With minimal financial outlay, you could transform the look and feel of your home. Purchasing real estate is an investment, so when it comes to property value, the goal is to increase it, whether you want to sell it or rent it out, says BighornRentals.com.

Increasing property value is easier than most homeowners think, and it’s often well worth the added effort. Here are five tips to increase the value of your property.

1. External Wall Repair And Painting

First impressions matter. So it’s worth making sure your property looks its best outside and in. Features that show signs of destruction won’t cut.

To make your home look fresh, modern, and appealing, have a fresh coat of paint applied. Choosing the right color is vital. Avoid overly bold shades.

Besides the paint job, you could also check the property for signs of damage. Brick homes may have mortar joints that have cracked or crumbled. Walls made of weatherboard may have damaged panels.

Although subtle, these improvements will make a property look like new without the need for a significant renovation.

2. Upgrade The Kitchen

Ask any real estate agent what upgrade has the greatest ROI, and the answer will be the kitchen. The kitchen is truly the heart of a home. Here are simple steps to upgrade your kitchen:

• Go for stainless steel. Steel’s cold feel is a popular feature among buyers. Replace old appliances with new stainless steel ones.
• Add a splash of color with a new backsplash. The new tile is eye-catching.
• Refresh the paint. It may sound simple, but it works. Your cabinets can also appreciate a faux-wooden finish.
• Hang a pot rack with new pots and pans.
• Make your kitchen upbeat with a rolling island or cart.

3. Do Thorough Cleaning And Organizing

A thorough cleaning can work wonders for any property. You could decide to do it yourself or hire professional services. The Cleanzen cleaning covers every inch of the house, from what’s under the carpets to what’s behind the stove and the fridge.

You could also organize the clutter during this time. Ask yourself the following questions when decluttering:

• If I were shopping right now, would I buy this?
• Have I used this in the past year?
• Is the primary reason for retaining this item the concern about wasting money?
• Am I holding on to the broken item to fix in the future?
• Does it fit me or my living space?
• Do I have a realistic plan to use this?
• Do I have a similar item that serves the same purpose?
• Am I holding this for sentimental reasons?

If your answers to those questions are no, then you should toss away items that you do not genuinely need or want.

4. Renovate/Beautify Your Bathroom

The bathroom is the workhorse of all the rooms in your house. There’s bound to be lots of wear and tear, so it’s a beneficial idea to keep it updated every once in a while. The following is what you can do:

• Upgrade the bath area. Install stone surround tile and a shower with body sprays.
• Invest in heated floors. They attract buyers like bees to honey.
• To add warmth and value to your bathroom, nix the overhead lighting in favor of wall mounts.
• Choose marble or granite for your countertops.
• Focus on your faucet. Bathrooms are no longer useful.
• Keep it clean. Bathroom surfaces can quickly become embedded with dirt and grime.

5. Landscaping And Yard Lighting

A properly landscaped yard is attractive. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to fix it up if you have space for it. Boring yards, messy gardens, or dead plants can be a quick turn-off.

You can help transform your yard by investing in new trees, ground cover, shrubs, rocks, and fresh soil. An attractive yard will help sell the property because it invites buyers to picture themselves spending time outside during the mild seasons of the year.

You could enlist the services of a professional landscaper if you don’t have a green thumb. Also, pay attention to lighting as well. It’ll help your garden look modern and chic at night. This feature is especially important, as some buyers will only have time to drive around at that time.

These five tips will help you get the most out of your home improvements, whether you’re adding value or selling.