Adding Sweat Equity to Your Home

   Today I was thinking about all of the projects we have going on with our home and the list seems overwhelming.  I stopped and realized that we have changed quite a bit of the house over the past 6 years in living here. I began thinking of the sweat equity that we’ve put into our home and not just the added equity like a new roof or a new AC unit. It’s important to look at your home through a buyer’s eyes. In what ways have you added sweat equity to your home that a buyer will appreciate?

   I’m talking about the blood, sweat and tears that we have put into the home with the DIY projects. We’ve done a lot over a stretch of time. Some we have done in one of the nice Arkansas afternoons outside.

   We have done the German Smear to our brick to change the curb appeal of the home. Let me tell you, a lot of sweat in that project! We’ve done things here and there that likely will not add actual value if/when we decide to sell. Just more functional or aesthetically pleasing to us.

   Sweat equity may or may not add to the actual value of the house. It may only be added value to your feelings about your home. I wanted to share my thoughts of how sweat equity would benefit if a person wants to list their home. Major renovations are great, but minor renovations can add to the buyer’s feeling and view of a home. These things may affect the Days on Market for your home!

   It may be as simple as planting flowers around your mailbox or changing out an old light fixture, whatever your skill level is. If you decide it is best for you and your family to list your home, that sweat equity may not be included in an appraisal report but I believe it shows up in how buyers view your home. Pretty flowers around your mailbox may not push a buyer to choose your house over the last one they saw. But maybe a buyer will see themselves weeding that flowerbed you started in the Spring. Because you’ve taken care of your home, buyers see and feel that care with all the minor renovations you’ve done. Maybe buyers will get a warm fuzzy feeling about your house over other ones they’ve seen. It just adds to your home’s appeal. This can also include the interior appeal for buyers. Maybe you have an idea to make your bathroom more relaxing!

   It may not increase the actual value of a home but I believe that positive energy put into a home can only help others feel the positivity as well.

   We have a long list of DIY projects for our home but over time we’ve tackled quite a few!