Category Archives: home inprovements

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your home.

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It’s Springtime! 🌷If you are considering selling your home 🏠 or, just want to spruce it up here are my top tips to add value.

Simple upgrades to increase your home’s value You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your home. Here are some easy and “financially” easy on the pocketbook tips.

Change fixtures and hardware. This adds appeal and newness quite easily. If you’re selling your home a new mirror in the bathroom and new fixtures can make a huge difference. Upgrade sinks, showerheads and faucets to newer water conserving models in sleek finishes. Sorry folks but brass is dated and out! If wanting a remodel on a larger scale replace cabinets, windows and doors. New molding that’s been painting also really pops out.

Declutter. Clean and organize storage areas including the attic and garage. Believe it or not organization adds tremendous value. Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear.

Spiff up landscaping. Ever hear of curb appeal? An ugly front yard can torpedo your homes value. Add flowers to add color. A study was done on homes for sale in which red flowers were used on the front door step. These homes sold faster and were more appealing to the client. You can also add path lighting for style and safety. Dust off the exterior. Gutters, siding and windows are often forgotten. Clean them! Crud cutter is wonderful for cleaning off gutters and getting the grime off. Also make sure everything is properly sealed and is good shape. It looks better and helps conserve energy.

Replace appliances. From the refrigerator to the washer and dryer upgrade appliance to new energy efficient models to add instant value and convenience not to mention Earth friendly.

Are You and Your Home Prepared for Winter?

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I have posted before but I think a great reminder that we are still in winter and storms happen. Take care of yourself and your home. 🌩⛈🌬💨

Must have a good location when selling your HOME

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Add seasonal flowers for curb appeal

One thing is common among all properties that receive multiple offers these days: the home is in a good location. Location is nearly always what drives homebuyers in their search. Before considering price, number of bedrooms or size of home, a buyer looks for location.

If your home is on a busy street, not in the best school district or near a freeway on/off ramp, chances are you won’t receive the kind of activity that a well-located home would. In that case, work closely with your agent to price the home correctly.

Must be priced right

Buyers in any market look for perceived value. Homes priced 10 percent (or more) over their market value won’t get noticed. Pricing isn’t an exact science, and it’s nearly impossible to pin a precise number to a home until buyer and seller sign a contract and close. Then, the price officially becomes the home’s market value. Until that time, agents can provide sellers with a value range. Have a good location? Does your home show well? Are you in a strong sellers’ market? Price your home on the bottom of that price range and you’ll be sure to attract buyers — and possibly multiple offers.

Must show well

A generation ago, sellers simply did some deep cleaning and maybe some de-cluttering before their first open house. Presentation wasn’t as important then as it is today, given online listings. More buyers today develop an emotional connection to a home. They want to imagine themselves in your home and not feel like they’re a guest. What does that mean? Appeal to the masses. If you have a good location and you plan to price your home realistically, then you need to make sure you give buyers what they want. If you can afford it, make cosmetic upgrades; invest in some staging and work to turn your home into a “product.” Emotionally disconnect from your home and try to see it more objectively.

Plan on having the home in perfect condition for the photo shoot. A buyer’s first impression of your home likely will be via the Internet or an email from their agent. Make them want to step inside. The more buyers you attract to your home, the more activity.

Know your market

Don’t assume that national trends apply to your region, city or neighborhood. If you’re not in a strong sellers’ market or you spend a fortune on last-minute upgrades, you could be in for a giant surprise. Just because you hear about bidding wars and multiple offers on the news doesn’t mean that applies to your area. Home selling is like the stock market it is goes up, down and can have a bit of a lull when interest rates go up and what is happening in the news for your area and even around the world.

Work with a good Realtor and, no, not all agents are Realtors learn the difference.  A local Realtor knows the area and what has recently sold as well as ones that have sold over the past six months to a year. Knowing those homes, having walked inside and personally knowing the agents who have sold them matters. This is market data that an outsider just doesn’t have access to. This knowledge empowers good local agents to educate their sellers.

Earth Day! GREEN up that project and have some GREEN fun!

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Earth Day is here and there are so many ways (big and small) that will “green up” your next project.

  • Flooring:  Bamboo grows quickly even without pesticides and, when assembled into flooring, is more durable that most hardwoods. This makes it a sustainable choice for you home. Concrete is another alternative and can incorporate recycled materials such as recycled glass to give it unique character.
  • Countertops: Recycled- glass products are elegant and stylish and add a modern twist. These products are available in a variety of designs and colors. Concrete is another option.
  • Bathtubs/sinks: If your bathtub or sink is in good condition, instead of buying a new one, get the current one refinished. Another alternative to buying new is to look for a replacement at a salvage yard.
  • Driveways/walkways: consider installing a permeable driveway or walkway made of pavers, crushed stone or broken (recycled) concrete, which allows rainwater to seep through to the ground.
  • Plumbing Fixtures: the latest low-flow fixtures not only look good but save significantly more water than those made even just a generation ago.

All of these improvements add to a homes’ value and livability, while also making it more attractive to buyers looking for earth friendly features in their next home. For more green remodeling ideas, visit www.seattle.gov/environment/buildings-and-energy/green-remodeling-guides

 CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN THE GARDEN

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Starting your own vegetable garden is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and provide healthy produce for you family. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get started this year:

  1. Now is the time to get serious about planting especially given our mild winter and beginning of spring. Everything can go into the ground by now, except heat-loving crops such as tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cucumbers, corn and basil.
  2. Consider growing a little extra for you neighbors in need. Check with your local food bank to plan what to plant. Some food banks have limited refrigeration and need vegetables that keep well, such as carrots, beets, onions, squash and potatoes. They will also tell you when the best time to deliver your fresh contribution.
  3. Join with a couple of gardening friends or neighbors, and you can combine your efforts to benefit the food bank. You will make a bigger impact, and you can share the delivery job. Be sure to wash and bag the produce before you take it.
  4. Limited on space? Try container gardening. Most vegetables and herbs should fare well in a container as long as it provides enough room. Tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, green beans, carrots and lettuce grow particularly well.

 WATT’S UP WITH SOLAR POWER??

The cost of solar power has dropped over the last decade and may be within reach for many middle-class homeowners who previously were priced out. Here are a few things to consider when buying and selling a home with solar.

  • Solar electric systems (photo-voltaic) systems perform well even in our region. The Puget Sound actually receives more sunlight than Germany, the world’s leading solar market.
  • New research sponsored by the Department of Energy revealed that buyers were consistently willing to pay up to $15,000 more for a home with the average-size solar photo-voltaic system, versus a similar home without one.
  • Be sure to check with your homeowners association (if you have one) to see if solar panels are allowed.
  • If you’re having a home with solar appraised, make sure that an appraisal included the current value of the solar electric system in the estimate. It’s also a good idea to ask if your appraiser has experience in the “green valuation”
  • The life expectancy of the current generation of solar panels in 20-25 years, and they require periodic cleaning to get the maximum output. Ask your solar installation technician for cleaning recommendations.

For more information on solar power, go to energy.gov, and in your community check with your local utilities district.

Go Enjoy this Earth day (week) with a few happenings

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival would be a great way to reflect on the beauty of our earth. Still here till the 30th. www.tulipfestival.org

24th – Arcade Lights Festival. www.pikeplacemarket.org

24-25th – LeMay Wine & Chocolate Affair www.lemaymarymount.org

24-26th – Cherry Blossum Festival www.seattlecenter.com

24-26th – Evergreen State Spring Carnival www.evergreenfair.org

Don’t forget Thursday April 23rd is take your Son’s and Daughters to work day and Friday is Arbor Day.

Enjoy your week whatever you do! Happy Earth Day