5 Ways to Make Your Home Feel and Look New This Spring

Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or are looking to sell this spring, we’re sure you’re tired of looking at the same walls for years on end. A new study discovered that homeowners now spend about 13 years in their homes. This is a considerable increase of about ten years compared to a decade ago. Many factors determine the length of homeownership: older homeowners aging in place, a home supply shortage, and more affordable housing payments if homeowners refinanced and took advantage of the low mortgage rates last year. Whether a seller or homeowner, here are 5 ways to bring your home back to life and make it feel and look new this spring!

1. Paint the walls

Paint is the most cost-effective way to make a massive difference in any room. This will be especially noticeable if the walls are chipped or show other flaws. 

But choosing the right paint color is the key to success. For a color that goes with everything, earthy colors or tinted neutrals are the colors you want. Both color types are soothing and easy to mix and match in your home. If you want to give off the illusion of more space, then off-white will be your friend.

If you’re selling this spring and want to attract homebuyers, it’s best to avoid colors that trigger a love-it or hate-it reaction. Think of trending colors like mint green, yellow, baby blue, etc.

2. Update the kitchen

You don’t have to renovate your entire kitchen to make it feel new, either! A few replacements and upgrades will help give it a new look. Some ideas are replacing old kitchen cabinets and handles with modern hardware, installing a touchless faucet, or installing or updating the backsplash. 

3. Replace outdated light fixtures

Any REALTOR® or photographer will tell you that lighting is essential. Lighting has a significant impact on a room by defining the room’s look and feel. Lighting fixtures go out of style, too, so consider replacing old chandeliers, sconces, and pendants. It’s also a good idea to replace the light bulbs themselves, depending on the mood you want for the room. For bedrooms, it would be beneficial to use soft-white bulbs, while the kitchen could benefit from daylight bulbs. Don’t forget exterior lighting either!

4. Increase curb appeal

Did you know homes with high curb appeal sell for 7% more than houses with a less than pleasant exterior? Your home’s curb appeal is people’s first impression of your home, and you know that saying, “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” And that’s true with homebuyers this spring! Increase your home’s outside appearance by adding landscaping or changing what’s already there. If you don’t have a green thumb, a simple task like trimming trees and shrubs will still make a big difference. 

5. Replace the carpet 

According to a March 2021 poll by the National Association of Home Builders, most homebuyers prefer hardwood floors. 32% said hardwood floors in the main living area is a “must-have”! So if your flooring needs a tune-up, consider removing the carpet and going for hardwood. Another option is to restore the original hardwood floors found under the carpet. Laminate hardwood floors are less expensive than natural wood and easier to maintain if you’re on a budget. 

If you need help sprucing up your home this spring to sell your home, contact us

4 Signs the Investment Property You’re Buying Has Good Resale Value

While you intend to keep an investment for years to come, that isn’t always the case. There will come a time when you will sell the property you are just now buying. With that in mind, it is important to think resale value now. How can you tell if the investment you’re thinking about buying has good resale value? Here are some signs:

resale value

The Neighborhood
Location is always the number one seller. Make sure the property you are buying is located in a prime, but quiet neighborhood. What else should you look for? Signs of a great neighborhood include the following: top schools, nearby entertainment and dining options and more.

The Systems
Ensure the home’s systems are either new or in good standing at the time of purchase. While it is expected to have to fork out some money for repairs while owning the property, it is said that the sooner you have to make them the more expensive it is for you. That being said, ask an inspector to take a close look at the major home systems and give you a rundown of the future health of the home. Note that costly items to fix include the roof, water heater, HVAC system, windows, foundation, etc.

Great Schools
Whether you have kids or not, the school district matters – especially when it comes to the resale value. Do your research and ensure the property is located in one of the area’s top school districts. Great school districts in the Austin area include Leander ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Round Rock ISD, Eanes ISD, Liberty Hill ISD and more.

A Well-Designed Floor Plan
A floor plan that is well-designed doesn’t just mean open. While open is highly desirable, you should also look for a family-friendly plan that has at least three bedrooms (maybe even four) and multiple bathrooms.

Even with these signs, good resale value is never a sure thing. Keep that in mind, both now, when you are buying the property, and when it comes time to sell.

Do you have any questions about buying in Austin’s fast-moving real estate market? Give TALK Property Management a call. We are always available to help!