Upgrading your home, whether adding a new sink or installing an updated bathroom, is an excellent opportunity to add value to your home, improve its energy efficiency, and increase its resale value. Many homeowners go through their home renovation without giving much thought to the return on the investment they will make. Even if you aren’t considering selling your home right now, you may in the future, and home projects can increase the ROI on your South Boston real estate. Valuable features in a home are completely different than they were 20 or even five years ago. As the market changes and styles change, so do practical upgrades that increase your ROI.

Upgrades that make your South Boston real estate more open and spacious have a great ROI. Most buyers are motivated to move by lack of space and desire more room or an open concept. Here are some ways to add space and value to your home:

Create or build a home office: In our current work environment, many companies are transitioning to work-from-home positions, and many buyers require a private home office. Converting a small room into an office space can add value to your home.

Complete liveable space: Unfinished basements can be an eye sore to buyers who want a move-in-ready home with lots of space. A simple way to add liveable space to your home is by finishing a basement. The liveable space can add 400-1500 square feet and has incredible potential for increased ROI.

Opening living and dining space: While adding space is not an option for all South Boston luxury homes, it can be reasonable to remove walls between the living, kitchen, and dining space for an open concept and create a larger feel with more natural light. Many two-story homes and Colonial homes common to South Boston are not always candidates for removing walls. Alternatives to removing walls include widening door frames or creating half walls with visual openings into other spaces.

Not every upgrade has to be time-consuming and costly to bring in a high ROI. Small upgrades can make a space look fresh and new. Ideas include:

Swap out fixtures, knobs, fans, and faucets: These minor details do not go unnoticed by buyers. Instead of remodeling an entire kitchen, you can replace cabinet knobs, paint cabinets, install a brushed nickel stainless steel faucet, and new lighting or fans for a cohesive and modern look. This can also be done in bedrooms and bathrooms for a facelift.

Energy-efficient upgrades: If a complete bathroom remodel isn’t in the budget, new fixtures and an energy-efficient toilet can still increase your ROI. Other efficiencies can include windows, lighting, curtains, and appliances. Smart features are another easy upgrade for South Boston luxury homes that add value. Smart home features include programmable thermostats, security cameras, wireless security, and more.

Fresh paint: New paint makes a significant impact on a home and always adds value. Buyers are interested in light, neutral colors and a modern look. Pink and blue bedroom walls with scuff marks will definitely be a distraction. A basic color pallet for each room brings a cohesive look across the entire home and makes it feel new and ready for a new owner.

The outside of your home and landscape are the first impression to potential buyers. Upgrading the landscape and exterior of your South Boston real estate will drastically increase your ROI. Consider these upgrades:

Landscaping: Curb appeal can hook a buyer before they see the inside of a home and put them in a positive, or negative, mindset about living in the house. The most basic upgrade is adding potted plants on the porch or lawn for a fresh look. The landscape does not need to be extravagant but should be clean and free of weeds.

Stone veneer: Replacing a small portion of the siding on the front of the home near the entryway is a beneficial upgrade that increases ROI. The stone veneer adds a charming look consistent with other South Boston homes and can make your home stand out or level with the competition.

Replace the garage door: While it seems odd, and can often be overlooked, a new garage door free of dents, creaky noises, and dirt is worth the investment. A new garage door is a shiny stand out from other homes and can push buyers to fall in love with your home.

House numbers are important: Don’t forget to replace your mailbox and house numbers. It helps if buyers can find your home with bold, visible house numbers and a sturdy new mailbox. These small details make a difference in a hot market.

Outdoor living space: If you live in a South Boston home with a front or backyard space, it can bring more bang for your buck to upgrade it into a living space. Upgrades can be as simple as adding an outdoor rug and chair to a deck, a fire pit on a patio, or a covered gazebo by the grill. When buyers can see the extension of indoor living into outdoor living, it adds value to your home and makes it easier to sell. Part of the outdoor space is the front porch, and while it is a small space, many buyers are looking for a quaint sitting space common in charming New England homes.

South Boston real estate agent Martha Toti is among the top agents in Massachusetts and is an expert in South Boston real estate. As a local expert with a deep understanding of the local market, Martha can help sellers identify key changes to increase their home's ROI. Adding value is integral for sellers wishing to upgrade their homes and lifestyle and can be accomplished with some strategic changes and investments.

Martha has more than 13 years of experience and is highly trained to help sellers receive top dollar for their homes without sitting on the market for an extended time. Connect with Martha to prepare your home for listing in South Boston.