Enhancing a Home’s Value With Amenities

Think you can’t do anything to increase the value of your home? Think again! While it may not be possible to add an entire wing or gourmet kitchen, there are plenty of ways to make your property more valuable to potential buyers or renters by adding just one or two improvements.

Here Are 10 Tips on How to Increase Property Value

1. Walkability

Walkability matters!

People are willing to pay more for a home or apartment if it’s located close to public transportation, parks, and shopping. These things provide convenience, exercise opportunities, and other amenities that improve your quality of life. All of these benefits add up to increase property value.

2. Parks

Adding a park nearby can create a positive community experience and increase property value. Homes in neighborhoods with parks tend to be more valuable than those without them.

The presence of parks is even more influential when it comes to location decisions for families with children. Even better news for homeowners is, open green spaces are often maintained at little or no cost through local government funding or volunteer work, making them an attractive amenity.

3. Architecture & History

A structure’s design and history can add substantial value to a property. For example, renovating an old building with unique architecture will bring it up-to-date and ensure that you don’t lose curb appeal in your neighborhood. You may even get historic tax credits or other incentives for repurposing older buildings. Get your money back by doing what you love—and save more while you’re at it!

There are plenty of ways to increase property value with something as simple as adding a new coat of paint or installing a large picture window. If you want bigger returns on your investment, consider remodeling and fixing up your home from top to bottom, inside and out!

4. Home Value Services

As you learn how to increase property value, make sure you know how much your home is worth. Home valuation services can assess your home’s value and give you a good idea of what it might be worth on the open market. The appraisal will reflect fair market value—in other words, what someone might pay for your home, not necessarily what you’d like for it. Getting an objective opinion from a professional may help prepare you for negotiations with buyers or real estate agents and guide you as you plan renovations.

5. Neighborhood Watch Programs

If you’re looking for a way to add more security and curb appeal, building a neighborhood watch program is an easy way to do both. You’ll need to work with your neighbors and local law enforcement officials, but it can be an effective means of increasing property value.

If nothing else, consider putting in some additional street lighting; it’s not glamorous, but it’ll make a difference.

6. Public Transportation

If you are looking to increase property value, you must consider if public transportation is readily available. Not only will nearby bus and train stops make it easier for people who live in your community to get around, but they also can make your place more desirable in general. Those with lower incomes often have a hard time purchasing vehicles, which means it may be harder for them to buy homes near public transportation. That’s an expense that a lot of families struggle with each month, which can make people hesitant about purchasing homes where cars will be required for long commutes.

7. Social Infrastructure

It might seem obvious, but choosing a home that’s close to stores, restaurants and other amenities will give you more freedom than being stuck in suburbia. You can enjoy all that an urban area has to offer without ever needing a car.

Consider renting in an up-and-coming neighborhood with access to public transportation, or opt for a home near parks and green spaces if you want more privacy. No matter which option works best for you, choosing amenities nearby can be one of the most effective ways to increase property value.

8. Put yourself in your buyer’s shoes

If you want your property to stand out from all the rest, consider how you can make it a place people want to live in.

Put yourself in your buyer’s shoes and think about what they need from a home.
Do they have kids? What are their hobbies? Are there local stores or restaurants close by that are hard for them to get to without a car? Is parking a problem for them?

Think of simple things you can do, such as installing window screens or painting your front door red. These types of decisions increase curb appeal and give potential buyers an overall sense of safety and security—which can lead directly to increased property value.

9. Smart Home

Smart home technology has become more affordable and easier for consumers to set up over time. Consider these ways that smart home features can increase your property value. First, a smart thermostat can make sure you’re not heating or cooling areas of your house that aren’t in use; sensors on other connected devices like a motion detector or video camera can monitor things such as whether you’re home or who is coming and going when you’re away from home.

These features not only keep your electricity bills down, but they also provide extra security if something should happen while you’re gone. Your comfort and peace of mind will be reflected in an increased property value.

10. Energy Efficient Homes

If you’re building a new home, it pays to opt for energy-efficient features. Energy-efficient appliances, windows, and insulation all cost more upfront but will pay for themselves quickly with lower utility bills and tax credits.

Homes with solar panels or green roofs not only look nice, but they also make your home stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter homes from across the street—which can mean a higher sale price down the road.

The added value doesn’t stop there. Adding space for a garden or an outdoor patio can increase curb appeal as well as property value, leading potential buyers to see your place as an inviting place to live.

In Summary

Every property owner wants to know what they can do—from an investment standpoint—to add value and appeal to their real estate. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some aspects of your home are easy fixes while others require a significant amount of time and money.

Use these tips as a starting point, but remember that all properties are different, so make sure you evaluate your own home based on its particular needs. Remember that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder; if you’re looking for an appraisal value then it’s best not to let your personal taste get in your way!

Enhancing a Home’s Value With Amenities