Top Real Estate Value Boosters
SECRET:
These were some of the top tips & tricks covered on the HGTV show I used to be a producer for, My House Is Worth What? Real estate agents nationwide used these factors to measure value in real estate and so can you to get your home SOLD!
The following tips were also mentioned in the San Francisco Chronicle.
-The Bones: Properly functioning electric, plumbing, roof, water heater, AC are all musts. These are major components in a home and big $ items so concentrate on these.
-Curb appeal baby!
Paint or power wash
Clean the windows
Edge the grass, trim the hedges
Landscape and think about adding potted plants
Rake, sweep, remove cobwebs!
New welcome mat
Touch up the door with paint
-Declutter!!!
This doesn’t even cost you money, just time! Minimize ad create open walkways and remove distractions (like papers on the fridge). Don’t stuff everything in the closet. Pack some boxes and stash them in the garage or storage. That’ll help you get ready for your move too!
-Scrub-a-dub-dub
Really clean! Counters, cabinets, grout… As owners we get used to our home’s “imperfections” but buyers are looking for them!
-Modernize
If you have any ancient fixtures or hardware, bring them into the 21st century. If any of your furniture is really old or beat up it’s probably time to bid it goodbye as it will detract from the way your home shows to potential buyers.
Do you have other tips you think I should add to this post? Please share your comments below.
Dreamy Outdoor Living Spaces
1. Shaded to perfection
This covered patio looks elegant and relaxing. Look at all the different ways it functions: a living room, a dining area, a kitchen, and a peaceful retreat beside the fireplace. Perfect!
2. Summer Pool Party: 1836 Bahama Place, Costa Mesa, CA
This pool/spa combo is great for improving your swim stroke and unwinding after a stressful day. There’s also a tropical kitchen for grilling up your favorite summer eats. And the cabana area offers a changing area that’s conveniently located beside the water attractions.
3. Fore! 2000 Kornat Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
Want to practice your swing without leaving the privacy of your own backyard? Then this may be your paradise!
Would you like to know where you can find homes in Costa Mesa or throughout Orange County with these incredible outdoor spaces? Please let me know what you’re looking for and I’ll help you find your dream outdoor space.
Three Things I Learned Working on HGTV's 'My House Is Worth What?'
No matter what city we filmed in, these truths held true:
1. Curb Appeal Counts!
Yes we all know that first impressions count in real estate. How much? A LOT! Consider this: A buyer might not even get out of the car if a home doesn’t have “it.”
2. Money In Doesn’t Equal Money Back
Most people think of their home as an investment and want the money they put in to yield a return. Generally homes increase in value over time but they are a long-term investment. A lot of people who were on the show expected instant gratification.
3. You Can Overdo It (But Don’t!)
Sure granite and stainless steel are very desirable. However if other homes in the same area/price range support more modest features then you will most likely reduce the amount of your return. (Hopefully you will be able to enjoy it for yourself though!)
Do you have any questions about other things affect the value of your home? Please comment and I will give you some feedback.
(And of course, feel free to ask me about the show. I had a blast producing it!)
Flower Power in Home Decor
Spring is here and florals are big in home decor. Here’s 3 different ways to infuse some flowers that won’t wilt into your design:
Which is your vote for flower power in home decor? Please comment below.
1. Moody Florals – Wallpaper that’s buzz worthy
Floral Burnout Scroll in Brown on Bronze-Gold from Très Chic by Ashford House
(Order this at www.yorkwall.com)
2. Pillows with billowing blooms
Crate & Barrell Marimekko Pillows
(Order at www.crateandbarrel.com)
The Marimekko line has been a staple of the Crate & Barrell collection since 1966. The Marimekko fabric collection is from Finland.
3. Seaside Feel Florals
Photo Credit: Michael Luppino as seen in Cottage Living
(See more details on beach house decorating with designs like this lily-inspired one at http://www.countryliving.com/homes/beach-house-decorating-0409)
Sell Your Home NOW!
Key Tips for a Quick Sale
Here’s some fabulous ideas from Realtor.com that I support and encourage sellers to do.
1. Price your home right. Many real estate experts claim that the first 30 days on the market is the most important time. This is when the home tends to get the most showings and exposure to other real estate agents. If the home isn’t priced right it is unlikely that it will sell quickly… Plus it may be necessary to reduce the price to encourage showings.
2. Stage the home (or at least be open to suggestions!) Staging can be expensive and depending on the price point of the home it may not be reasonable to outfit a home to the nines. However, there’s A LOT that can be done with just moving your own furniture around, clearing clutter, and buying simple accessories to accent the highlights of a room. For instance, I often advise people to box up as many books as possible. Also, just moving furniture around to make rooms feel larger makes a huge difference! Consider this staging tip: Make sure the head of the bed is on the wall furthest from the door, ideally centered. Try it – it works!
3. Get overexposed. Some people are reluctant to put a sign in front of their home, but neighbors and word of mouth can be one of your greatest assets when selling your home. Also, make sure your agent is able to post your home online in as many venues as possible. I always make sure to post listings on real estate websites like Zillow, Trulia, Realtor and Craigslist, which are top sites for home seekers. Keep in mind that buyers like pictures… In fact in today’s market, your first home showing is online so make sure your agent posts lots of pictures that can tempt buyers into coming to see your home in person.
I know that selling a home can be nervewracking and a complicated time and a quick sale – for top dollar – is the goal. These 3 tips will put you on the right path to a fast real estate deal.
Contact me if you’d like help selling your Costa Mesa home quickly.
Family Room Before And After
Before
After
How would you rate this family room makeover?
I helped these sellers prepare their home for the real estate market by offering staging tips to make the room feel more spacious and inviting. The great thing is that all it cost us was our time! We moved pieces around and put some items in storage (aka – the garage) and… Viola!
Kitchens and Baths: Changing As House Sizes Shrink
The latest trend in kitchens and baths is less high-end, more sustainable & universal, according to Styled, Staged & Sold.
KITCHENS:
We went from seeing McMansions to seeing homes shrink back to more reasonable sizes. Have kitchens gotten proportionately smaller too?
Actually there has been greater demand for larger kitchens/great room floor plans.
Large pantries are also a must as are electronic charging stations right in the kitchen – the hub of most of the action in a home.
Homeowners are also paying more attention to sustainable products. More and more kitchens have renewable resources like bamboo or cork floors and concrete or bamboo counters. Since these resources are renewable they don’t deplete a limited supply.
Say goodbye to over the top features like double islands and natural stone counters. They are being requested less in kitchens because of the added expense.
BATHS:
House sizes may be shrinking but they are filling up with more bathrooms. Yes, people are requesting more bathrooms. However the size of the bathrooms aren’t getting bigger like they were at the height of the real estate market.
What is getting larger is the attention paid to eco-friendly features like water conserving toilets and LED lighting.
Going down the drain are sensor operated faucets and towel warming racks and drawers.
Have you noticed any of these trends or do you know of any other notable kitchen and bathroom trends? Please comment below?
