When your home’s on the market, you want to do everything possible to maximize value.
Ever considered adding a home office? HGTV lists having a home office as one top feature that increases a home’s value. With more and more people working from home, buyers delight in the idea of an extra room or space that can be dedicated as a work environment.
Adding a home office will be an easy way to increase value and interest from buyers, and it probably won’t cost you much either.
Already have a home office? Keep in mind that like the rest of your home, this space should be neatly organized and clutter-free. Here are some tips for highlighting your office space and making it attractive to buyers.
1) Get organized!
What’s more distracting than a desk full of clutter, scattered with papers? A work area should be functional, not frustrating. Take the time to create a filing system for yourself. You can purchase desktop file separators for next to nothing. If you have a little extra leg room under your desk, consider putting a small cabinet in that space. Stackable bins make great use of available space and can be labeled as needed. Buyers love to see clean, open spaces!
2) Leave plenty of space for work.
Once you’ve got everything organized and filed away, think about how you can maximize the space you’ve got to work with. Is there anything on the desk that could just as easily be stashed in a drawer? Are there things on the desk that you don’t use very often? Find a new home for them. And when it comes time for a new monitor for your computer, consider getting a sleek, new flat screen, as it will take up much less space.
3) Update with modern office furniture.
Nothing gives your office a more professional feel than furniture that is meant specifically for an office. Trade that old folding chair for a desk chair with wheels. If you’ve got the space, maybe consider a wraparound desk. If you’ve got more of a shoved-in-a-dark-corner type of office, then invest in a high-quality lamp. This will add brightness and help define your office space. Buyers will especially appreciate efforts to keep the office in line with the rest of the home’s décor.
4) Consider the kitchen.
Buyers love the idea of an office area in the kitchen, an increasingly popular concept. No more paperwork spread all over the dining room table! If you’ve got a nook or cranny in your kitchen that could be used as an office, go for it! You can even make use of everyday kitchen items to help you get organized: empty cans for your writing utensils, a jar for paper clips, etc.
Adding an office to your home will not only add value, but it will also allow buyers to see the versatility of your home, a space that is perfect for work and play. Done right, an office can also be a space that you’ll use and enjoy while you’re in the process of selling your home!
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