When it comes to selling your home, making strategic decisions on where to spend your renovation budget is crucial. As a pre-sale home renovation specialist, Sydney’s Kristen Jackson works closely with homeowners to identify areas that can add significant value in order to provide the best return on investment. We caught up with Kirsten who talked us through a home she recently prepared for sale in Sydney’s Sandringham, a small suburb near the airport.
“The property was a mix of a ground floor home with a studio upstairs and it had a confusing layout. My goal was to transform the property into a market-friendly home without overcapitalising,” says Kristen, who transformed the home from a four-bedroom one to a five-bedroom abode with study. “I researched homes in the area to identify what buyers were looking for. Most homes seem to have four bedrooms plus a study and outdoor kitchens and walk-in pantries are popular too,” says Kristen who set about making the home more competitive in the market.
Identifying which areas of the home require the most significant renovations is Kristen’s specialty and in the case of this home it was the bathroom that needed an overhaul. The existing bathroom was rundown with a non-functional bathtub and awkward layout and instead of opting for minor fixes she decided that a complete renovation was in order. “We could have just replaced the bath and shower screens, but it still would have looked like an old bathroom and now it’s a highlight of the home,” says Kristen.
By contrast, the home’s kitchen was in good condition with only a few tweaks required. A broken strip of joinery was repaired, and a steam oven was added to replace a built-in coffee maker that was no longer working. Both updates gave the kitchen a fresh look without breaking the bank.
The house also received a fresh coat of paint throughout, and professional styling gave it a much more modern, welcoming feel. “These relatively low-cost investments made a significant visual impact,” says Kristen.
Kristen’s top five tips for pre-sale renovations
Analyse the market: Look at recent sales in your suburb and compare your home. Understanding what buyers are looking for in your area is crucial.
Make a list of desired features: Identify the key features that are popular among buyers and add them to your list. The list will guide your renovation efforts.
Add or adjust covetable features: If your budget allows, add sought-after features. If not, adjust what you have to better meet buyer expectations.
Budget solutions: Instead of a full kitchen renovation, consider replacing the benchtop or splashback to give the space a fresh look. Small changes can make a big difference.
Presentation: Never underestimate the power of a deep clean, fresh paint and professional styling. These relatively low-cost improvements can significantly boost your home’s appeal.
For more on Kristen Jackson and her business Wealth House
After photos by Your Inner Light Photography
