Posts Tagged ‘Home Improvement’

4 Cost-Effective Ways to Raise Your Home’s Value

If you’re looking to raise the value of your home, especially for resale purposes, you’ve undoubtedly heard all sorts of ideas that will get the job done, many of which may be too expensive or too difficult for you to handle at the moment. Many require a large chunk of change, and while they may very well give you a return on your investment, you may not have this kind of money lying around.

 

Here are four budget-friendly ways to raise your home’s value and increase its future resale value at the same time:

 

Change Out Doors and Windows

Not only can your doors and windows be easily seen from the outside of your home, thus impacting curb appeal, but they also significantly impact your home’s interior. Consider energy-efficient windows that keep heating and cooling costs down and also fit the design of your home. For outside doors, try steel or fiberglass doors that keep energy costs low and improve home security.

 

Add Space

If possible, find a way to increase space in your home. This could be as easy as adding a patio or deck for outdoor entertaining or finishing off a basement. If you have the space and the funds, consider adding an additional room, which can be a huge boon for homebuyers who need an extra bedroom or bonus room.

 

Modernize Plumbing

Little leaks and plumbing issues can cost you a great deal on your home value, especially if you’re actively trying to sell your home. Hire a professional plumber to address your pipes and drains and to change out plumbing fixtures for a modernized appearance. If your water heater is getting old, consider purchasing a new one at the same time.

 

Use Paint Wisely

Paint can do a great deal to modernize a home and improve its value for a very low initial cost. Paint walls a neutral color, and spiff up kitchen and bathroom cabinets with a new color. Many older cabinets can be salvaged with a quick sanding, a coat of primer and a new color.

Not every renovation or remodel has to cost a great deal of money to be a wise investment. Instead, as you can see above, there are many small, easy changes that will still yield great results. If you truly want to raise your home’s value, consider changing part of the aesthetic of your home or modernizing your windows, doors or plumbing.

 

Looking to start some home improvement ideas yourself but not sure where to start or who to call? Check out Sold Buy the Sea Realty’s complete list of Preferred Vendors in the area. This list of trusted resources has been compiled throughout the years of working as a Real Estate company in the Cape Fear area!

 

Somers, Dixie. “4 Cost-Effective Ways to Raise Your Home’s Value” RISMedia’shousecall.com. 20 Mar. 2018. http://blog.rismedia.com/2018/cost-effective-ways-raise-homes-value/

How to Prevent Common Home Holiday Hazards & Accidents

The holidays are a busy, erratic and altogether crazy time of year for homeowners — entertaining guests, putting up the tree, stringing up lights and cooking for days. With all of the guests and extra work comes the added danger of accidents. Statistics show that more than 12,500 people are rushed to the emergency room every year due to holiday-related injuries. There is also a reported $17 million in holiday-related property damage done.

Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to prepare against these dangers — and avoid a pricey ambulance bill or the need for a visiting family member to rush them to the ER on icy roads. Here are some of the most common causes for holiday-related accidents and how to prevent them:

  1. Christmas trees: We love them, but they can actually hurt us. Christmas trees cause 240 fires a year, so be sure to keep them away from your fireplace and heating sources.
  2. Exterior holiday lights: They help brighten our homes during the holiday season, but we run the risk of hurting ourselves when we hang them. To cut risk of injury, homeowners should consider hiring a handyman to hang their lights for them.
  3. Interior lights: We hang lights on Christmas trees and fireplace mantels — we hang them wherever makes sense, really. Unfortunately, they can cause accidents or shock if they exhaust the power outlet. Have an electrician check your outlets to see whether they can handle the voltage — and be sure not to string more than three light sets on one extension cord, just to be safe.

Learn more on how to keep your Christmas safe and happy in this infographic:

 

Top Holiday Home Hazards

 

A home lit up in Wilmington NC for the Holidays

Looking to sell or buy a home in the upcoming new year? Give us a call at (910) 367-2965

Happy Holidays from all of us at Sold Buy the Sea Realty!

 

HomeAdvisor, “How to Prevent Common Home Holiday Hazards & Accidents” HomeAdvisor, HomeAdvisor, 15 Dec. 2018, http://www.homeadvisorhomesource.com/how-to-prevent-common-home-holiday-hazards-accidents/.

 

Rise of the Pub Sheds

Backyard sheds are common among most homeowners with large backyards, most of which are used for storage, but there is a growing trend of pub-sheds!

Whats a pub-shed? Glad you asked…

Pub-sheds are sheds that are redesigned into your own miniature bar in your backyard! What better way to calm your nerves after a long day’s work than a cold, refreshing beverage just steps away from your own home!

 

Even if your budget does not allow for your Million Dollar backyard paradise, pub shed projects can be done inexpensively! Just requires some handyman skills and creativity!

Looking for more insight or a vendor to help with your projects? Call us today! (910) 367-2965

Start your home project today!

 

7 Home Remodeling Projects With Top-Dollar Returns

Not all home improvements are created equal! Your home is in the perfect location, came at the perfect price, with the perfect lot. But the home itself? Perfect isn’t the adjective you would use… but you knew that moving in, and are now ready to start making it right!

But where do you begin? Because while any home improvement that brings you joy is priceless, not all add as much home equity as you might expect!

Here are the best seven home remodeling projects with equity-building results:

  1. Upgraded Landscaping – This one might be a bit of a surprise but can make all the difference! If you have some imperfect parts, adding a little color and touch of hardscaping can be dramatic and an immediate equity-booster!
  2. New Roof – Measuring rainfall from the indoors isn’t cool, considering it is what is between you and the elements, getting a new roof is a no-brainer why it would add equity to your home.
  3. Hardwood Floors – This type of flooring is a timeless classic, so installing or refinishing your hardwood will never be a regret.
  4. Patio or Deck – If your home is your castle, then your yard is your kingdom. After giving your yard a much-needed makeover, you need a place to watch over your handiwork!
  5. New Garage Door – There are tons of options for garage doors, so replacing your one with a garage door with a new finish or window insets will add tons of curb appeal!
  6. Insulation – Insulation is tucked out of sight, so it’s often out of mind until you are wearing your winter jacket indoors! An investment in new insulation or adding to the previous one will not only bring a return on your investment but also save money on heating and cost expenses!
  7. New Siding – With the new vinyl siding, there are several different types and colors available, so pick and choose to add some charm to your house. Plus you never have to paint again!

In a survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), “quality” was one of the most important traits that home buyers focused on when house hunting. By upgrading or adding any of these options, it will help appreciate the value of your home, while creating the perception of quality!

Looking for more insight or a vendor to help with your improvements? Call us today! (910) 367-2965

 

Arntson, Anne. “7 Home Remodeling Projects With Top-Dollar Returns.” Houselogic, HouseLogic, 11 Dec. 2017, www.houselogic.com/save-money-add-value/add-value-to-your-home/home-remodeling-projects-with-long-term-ROI/?site_ref=mosaic.

The Best House-Cleaning Schedule to Wipe Out Clutter!

Got Clutter? WE GOT AN IDEA!

Clutter

Here is how you can kill clutter in only 5 minutes a day!

 

MONDAY: Clean out a drawer or cabinet

  TUESDAY: Throw something out

    WEDNESDAY: Recycle loose papers

      THURSDAY: Declutter one spot

        FRIDAY: De-gross the fridge

          SATURDAY: Organize the entryway

            SUNDAY: Enjoy the order!

 

HouseLogic. “The Best House-Cleaning Schedule to Wipe Out Clutter.” Houselogic, HouseLogic, 4 Dec. 2017, www.houselogic.com/organize-maintain/cleaning-decluttering/house-cleaning-schedule/?site_ref=mosaic.