how to increase home value and market appeal

How to Increase Home Value and Market Appeal

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Whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply want to make your home more attractive, understanding how to increase home value and market appeal can make all the difference. From cost-effective upgrades to design touches that catch buyers’ eyes, this guide walks you through proven ways to boost your property’s potential and make it stand out in today’s competitive market.

Fresh paint

A fresh coat of paint offers one of the highest returns on investment when selling a home. A new coat of paint instantly refreshes spaces and increases buyer appeal at a relatively low cost.

When choosing a color palette, select neutral paint colors to help buyers envision their own style in the space, creating a clean and versatile look.

Kitchen and bathroom upgrades

Kitchen and bathroom touch-ups and upgrades are important because these high-traffic areas can affect buyers’ impressions. However, keep in mind, you don’t need a full remodel to make an impact. Small upgrades, such as replacing outdated hardware, installing new light fixtures or updating faucets, can transform the space.

For bathroom updates that offer a strong return on investment and signal the home is well-maintained, try regrouting tile, caulking any cracks, replacing mirrors and updating backsplashes.

New flooring

Next on the list of how to increase home value and market appeal is new flooring, as it instantly refreshes the home’s look. To eliminate signs of wear and create a polished look, replace old flooring with a durable option such as hardwood floors or luxury vinyl plank.

Energy-efficient features

Modern buyers are prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainability more than ever before. Upgrades like LED lighting, smart thermostats and updated appliances not only reduce utility costs but also demonstrate the home is modern.

If your budget permits, these types of updates can attract eco-conscious buyers. Remember to highlight these energy-saving improvements in your listing.

Decluttering and staging

Decluttering helps create a clean, open space that will make potential buyers feel like it’s move-in ready. Additionally, removing personal items can allow buyers to envision themselves in the home.

What’s more, staging can help highlight the property’s best features and demonstrate how each room can be used effectively.

Curb appeal

Buyers often decide whether they’re interested in a home before stepping inside. Simple exterior updates, like trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, clean walkways and a manicured lawn, create an inviting first impression.

Little touches, such as seasonal flowers, updated house numbers or a new mailbox, can also elevate curb appeal without a big expense.

Summary 

Bottom line? Knowing how to increase home value and market appeal can lead to a successful home sale. Connect with a Lee County Association of REALTORS member for a smooth and successful real estate journey! And continue reading our blogs for more industry news and tips.

buying or selling

Buying or Selling: Which Side Has the Upper Hand This Fall?

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As the leaves begin to change, so too does the landscape of Lee County’s real estate market. Whether you’re considering buying or selling, it’s essential to understand the current market dynamics to make informed decisions. With recent statistics painting a picture of opportunities and challenges, this fall presents a more balanced market, offering benefits for both buyers and sellers.

A market overview

Recent data from Lee County’s August 2025 Residential Report provides a snapshot of a market in transition. Total homes listed in Lee County increased by 1.3% from last year, with properties sold seeing a modest rise of 1.5%. 

The average days on the market remained steady at 54, but the average sold price surged by 13.2% to $466,286. These figures suggest a more competitive environment in our area, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, whether you’re buying or selling.

Buying in Lee County

For buyers, the increase in average sold prices signals a need for careful budgeting and strategic planning. For example, with Auburn showing a notable 13.7% rise in average sold prices and Opelika seeing a 12.0% increase, buyers should be prepared for competitive bidding, especially in high-demand areas.

Use these helpful tips as a potential buyer:

  • Work with a local REALTOR®: Experienced REALTORS®, like our members, can provide invaluable insights into neighborhood trends and help negotiate the best deals.
  • Expand your search: Consider areas like Opelika, where the average days on the market decreased by 34.4%, suggesting quicker sales and potentially more motivated sellers.
  • Stay informed: Keep an eye on listings and set alerts for new properties to act quickly in this dynamic market.

Selling in Lee County

On the flip side, sellers are in a favorable position with the rising property values. In Auburn, despite a 14.8% decrease in total homes listed, properties sold increased by 15.6%. This suggests that well-priced homes are still attracting buyers swiftly.

Check out our helpful tips for sellers:

  • Price strategically: With the average sold price significantly up, setting a competitive price can attract serious buyers quickly.
  • Enhance curb appeal: A well-maintained property can stand out in listings and during viewings.
  • Leverage local expertise: REALTORS® can offer tailored marketing strategies to showcase your home to the right audience.

Summary

Whether buying or selling this fall, working with local, experienced REALTORS® is key to navigating this balanced market. Their deep understanding of neighborhood nuances and market trends can be the difference between a satisfactory transaction and a missed opportunity.

For personalized advice and to explore your options, connect with a Lee County REALTOR® today. Keep reading our blogs for more insights and tips on navigating the ever-changing real estate landscape of Lee County.

an overview of seller concessions

Real Estate Defined: An Overview of Seller Concessions

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Buying a home is a big deal. Selling a home is a big deal. There are a lot of moving parts and factors to consider on both sides, including the cost. But costs can quickly go beyond a list price. Let’s look at an overview of seller concessions as an example.

What are seller concessions?

The best way to begin an overview of seller concessions is to explain what seller concessions are exactly. To simplify, seller concessions can sweeten the deal and could help expedite the selling process.

More specifically, seller concessions cover specific costs associated with buying a house that the seller agrees to pay. Seller concessions could include certain home improvements or repairs as well as some of the closing costs.

For instance, seller concessions may include several different fees such as the inspection fees, appraisal fees and the attorney fees.

Even though seller concessions can help lower the upfront costs and attract buyers, there are pros and cons for both buyers and sellers.

Seller concessions for buyers and sellers

For buyers, the upside to seller concessions is it can save you a significant amount at the closing table, making a home more affordable. This can also allow potential buyers the chance to make a higher offer, which may have a better chance of standing out in a competitive market.

From the seller’s perspective, seller concessions may speed up the sale of your property by making it more attractive to buyers in a crowded market.

Summary

Now that you’ve read an overview of seller concessions and what they could mean for you as a buyer or seller, reach out to your local Realtor to discuss your next move within our market. You can also learn more about our local market, real estate trends and other industry news by reading our blogs!