After years of watching Fixer Upper and Love It or List It on HGTV, everyone is asking, “Should we remodel?”
Our answer is, “Yes, but do so thoughtfully.”
Buyers are savvier than ever because they also watch HGTV and surf websites, such as Pinterest and Houzz. So, if you are going to make changes, understand what is trendy now. Buyers are not on the hunt for dark Tuscan as they were 15 years ago. Buyers want a clean, neutral and more of a warm modern.
Spend your money wisely on the things that will give you the most bang for your buck. We are always happy to come out to your home and help you evaluate where your money will be best spent for future resale. We hate for our clients to spend money we can’t get back out of the house down the road.
Here are some of the remodeling projects we find have the best return on investment:
Paint
This is always the least expensive way to enhance your home. Today’s trends all are about light and bright. We have moved past muddy tans and browns, and even the grays are on the way out. Now, buyers are looking for light and bright interiors. Warm whites and beiges with white trim are the way to go. If you only have the budget for one thing, a fresh coat of paint always is a good decision.
Replace Your Front Door
Your front door is the first impression your house makes. In some cases, the best idea is to replace the door, while in others, the best plan is to repaint or refinish the door. Either way, a new looking front door enhances curb appeal and is a relatively affordable upgrade. (This is something the house flippers always do.)
Update Your Lighting and Hardware
New lighting and door hardware always make a home look updated. Oil rubbed bronze has long been the standard for replacing shiny or antiqued brass. However, now we also are seeing a resurgence of brushed nickel, as interiors take on a more modern feel. This also is an inexpensive way to get an updated look for your house.
Enhance Your Landscaping
If you have ever watched Curb Appeal on HGTV or Fixer Upper, you know landscape can make all the difference. Look at your plants. Do they need to be replaced? Evaluate your backyard and think about how you can make it into more of a secondary living space. Buyers love to see outdoor living spaces. Again, you might as well enjoy your yard before you go to sell.
Upgrade Your Flooring
The floors really set the stage for your home. We have just had several clients replace the tile and carpet in their homes with long, wide wood plank tile flooring (not real wood), and the difference is absolutely unbelievable. We have great wood tile floors in our offices. So, if you want an idea of what it might look like in your house, stop by.
Update Your Kitchen
Updating your kitchen can begin with painting cabinets (hide the oak grain), changing counters (think neutral quartz and not granite), adding/changing out the backsplash, and upgrading the lighting and hardware. However, don’t just renovate your kitchen to sell the house. According to Houselogic.com, “Eighty-two percent of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home.” There is a cap to how much return you will get on your kitchen. A well-done refresh will often get you a better return than an over the top remodel.
Most importantly, make a list and pace yourself. We all are busy, and remodels can be costly and time consuming. Work on one or two projects at a time, and before you know it, you will have a house ready to list or ready to enjoy for years to come.
If we can be of any assistance, please give us a call at (480) 568-8684.
John Karadsheh is the Designated Broker for KOR Properties. He has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for more than 14 years, and is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). In 2014, John was voted the No. 1 Real Estate Agent in Arizona by Ranking Arizona. You can reach John at (480) 568-8684, or visit
his website at KORproperties.com.
KOR Properties also is the creator and one of the founding sponsors of Mesa Food Truck Fridays.