VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 1 WINTER 2024
HOME
Thinking about upgrading your home can be exciting…and daunting. Personally, I have helped dozens of homeowners through the renovation and upgrade process, not to mention a few builders and investors from the ground up. Prior to jumping into Real Estate as a Realtor, I managed and worked on-site at several apartment communities – learning everything about multi-family communities. During those 12+ years, I deep dove into the return on investments upgrade by upgrade. This gave me the opportunity to look at these updates through a consumer eye and gauge interest – would the customer pay for the upgrade? But also through the investor’s eye – how quickly they will see a return? Bringing the two together is an art; so here are some tips to help you prioritize those projects for the best return! Paint and flooring are the top items to do. These are tried and true. Fresh paint – often a high-quality neutral tone throughout the entire home – and hi-gloss white trim makes any property shine. As for flooring, diverse types of flooring throw people off occasionally. Upgrading an entire level to a vinyl wood plank is an awesome choice. It is waterproof which makes it a perfect choice in any room. People care most about the kitchen – replacing cabinets and installing quartz or similar countertops are huge game changers. Stone is always in – both smooth and leathered textures. A sweet touch is to use the same stone in your kitchen as you do in your bathrooms. New appliances are also a great touch – they immediately enhance what is the most important room in a home! Bathrooms are a close second and can be spruced up in several ways . New vanities and mirrors sparkle, along with fresh shower heads and faucets. People love to be first, they love “new.” Recessed lighting and/or chic new light fixtures can also be a cost-effective way to add dazzle. Another draw is adding energy efficient or “smart” applications to your home . Savvy consumers like to have their luxury, while saving the planet as much as they can, so updates like thermostats or solar panels are alluring. As for high-ticket items on a sale: when attending a home inspection with a Buyer, the biggest items of concern (typically) are the HVAC and mechanicals, the roof, and the windows. These are costly repairs and replacements when the time comes. Depending on the age of these items, maintenance and upkeep are key components to a solid home and seamless transaction for all. Lastly – improving curb appeal is never a lost cause. First impressions matter, and in real life, these happen before you even walk into the home. Updating landscaping and hardscaping are a win-win. HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS THAT GIVE THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK Home BY JACKIE SHEA
But first…paint
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