Home Improvement Ideas

In last week’s blog I presented some prices per square foot for homes that have sold and are now on the market in Black Diamond. As reported: the age of your air conditioner, hot water tank and your roof make a big difference on the price of your home. But also important to the price is if your home is “outdated”: formica counters, cultured marble counters, a lot of white carpeting (although an easy update) etc.   I present articles that claim other out-of-date features and including:  wallpaper, blind window treatments, brass fixtures, linoleum, etc.  What should you change? The articles report most home improvements and renovations are done with kitchens and bathrooms. I include four articles and even though I don’t agree with everything they say in them, they are the experts. I still like my granite and I still like my wallpaper border, but I have updated my house including the hot water tank and air conditioner (although it’s now at the end its age of life.)  Clean, Clean, Clean is important especially if you are thinking of putting your home up for sale soon. One Bob Vila article warns of scammers. The last article is: Should You Renovate Before Selling.

Bob Vila warns…Don’t Fall for these 10 Home Improvements Scams:  The article points out this  includes vendors wanting a downpayment before beginning work, fake companies, and “free inspections” scams.

Full Vila article:Don’t Fall for These 10 Home Improvement Scams – Bob Vila

realtor.com article: Skip These Home Decor Trends

They include:  wallpaper, open floor plans, open shelving, animal prints, brass fixtures, linoleum floors, popcorn ceilings…(50 items mentioned). 

full article:Designers Say Skip These Home Decor Trends | Florida Realtors

FAR: 25 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive

Refresh cabinet paint, add backsplash, new sink or faucet, stylish lighting, enhance window treatments, keep cabinet hardware fresh, get new linens, and much more.

link to full FAR article: 25 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive | Florida Realtors

And after reading these articles…

Should You Renovate Before Selling? (FAR-Florida Association of Realtors)

If you were looking to buy right now, and walked into your home…how would you view it as to its potential?  Does is need paint? updates? cleaning?   What is your return on your investment? (ROI).  What is the state of market? ( it is still a seller’s market.)

link to full article:Should You Renovate Before Selling? | Florida Realtors