Looking to sell your Annapolis home fast?
In recent years, Maryland homes have experienced a rise in value. Although the market experienced a brief dip in pricing at the tail end of 2024, it rapidly recovered. But while such a phenomenon illustrates that homebuyers are very much interested in Annapolis real estate, owners who are preparing to sell can still do a few things to ensure a successful and favorable transaction.
Apart from simply maintaining your home, making smart and thoughtful upgrades is the best way to boost your property value.
While you may not be selling your home anytime soon, making incremental upgrades is certainly more cost effective– small, but significant investments make the most difference. Consider each step instead of making rushed decisions. This also gives you a chance to thoroughly sift through the newest trends, and see if they’re a good fit for your home and its future owner.
With this article, get to know the best upgrades you can make before selling your house.
HOME UPGRADES THAT CAN BOOST YOUR PROPERTY’S VALUE
Shared spaces
Shared spaces are where families come together and entertain guests. Keeping these rooms neat, comfortable, and up-to-date can do wonders should you decide to sell your home in the future.
For the family room
It’s in your best interest to keep the main family room a welcoming space, not just for your household members, but for your guests as well. Take your time to learn the highest quality items that are within your budget and are a good fit for the space. Window treatments, improved lighting fixtures, and some soundproofing qualities can make the family room a versatile spot for casual gatherings, intimate parties, and movie nights.
For the kitchen and dining areas
The home’s kitchen and dining areas say a lot about the previous owners’ lifestyle. While there’s no shame in being a minimal chef, a kitchen you cook in is a well-loved and thoughtfully designed kitchen.
This, along with your home’s dining room are central to daily life and can significantly influence buyers’ perceptions. Consider upgrading appliances, refinishing cabinets, and adding stylish touches to create a functional and inviting space.
Don’t hesitate to add your unique preferences and display tchotchkes with interesting stories. If you’re looking for specific facets to redesign, consider the following:
- Matte black or brushed gold fixtures
- Stainless steel appliances
- Quartz or granite materials
- Waterfall edge countertops
- Pendant lighting above the island or dining table
- Open shelving for display dishes
If you have extra space that receives plenty of natural light, consider turning it into a lovely breakfast nook. Back in the kitchen, durable and aesthetically pleasing counter space are always a hit for homebuyers. Adding a central island increases a kitchen’s functionality. It can also double as an informal dining area, depending on the style.
For the bathrooms
Even a quick peek into a home’s bathroom can speak volumes. Create a clean and calming space with modernized fixtures, updated tilework, and energy-efficient features that can elevate the appeal of your bathrooms and enhance the overall value of your home. Our recommended upgrades include:
- Walk-in shower with glass doors
- Frameless shower enclosures
- LED vanity mirrors
- Heated floors
- Freestanding bathtub
- Dual vanity with granite or marble countertop
Spa bathrooms are increasingly popular these days, but creating two or three– let alone one– can be expensive. If this is an upgrade you’d like to explore, consider limiting it to the main bathroom or the primary bedroom’s en-suite. A spa bathroom adds an extra layer of luxury and can increase your property’s overall market value and desirability.
Guest rooms and multi-use space enhancements
One of the factors considered when pricing a home is its approximate livable square footage. Home additions, however, aren’t always possible– you might have budget or lot constraints. This is where multi-use spaces come in: they retain the same area and can be easily reconfigured based on the current need. A guest room? An office? A movie room or den? A multi-use space can be several different rooms but for the price of one.
This multi-use concept can be applied to several parts of the house. An unused bedroom, for one, or a nook that’s usually left bare. The living room, however, is the best first place to turn into a multi-use space with the following pieces:
- Multi-functional furniture such as a sleeper sofa or daybed
- Side or coffee tables with built-in, hidden storage
- High-quality linens in warm, neutral tones
- Dresser or wardrobe for storage
- Built-in surround sound system
- Recessed lighting or track lighting
- Modular built-ins
Just for you
While it might make sense to concentrate your project to shared spaces, don’t neglect private areas as well. They are the spots in any house that can truly be personalized based on its current resident’s lifestyle and preferences. Leaving these rooms as neutral as possible is the wisest choice, but a few thoughtful improvements wouldn’t hurt.
Bedroom upgrades
We can think of nowhere else you’ll want to be more comfortable. Start improving your bedrooms with the following:
- Light fixtures to enhance the restful atmosphere
- Storage and custom cabinetry
- Layered window treatments for light control and privacy
- A study or work area
Home office transformation
With more people working remotely, a dedicated home office has become more valuable than ever. Even if you’re not the work-from-home type, you create a functional and inspiring workspace with ergonomic furniture, ample storage, and plenty of natural light. Include the following upgrades for this space:
- Ergonomic desk and chair
- Sit-stand desk with built-in USB ports
- Built-in shelving or cabinets for storage
- Desk lamp and task lighting
- Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves
- A cozy seating area
Outdoor living
If your property has some outdoor space, consider turning it into an extended living area designed for general leisure, relaxation, and entertainment.
A patio addition is one of the best ways to zhuzh up your outdoor area. It sets up the stage for other lifestyle activities, not only for you but for the house’s next owner as well. Make it even better by fitting it with a porch screen to protect people from the elements, cushy outdoor furniture, and electronics. Remember: the purpose is to create another living space.
Other outdoor upgrades you might want to consider include:
- Outdoor kitchen
- Privacy fence
- Outdoor fire pit
- Extended roof and/or pergola
- A wooden deck
Garden and landscaping
Constant improvements to your property’s landscaping not only benefit you in the present, but in the future as well when you decide to sell the home. Include the following upgrades to your outdoor living shopping list:
- Flower beds with seasonal blooms
- Raised garden beds for growing vegetables and herbs
- Pathways or stepping stones
- Mulch or gravel for tidy borders
- Native plants for low-maintenance landscaping
- Solar-powered pathway lights for eco-friendly illumination
Technological upgrades
In today’s digital age, technological upgrades play a significant role in enhancing the value of residential properties. Maryland homeowners looking to increase their home’s appeal and market value should consider integrating the latest technological innovations, especially ones that further enhance their vision for the home.
Smart home automation
Smart home automation continues to gain popularity among homebuyers due to its convenience and efficiency. If you want your property to include smart home features when it’s time to sell, we recommend the following:
- Smart thermostats: Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats like Nest or Ecobee allow homeowners to regulate temperature settings remotely, optimizing energy usage and reducing utility costs.
- Automated lighting systems: Smart lighting systems offer customizable settings and scheduling options, enhancing ambiance and security while conserving energy.
You don’t need to get too advanced when it comes to smart home upgrades. They are, after all, lifestyle preferences. What works for you might not work for the house’s next owner. Instead, you can lay the groundwork and add provisions for installations.
Energy efficiency
Energy-efficient features are also become an important consideration among more and more homebuyers. But like smart home tech, preferences can vary. You can start with the following upgrades to increase your property’s energy efficiency and resale value:
- Solar panel compatibility: Changing your house’s roof is a major investment, but if it’s something you want to pursue, consider materials that are compatible with solar panel installation. These include composite shingle and metal.
- Energy-efficient appliances: Upgrading to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption without sacrificing performance, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers.
- Greywater recycling system: This tech repurposes wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing. By collecting, filtering, and treating greywater, these systems conserve water resources, minimize wastewater discharge, and promote sustainability.
Home security
Ensuring the safety and security of a property is paramount for homeowners. Advanced home security systems offer peace of mind and increase property value by deterring potential intruders. Maryland homeowners can consider:
- Advanced security cameras: High-definition cameras with motion detection and night vision capabilities provide real-time monitoring and recording of activity around the property.
- Smart door locks: Keyless entry systems offer convenience and enhanced security, allowing homeowners to lock and unlock doors remotely via smartphone apps.
- Alarm systems: Monitored alarm systems with sensors for doors, windows, and motion detection provide comprehensive security coverage and prompt emergency response when needed.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE HOME UPGRADES?
Here’s a guide to help you determine when it’s time to upgrade your home:
- Evaluate the current state of Annapolis’ real estate market. Research homes that were recently sold or are currently listed, then compare them to your property. How does your house stack against listed homes in case you decide to sell right now?
- Keep an eye on interest rates and economic indicators that may impact the housing market, such as employment trends, inflation, and mortgage rates. Favorable economic conditions can create favorable selling conditions, while adverse economic factors may warrant a more conservative approach to home upgrades.
- Take a critical look at your home’s condition and identify areas that may need improvement or renovation. Consider factors such as outdated features, wear and tear, functionality, and curb appeal. If your home lacks modern amenities or has visible signs of aging, it may be time to invest in upgrades to enhance its marketability and appeal to potential buyers.
- Reflect on your long-term goals and timeline for selling your home. If you’re planning to sell within the next few years, investing in strategic upgrades can help increase your property’s value and stagger your expenses.
- Determine your budget for home upgrades and assess the affordability of potential projects. Consider the costs of materials, labor, and any associated expenses, such as permits or professional services. Is this undertaking something you can comfortably afford at the moment?
You can also get in touch with a real estate agent or appraiser to gain insights about your home’s current value and potential for appreciation with strategic upgrades.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT UPGRADES FOR YOUR HOME
You don’t need to do a complete renovation of your house to increase its resale value. Instead, create a strategy that works best for you, your wallet, and your property.
- Prioritize upgrades that address structural issues or safety concerns in your home. This may include repairing a leaky roof, updating electrical wiring, replacing outdated plumbing fixtures, or reinforcing the foundation.
- Upgrading to durable materials reduces the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Choose high-quality materials and finishes that can withstand daily wear and tear, such as hardwood flooring, durable countertops, and low-maintenance siding.
- Research the potential ROI of different home upgrades before making any decisions. Projects that offer the best returns include kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, or energy-efficient upgrades like solar power installation. These upgrades not only enhance your daily life but also add significant value to your property over time.
WHEN YOU’RE READY TO SELL YOUR HOME, CALL JEN
Once you’re ready to list your Annapolis, MD home for sale, get in touch with Top Realtor Jen Schaub. Born and raised in Maryland, there’s no better person to help you sell your home fast in Annapolis, MD.
You can start your home selling journey by getting your home valuation here or reaching out to Jen at 720.244.5945. You can also send an email and schedule a one-on-one real estate consultation at your convenience.