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  • 5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase Email

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    5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: April

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    April Showers Bring May Flowers – 5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase

    Are you looking to add value to your home this spring? Renovations are a great way to increase the value of your property, as well as make your home more enjoyable to live in. While you may be leery of putting more money into your home if you are considering selling, these value increases make your home more attractive to buyers in the market. This could mean a quicker sale for a higher dollar amount which is important in this shifting market. Here are 5 renovations that can help add value to your home.

    Creating an Outdoor Living Space

    • Average cost in 2022: $3,369
    • Average resale value in 2022: $3,563
    • Cost recouped: 109%*

    If you have an outdoor area, consider transforming it into a comfortable living space. Add a deck, patio, or pergola and add some outdoor furniture and plants to make it a relaxing and inviting area for you and potential buyers.

    Garage Door Replacement 

    • Average cost in 2022: $4,041
    • Average resale value in 2022: $3,769
    • Cost recouped: 93.3%**

    Replacing your old and worn-out garage door with a newer, sturdier one can not only add to the aesthetics of your home but also increases your home’s value. Upgrading to a higher-end garage door will help you get more for your home when you decide to sell. 

    Adding Stone Veneer 

    • Average cost in 2022: $11,066
    • Average resale value in 2022: $10,109
    • Cost recouped: 91.4%**

    Adding stone veneer to the exterior of your home brings a touch of elegance that can increase the overall value of your home. It’s an affordable way to make your home stand out from the rest and will make potential buyers more interested. 

    Minor Kitchen Remodel 

    • Average cost in 2022: $28,279
    • Average resale value in 2022: $20,125
    • Cost recouped: 71.2% **

    Kitchen remodels are always a great way to increase your home’s value because they are the heart of a home. You don’t have to break the bank to give your kitchen a makeover. Simple changes like replacing outdated appliances, painting the cabinets, and installing new countertops can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. 

    New Windows

    • Average cost in 2022: $20,482
    • Average resale value in 2022: $13,822
    • Cost recouped: 67.5%**

    Old, drafty windows can be a huge turn-off to buyers. Installing new windows will not only improve the look and feel of your home but also make it more energy efficient. This can help save you money on your energy bills and can help make your home more valuable when you decide to sell. 

    By investing in these renovations, you can make your home more valuable and desirable to potential buyers.

    *According to a HomeLight survey of top agents

    **According to the 2022 Cost vs. Value report 

  • Is Buying Better than Renting Right Now? Email

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    Is Buying Better than Renting Right Now? Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: March

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Is Buying Really Better than Renting Right Now?

    It’s a question many people are asking in today’s market: is it better to buy or rent? Homes prices and interest rates are high when it comes to purchasing a home, but rental rates are skyrocketing. Should you wait until the prices come down to buy?

    Ultimately, it can still be cheaper to buy than to rent, which is driving the real estate market. Until that changes, there is a huge advantage to buying. However, the decision comes down to individual circumstances and what makes the most sense for you and your family. That said, there are some factors to consider that may help you make the best decision for your current situation.

    First, consider the costs associated with purchasing a home versus renting an apartment or condo. While buying a home typically requires a larger upfront investment, the costs associated with renting can add up over time, especially as rental rates continue to increase. In addition, when you buy a home, you are building equity which you can use in the future if needed.

    Second, consider the stability of each option. Even though rental rates increases are slowly starting to decelerate, rent is at an all time high. When you rent, you have little control over the cost of your rental from term to term, making it difficult to plan for the future. If you buy a home, you have the security of knowing you can stay in it as long as you want, provided you can make the payments.

    Finally, regardless of the financial implications, you do need to consider the lifestyle you want. Do you prefer the flexibility of renting or the feeling of owning your own home? It’s important to consider what kind of lifestyle you want and what will make you comfortable.

    Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether it’s better to buy or rent depends on your individual situation. Weighing these factors can help you make an informed decision and determine the best path for you and your family.

    If you are curious about whether or not buying might be the right move for you, give me a call. I would be happy to help you!

  • 5 Tips to Prepping Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

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    5 Tips to Prep Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: February

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Top 5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale

    Meet with Your Agent.

    It should come as no surprise that this is the first thing recommended if you are thinking of selling. Sit down with your agent and discuss what they believe your home can sell for, repairs that may need to be taken care of before listing, and the timeline for getting your home sold.

    Know Your Bottom Line.

    While you are sitting down with your agent, ask them to prepare a net sheet for you. This will give you an idea of what you will be walking away with after selling your home. It is important to know these numbers and your bottom line upfront so that you can make more confident and educated decisions throughout the process.

    Tackle Maintenance.

    Unless they are looking for a property to invest into, most buyers are looking for homes without problems. In fact, avoiding plumbing, electrical, and other maintenance problems is the number one reason those that buy new construction do so, and buyers, in my experience, tend to overestimate the cost of such maintenance issues. It also causes them to look at the home with even more of a magnifying glass thinking, “If they overlooked taking care of this, what else did they miss?”

    Have you neglected to change out any filters? Have a leak you’ve been putting off? Have caulk that is in dire need of a refresh? Take a weekend before you list your house and tackle some of these issues.

    De-Clutter Your Home.

    Once those maintenance projects are handle, now it is time to declutter. Begin by removing about 50% of the clothes and other items from your closets. You’ll have to pack them sooner or later! Next pack up anything laying around the house that isn’t decor, such as larger toys, excessive dog toys, the beanbag chairs the kids love to drag out, etc. Finally, clear off those countertops. If it isn’t for decoration, hide it under the sink or in the pantry.

    Deep Clean.

    Before the photographer and showings start coming through, give your house a good deep clean. I’m talking dust those hidden shelves you never get, mop behind the toilet, and get those floors shining. A clean house will instantly elevate you above the crowd.

  • 3 Ways to Save for a Downpayment Email

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    3 Ways to Save for Your Downpayment Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: January

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    3 Ways to Help Save Up Money this year for your Downpayment

    If buying a home is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, it is time to start thinking of saving up for that downpayment. The good news is there are loan options that allow for as low as a 3% downpayment, but typically the more money you put down, the better your loan product and rate. You can start saving up for your downpayment this month with these three tips. 

    Make a budget. Start by tracking all of your spending for at least a month. This will help you get an idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back. Once you have an idea of where you can cut back, make a budget of your fixed and variable expenses. This will help you plan for savings and make sure you stay within your budget. 

    Open a high-interest savings account. Look for a bank that offers a high-interest savings account and transfer your savings into it. With a high-interest savings account, you can earn more money on your savings and grow your down payment more quickly. 

    Automate your savings. Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This will ensure that you are regularly saving money each month, and it will make it easier to reach your down payment goal.

  • Home for the Holidays Email

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    Home for the Holidays Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: December

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Home for the Holidays: Why the Holidays Can Still Be a Great Time to Buy or Sell

    Most think of spring as the “selling season” when it come to real estate, but the holiday season can be a great time to buy or sell a home. It’s a time when people are often looking to make a change, whether it’s to start fresh in a new home or to downsize and simplify their lives. Plus, there are many advantages for buyers and sellers alike.

    1. Emotions run high during the holiday season.

    During the holiday season, emotions run high. People are thinking about family, traditions, and the memories they’ve created in their homes. This can make it an ideal time for buyers to find a home that really resonates with them. As a seller, you can use this time and capitalize on emotion by showcasing your home with a warm and welcoming feel.

    1. The holiday season can be a slow time for real estate.

    While the holiday season can be a slow time for real estate, it can also work to your advantage as a buyer or seller. With fewer homes on the market, you have less competition as both a buyer and seller, which could result in a better deal for buyers and a quicker sale for sellers.

    1. It’s a time when people have time off work

    The holiday season is also a time when many people have time off work, making it an ideal time for them to schedule home viewings, meet with lenders, and take care of other real estate-related tasks. As your real estate agent, I can make myself available during this time to accommodate your schedule and help you achieve your real estate goals before the end of the year.

    4. Tax benefits for closing before the end of the year.

    Closing on a home before December 31 can provide tax benefits for buyers and sellers. For example, if you purchase a home before the end of the year, you may be able to deduct your mortgage interest and property taxes on your tax return. 

    Ultimately, the right season to buy or sell is when you are ready for it. If that means during the holiday season, I’ll be here to help guide you every step of the way!