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 Replace outdated light fixtures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

The Home Office | Why Investing In this Space is Crucial in Selling or Renting an Austin Home in 2020

As health concerns reshape daily lives and force businesses to reconsider their workplace infrastructure, Austin home seekers will have new priorities. If you have a home to sell or an investment property to rent to those looking to move in Austin, pay attention to this developing trend.

The last decade of innovation has created opportunities through technology to work more creatively. Educational institutions brought the classroom to the home, and many businesses offer flexibility to allow employees to work and meet from anywhere. With the current COVID-19 landscape, these innovations are perfectly timed. While current headlines collide with tech tools, the shift in workplace structures and priorities is unavoidable, and it will ultimately impact what people are looking for in a home, whether they are buying or renting. In other words, home offices have just moved to the top of the most-wanted list for searchers. 

Home Office Must-Haves

If you are selling a house or offering a home for rent as an investment property owner, adding or boosting a home office or flex area may help attract the right buyer or renter. Whether it is ensuring the room or space is ready for office equipment, or you are highlighting the most pertinent information in your marketing, be sure to include these home office must-haves:

  1. Good Lighting. Make sure there are plugs available for lamps or overhead light fixtures are installed.
  2. High-Speed Internet. Know what type of internet is available, have it connected, and include it in your marketing information. 
  3. Proper Outlets for Office Equipment. Ensure the outlets are up to date and in convenient locations to handle computers or printers. 
  4. Space. Add built-in shelving or stage the room to show off how it can be used for work or school. 
  5. Privacy. Ensure any space you are allocating as the dedicated office offers privacy with a door or is set apart from the main gathering area. 

Home offices are the next wave of must-haves in a house, so if you are selling a home or offering a rental, it is time to invest in a dedicated space to meet the needs of potential buyers or tenants.

Are you interested in more information about buying an investment home in Austin or need a property manager to help navigate Austin’s rental market? Contact me. I am always here and available to answer any questions you may have. Set up a virtual appointment with me by contacting me below or give me a call at 512-721-1094. 

Need more information about residential investments? Click here to visit our Owner Resource page.