If you are preparing to sell your home, you likely are looking for ways to get top dollar from buyers. In survey after survey, buyers list fireplaces as desirable amenities. Nearly 70 percent of real estate agents surveyed by Angie’s List said fireplaces increase the value of a home. Plus, the return on investment in a new or upgrade fireplace can be substantial. A study from the National Center for Real Estate Research found each fireplace increased a home’s sale price by as much as 12 percent.
Adding a new fireplace.
Adding a fireplace sounds like a major home-improvement project, but it doesn’t have to be. A gas fireplace can be a quick, easy home improvement. This is especially true if you opt for a ventless gas fireplace or a prefabricated fireplace outfitted with ventless gas logs. In those cases, there’s no need for a chimney. You only need a gas line to get your fireplace up and running.
A direct-vent gas fireplace does require adding a vent to the outside of your home. However, installation is relatively easily. The good news on installing a gas fireplace instead of a wood-burning one: While the majority of home buyers say they prefer wood-burning models, the majority of real estate agents recommend installing a gas fireplace if you are looking to increase your sale price.
Do you already have one fireplace within your home? That doesn’t mean you can’t look for creative ways to add value to your home with a new fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces have become increasingly popular. Installing an outdoor fireplace can help potential buyers see your outdoor space as a comfortable, functional extension of your home. You also can add a sense of luxury to a bathroom or the master bedroom with a fireplace.
Upgrading your fireplace.
While a beautiful, functional fireplace can boost your home’s value and help your home to sell faster; an outdated, deteriorated or inoperable fireplace can hurt your chances of selling your home at a premium price. A fireplace that isn’t updated or in good repair can look like a major project to a potential buyer. In addition, it can make your home look sloppy or out of date. Fortunately, updating an existing fireplace is much easier than installing a fireplace.
An aging fireplace can get an instant facelift with a fireplace insert. If your fireplace is in good working order but has some out-dating features, changing out the fireplace doors, the fireplace screen or fire grate can instantly improve the look of your fireplace. A fireplace surround or a new mantle can make any fireplace look fresh. Also, great accessories such as firebacks, tool sets, wood stackers and decorative screens, can have your fireplace looking up to date and well cared for during your showings. At the very least, you want to make sure your fireplace is clean and in good repair. Have your fireplace cleaned and inspected before you list your home so you can market your fireplace as an asset.
Presenting your fireplace.
If you are need to get your fireplace ready to help sell your home, call FireSide Hearth & Home! We can help you add a fireplace, upgrade your existing fireplace, make any needed fireplace repairs or help you stage your fireplace for showings.
