hot water system. With Hawaii having one of the highest electricity costs, these improvements appeal to conscious buyers.

Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends | Hawaii Life (2)

Fresh Paint and Flooring

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Choose neutral or white colors that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Additionally, consider upgrading or refinishing your flooring. Many homes still have carpet, and most buyers do not want carpet. Hardwood floors, for example, are a significant selling point for many buyers. If your carpet looks worn and discolored, it can devalue the home, making it look like everything needs work. A simple solution is updating the carpet to have the feel of the home present better.

Professional Staging

Consider professional home staging. Staging helps potential buyers visualize themselves living in your home and can lead to quicker and more profitable sales. I highly recommend staging, and some agents include staging in their services. I do!

Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends | Hawaii Life (3)

Proper Pricing Strategy

Finally, work with a knowledgeable real estate agent to set the right asking price. Overpricing your home can discourage buyers while underpricing can leave money on the table. A competitive pricing strategy is essential for maximizing value.

Adding $50,000 in value to your home is achievable with the right approach. Focus on enhancing curb appeal, upgrading key areas like the kitchen and bathroom, and investing in energy efficiency. Don’t forget the power of professional staging and a well-considered pricing strategy. By following these tips, you can ensure your home stands out in a competitive market and attracts buyers willing to pay a premium for your property.

Do you have experience with selling your property and adding value?

Posted onin Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaii Island, Selling Advice, Tips, #sellingadvice,#sellingtips,Advice to Sellers,big island selling,Guide to Selling your House,selling your home

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Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers - Hawaii Real Estate Market & Trends | Hawaii Life (2024)

FAQs

What actually increases property value? ›

Factors that can increase your home or property value

Nearby amenities, local laws, street art, and more can also increase your home's value — without impacting your homeowners insurance. While remodeling is one quick way to add value to your home, it can cost you when you update your home insurance policy.

How is the Hawaii real estate market? ›

Market Statistics

Hawaii State median sale price movement is up in April 2024, with the home price up 9% to $985,000 and the condo price up 16% to $625,000 from last year.

Is buying a house in Hawaii a good investment? ›

Perhaps you have already paid off your mortgage. Real estate investments and rental income can provide a steady, secure source of income, that helps over the years and during retirement. If you plan properly and buy right, an investment in Hawai'i real estate is typically a safe and rewarding investment.

Why are houses in Hawaii so expensive? ›

Supply And Demand Doesn't Work Here

But Hawaii is a unique market. Since the 1980s, the more free-market housing we've allowed to be built, the more international demand has increased. The land beneath our houses is often worth much more than the house itself.

How to increase home value by $50,000? ›

Adding $50K in Value to Your Home: Top Strategies for Sellers
  1. Curb Appeal Matters. First impressions count. ...
  2. Upgrade the Kitchen. The kitchen is often the heart of the home. ...
  3. Bathroom Remodel. Bathrooms also hold great value. ...
  4. Energy Efficiency Improvements. ...
  5. Fresh Paint and Flooring. ...
  6. Professional Staging. ...
  7. Proper Pricing Strategy.
Aug 28, 2023

What is the #1 thing that determines the value of a home? ›

Location is the cornerstone to a home's value. You can modify a house to fit your needs, but the location will always stay the same. The location of a home and its proximity to desired resources are often the most important deciding factor for a buyer.

What does the average house sell for in Hawaii? ›

There are currently 6,886 homes for sale in Hawaii. The median list price in Hawaii is $825,000 and the average price per square foot is $673.

What one factor impacts the price of real estate in Hawaii the most? ›

Inventory Levels and Buyer Demand

Hawaii's real estate scenario is characterized by tight inventory levels, a situation that traditionally tilts the market in favor of sellers. As properties are listed for sale, the low supply coupled with high demand has sustained home values.

What is the most expensive Hawaiian island to live on? ›

The cost of living in Hawaii varies widely across its islands, with Oahu, Maui, and Kauai being the most expensive, and Molokai, Lanai, and the Big Island's Puna District being the cheapest.

What is the downside to living in Hawaii? ›

However, there are also potential drawbacks to living in Hawaii, including the high cost of living, limited job opportunities, and the risk of natural disasters. The state's isolation from the rest of the nation and traffic congestion in larger cities can also be challenges for residents.

Are Hawaii home prices dropping? ›

Hawaii Housing Demand

In April 2024, 20.7% of homes in Hawaii sold above list price, down 2.1 points year. There were only 18.5% of homes that had price drops, up from 12.0% of homes in April last year. There was a 98.0% sale-to-list price, down 0.13 points year over year. …

What is a decent salary in Hawaii? ›

To live comfortably in Hawaii, an annual income of around $70,000 to $100,000 for a single person, or $120,000 to $200,000 for a family is recommended. Is it expensive to live in Hawaii?

Where is the safest place to live in Hawaii? ›

Hawaii Kai

Hawaii Kai is a residential neighborhood located far east of Downtown Honolulu with a population of 28,417. It's considered one of the safest neighborhoods on the island, and unlike Aina Haina, it is a fairly popular tourist destination thanks to its close proximity to some of Oahu's best beaches.

Is Hawaii real estate overpriced? ›

Hawaii has expensive housing. A University of Hawaii report published Monday found regulatory costs account for more than half of the price of a new condominium in Hawaii, a place where high housing costs are fueling an exodus of local-born residents searching for cheaper places to live.

What adds $100,000 to your house? ›

Consider adding a family room, an additional bedroom, or even a home theatre to make the most of the space. Update your landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and beautiful landscaping can add curb appeal and value to your home. Consider planting some flowers, shrubs, and trees to enhance the look of your property.

What adds the most value to a home? ›

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
  • Upgrade the appliances. ...
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basem*nt. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency.

What exactly does an appraiser look for? ›

The appraiser will be looking at your home's features, age and condition, then compare it to other similar homes in the area and what they sell for. Because your home's value is based on the value of similar homes in the area, the local market will have a big impact on your appraisal.

Does adding a fence increase property value? ›

In the front yard, a fence can increase the value of your home by adding to its curb appeal. Though front-yard fences are often more for decoration than function, they can add value by improving security. Popular types of fences for the front yard include picket and wrought iron.

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