When it comes to selling your house, you want to get as much out of the sales price as you can, but it isn’t always easy. In many neighborhoods, you have stiff competition, and buyers are always looking to get the most house for their money. You have to do everything you can to make your house stand out and up the sale price. One way you can do that is by making a few new additions to your home, or at least refreshing some of the existing spaces. Keep in mind that not all additions are worth the same amount, so stick with these upgrades, and you’ll eventually really see that sales price climb.

A New Kitchen
A kitchen renovation is one of the home upgrades you’ll see the most return on. Investing anywhere from $300 to $5,000 should get you a return of anywhere from 3 to 7 percent.  If yout budget allows, consider renovating your outdated kitchen to add even more value to your home. Alternatively, focus on fixing the things that will jump out to buyers: a faucet that leaks, the burnt countertop, etc. Also, keep in mind that new or at least matching appliances are a huge incentive to buyers, so consider replacing your outdated ones or at least order new faces or fronts to make them all match.

An Extra Bath
Next to the kitchen, the bathrooms are the next priority for most buyers so another great way to raise the price on your home is to add an extra bath. If there isn’t space for a completely new bathroom, then simply focus on updating the existing spaces. Even simple fixes like caulking the tub and re-grouting the tile can make a huge difference in enticing buyers. Consider replacing the vanity and countertop, put a new coat of paint on the walls and you can really blow interested buyers away without too hefty of an investment. This fix should earn you roughly 2 to 3 percent more on your sales price.

Landscaping
Curb appeal is an important selling factor so be sure to invest some of your budget here. Well-designed landscaping can turn a tired, drab, cookie cutter home into a real knockout, which will both attract more buyers and increase your sales price. Be sure to replace old bushes and add some color. Stand-alone plants are great, but you can also make great impact with flower beds and potted plants.

Install a Security System
Safety and security are also important to buyers, so keep this in mind as you list your home. For most buyers today, a preexisting security system is a real incentive. So consider options that are comprehensive but still affordable, like the systems available from Northstar Home Security. A security system requires very little investment on your part but goes a long way toward making a new homeowner feel safe and comfortable in a new place.

New Light and Plumbing Fixtures
Dated light and plumbing fixtures is a sure way to sink the sales price of your home, so take some time and money to update these treatments. It may not seem like a huge deal to you, but outdated gold fixtures, or worse, rusted fixtures are a real deterrent to buyers. Plus, this update won’t cost you an arm and a leg to complete.

The final sales price on a home is a fine balance between striking a good deal for both the buyer and the seller. However, one of the best ways to guarantee that you get the most out of your home is to make a few additions that carry a high value for prospective buyers. Use this list to guide you as you update your home in preparation to sell, and you’ll be sure to get top dollar for your house.