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  • 10 Things to Know Before Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit

    If you’re thinking about building an ADU, don’t commit your time, energy, and money until you think carefully about all that the project entails. ADUs (accessory dwelling units) can be a great solution for adding more square footage to your living space and providing family members or friends with a private living space. But they come with rules, regulations, and sometimes drawbacks that you might not have considered.

    So, while dreaming about and planning an ADU can be exciting, take as much time as you need to consider all the pros and cons so you don’t regret your decision later. Here are 10 things to know before building an ADU.

    1. An ADU Can Offer the Same Benefits as an Addition

    An ADU can offer the same benefits as an addition without disrupting the main flow of your house. For example, if you’ve been considering adding an office, gym, or mother-in-law quarter to your home, think about whether that space would be better suited to a separate structure. Not all properties can easily and aesthetically accommodate an addition.

    2. ADUs Must Be Habitable

    ADUs can be attached or detached, but they have to be habitable for them to count toward your living area’s square footage. This means the ADU must have a functioning bathroom and kitchen (or kitchenette). It also must have utilities, which you can run separately to the unit or through the main home.

    3. An ADU Could Be a Good Investment

    An accessory dwelling unit could be a good investment, providing you with a source of rental income, especially if you live in an area with an increased housing shortage. It can also boost property value, adding to the total livable square footage of the home—possibly a wise move if you plan to sell in the future.

    4. ADUs Can Provide Privacy and Comfort

    If you often host guests or extended family, consider adding an ADU. It can provide them more comfort and privacy than sleeping on your sofa or in a spare room. Additionally, college kids who have come home for a break or after finishing school may also appreciate an ADU as a starter space to call their own.

    5. An ADU Used as a Rental Can Decrease Privacy

    If you plan to rent your ADU, consider that you may have more foot traffic in your front and back yards, which is a definite drawback if you value your privacy. Even though accessory units have separate entrances, you’ll have someone sharing your property, so you might have to put up blinds or other window coverings to keep people from looking in.

    6. An ADU Can Be a Solution to Housing Shortages

    Building an ADU can be a great solution for your adult child struggling to find affordable housing. Older low- and moderate-income earners in your community might also be priced out of the rental and purchase market. Therefore, adding an accessory unit helps you be a solution to those in need. Additionally, if you’ve wanted to buy a bigger home but can’t afford rising real estate prices, you might want to consider staying where you are and expanding rather than moving.

    7. Poor Layout and Design Can End Up Decreasing Your Property Value

    If you’ve already decided to build an ADU, ensure its layout and design fit in with your main home. Otherwise, you could decrease your property value. An accessory unit’s size or architecture shouldn’t look awkward in its space. With the proper planning, design, and construction team, you can make an ADU a beautiful and seamless part of your property.

    8. You’ll Need to Follow Regulations to Build

    Every area has building regulations, even rural communities. So, make sure you know the laws surrounding ADUs in your city. Also, consider that HOA-restricted neighborhoods have even more building codes and rules. Remember, too, that you’ll need to apply for a permit regardless of where you build your ADU.

    9. You May Have to Provide Parking for Your ADU

    Different areas have varying regulations regarding residences and parking. Some municipalities consider proximity to public transportation or car shares when making parking rules. Others don’t require parking spaces on specific properties like those in architecturally significant communities. If you have to provide parking for your ADU, the rule may be one space per bedroom (as it often is in many cities). If you turn that space into an ADU, your city may not require you to replace parking spaces in a garage. Check with your city to see if you’ll need to provide parking for your accessory unit.

    10. Prefabricated ADUs Might Offer a Faster Turnaround and Less On-Site Construction

    Pre-fabricated dwelling units are manufactured off-site, usually in standard sections, and quickly assembled and shipped. Up to 90% of the ADU might be completed away from your property, with just the utilities, plumbing, and foundation work to deal with on-site. Pre-fact ADUs make sense on flat lots and lots where equipment like tractors and cranes can easily get in. If you go with a modular unit, consider that all on-site prep work and off-site construction are done simultaneously, completing the project much faster than a standard stick-built unit.

    Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through the process.

  • Spring Cleaning for Homeowners: Tips for a Fresh Start

    Get ready for warmer weather and all the fun that goes with it by giving your home a good spring cleaning. Sprucing up your interior and exterior puts you on the right path for summer relaxation (who wants to tend to costly repairs when you could be enjoying yourself on vacation?) and entertaining family and friends (4th of July party, anyone?).

    Whether you live in a small condo or sprawling property, you probably have some chores that need tending to now that winter’s over. So, use our spring cleaning guide to ensure you haven’t overlooked any necessary steps to getting your house in good shape for a new season.

     

    Here are some tips you can follow this spring for a fresh start in the coming months.

    Clean Dryer Vent

    Clean your dryer vent once a year to keep your machine working optimally and reduce the risk of fire. The dryer’s vent differs from its lint trap, which you should clean after each use. The vent is located on the back of the dryer and is a thick, flexible aluminum hose connecting to the wall. To clean the dryer vent, move the dryer away from the wall, disconnect the vent from the machine and the wall, remove any lint inside the vent hose, and use a vacuum to clean the holes that connect to the hose.

    Drain Water Heater

    Water heaters are often tucked away, so they’re easy to overlook. But, if you give this appliance a little attention during springtime, it’ll extend the heater’s life. Draining your water heater reduces sediment that can accumulate due to minerals in the water. When you drain your heater and then refill it, you can minimize the time it takes for your water to get hot. Draining also protects against breakdowns. But, before you perform this important spring-cleaning task, let your water cool completely and disconnect any energy source.

    Clean Gutters

    Giving your gutters a good cleaning is essential during wintertime when built-up debris can cause a dam that makes rain, snow, and ice pool, threatening your home’s structural integrity. So, if you didn’t perform this critical chore last winter, attend to it this spring. In addition to cleaning leaves, branches, and dirt from your gutters, point all downspouts away from your home’s foundation.

    Deep Clean Bathrooms

    Bathrooms are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, so give them a deep clean every spring (and ideally several times a season). Scrub your floors, counters, toilets, and shower walls and glass enclosures. Wipe down the bathroom’s walls, baseboards, windows, and light fixtures. Wash and change shower curtains, and clean shower heads with water and vinegar to break down mineral buildup.

     

    Change Air Filters

    Regularly changing your air filters helps keep allergens out of your home. Depending on your air conditioning unit, you may need to change your air filters every six months or even more frequently. But at the least, you should tend to this necessary task every spring. We suggest you switch your filters before seasonal breezes kick in and pollen and other bothersome airborne particles start to spread.

    Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

    If you didn’t test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms during winter, do it now. Change the batteries in all your alarms and then check their functionality using the ‘test’ button. Additionally, look at the alarm’s expiration date (every smoke and carbon monoxide detector has one) and replace it if it expires in the next six months.

    Deep Clean Floors and Carpets

    Some carpets require professional cleaning every 12-18 months to maintain their warranty, so don’t let this critical milestone slip by. Before you clean your carpets, however, test an area for colorfastness. Then, vacuum, treat individual stains, and use a carpet cleaning machine to do a deep clean. You can freshen up hardwood and other solid-surface flooring with a mop or appropriate cleaning machine.

    A good spring cleaning offers the most short and long-term benefits when you go from room to room, inspecting, repairing, and freshening everything in and out of sight. In addition to the tips mentioned above, consider doing a deep clean on the following:

    • Indoor furniture

    • Throw rugs

    • Window treatments

    • Chandeliers and pendant lights

    • Kitchen appliances

    • Kitchen counters and cupboards

    • Entry door

    • Deck or patio

    • Garage

    • Garden

     

    Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through every step in the process.

  • 13 Steps to Buying a House in 2024

    Are you thinking about buying a house in 2024? Or, have you already decided to purchase but are wondering about the process? Buying a new home is exciting but it often comes with some challenging moments. To ensure you’re ready and to prepare you for what’s to come, we’ve created a list of 13 steps to expect.

    Take the time to review our list and make an action plan based on these best practices. Then, you’ll be in an excellent position to breeze through the home-buying process and end up in the house of your dreams.

    1. Make Sure You’re Ready to Move

    Before buying a new house, ensure the purchase makes sense for your life. Sit down and ask yourself if you’re ready for the upkeep, location, and financial commitments that come with home ownership. If you’re buying the home with someone, make sure you both are on the same page regarding all aspects of the purchase.

    2. Get Your Finances in Order

    When considering the financial aspects of purchasing a home, remember that you’ll need a down payment, closing costs, and monthly income to cover mortgage payments, property taxes, and homeowners insurance. Additionally, consider how much you’ll have to spend remodeling and maintaining a new home.

    3. Create a Wish List

    Some parts of buying a new home are more fun than others, and creating a wish list of what you want in a house is an exciting step. Here, you’ll write down everything you’d love in a house: a home office, proximity to the beach, a yard for entertaining, a location in a safe neighborhood, etc. These are all examples of wish-list items and many of them may be your wishes too, but think carefully about what joyful homeownership looks like to you.

    4. Be Real About Must-Haves

    It’s fun to wish for what you want in a home, but be real about what you need. How many bedrooms are necessary? Do you require a single-story house or a home close to work? Is dedicated parking or low-maintenance essential? These are all important considerations for many buyers, but you’ll likely have your own (short or long) list of must-haves in a new home.

    5. Shop for a Mortgage

    You’ve made your wish and must-have lists, but it’s not time to go home shopping yet. First, you have to shop a mortgage. Find at least three lenders with good ratings that you can contact to learn about interest rates, loan closing costs, and general loan processes.

    6. Get Pre-approved for a Loan

    After you’ve compared lenders, getting pre-approved for a loan is the next step. Pre-approval means you’ve given the mortgage company some initial information and it has determined, after a cursory review, that you’d likely get approved up to a specific dollar amount. Remember that pre-approval is not the same as final approval.

    7. Find a Real Estate Agent

    It’s vital that you have a real estate agent to represent you in your home purchase. These professionals know the industry inside and out, and they’re experts on real estate transactions. The best agents know how to negotiate contracts effectively to get the best price and terms for their clients. Ensure you interview at least three agents before signing a buyer’s agent agreement.

    8. Start Your Home Search

    Now that you have your pre-approval letter and real estate agent, it’s time to start your home search. Give your agent your wish and must-have lists and ask them to show you suitable properties. You may have to look at dozens of homes to find the right one, searching the market over a span of weeks or months. So, have patience and keep your goal in mind—joyful and carefully considered homeownership!

    7. Make an Offer

    When you’ve identified a property you want to purchase, work with your real estate agent to make an offer. Your agent should be able to advise you on the best offer amount and contract terms.

    8. Secure a Mortgage

    When you have an accepted offer, you’ll need to contact your lender and begin securing a home loan. The mortgage company will ask you for information, forms, and documents to officially qualify you for the loan and satisfy its lending requirements.

    9. Get a Home Inspection

    After you’ve opened escrow, contact a home inspector to investigate the property from top to bottom. The inspector should examine the home’s structural, electrical, and plumbing systems as well as other property details. You can hire more than one inspector, so consider bringing in specialists as needed, such as someone to do a soil survey for a hillside home.

    10. Obtain Homeowners Insurance

    Most lenders will require you to obtain homeowners insurance, so start shopping around for the best coverage and price.

    11. Fulfill Escrow Requirements

    During the escrow process, there will likely be many documents to sign and reports to initial among other requirements. Ensure you and your real estate agent keep abreast of all timely factors concerning your escrow, such as when you’ll need to provide funds or remove contract conditions.

    12. Close Your Loan

    After your mortgage lender receives all your documents, does its due diligence on the property, and approves your loan, it’ll give you the good news—you’re ‘clear to close’! Congratulations on reaching this momentous milestone.

    13. Move into Your New House

    You’ve worked hard to get to this point and gone through a lot. Now, it’s time to move into your new home! Ensure you hire a locksmith to change all the locks before your first night in the property, and then settle in and start planning how you’ll make your house your own.

    Are you looking to sell or buy a new home? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® walk you through every step in the process.

  • How to Refresh Your Home for a Quick Sell

    Are you planning to sell your home but unsure what repairs or updates to make before you list? While it’s wise to tend to fixes and upgrades prior to putting your home on the market, you need to think carefully about what to makeover if you want to attract buyers and get the most money from your sale.

    Experts agree that checking comparative properties and considering your return on investment is an excellent initial step in deciding how to refresh your home for a quick sell. Since every home seller has different circumstances, we’ve compiled a list of general guidelines to help you figure out what you might want to renovate.

    Here are some of the fastest and most affordable ways to update your home for a quick sell in the new year.

    Freshen Up Paint

    Real estate agents frequently advise clients to paint their homes before they sell. Scratches, scuffs, chips, and peeling areas accumulate over the years, and while the homeowner may not notice them, buyers typically do. Additionally, many homes’ paint colors are faded, outdated, and unattractive to modern buyers. You don’t have to have a huge renovation budget to invest in a new coat of interior or exterior paint. If money is tight, find a good and affordable one-coat paint and then choose a neutral color to create a blank canvas for buyers. Freshly painted properties often sell quicker and command top dollar.

    Declutter

    Cluttered homes tend to look disorganized and unkept, and they can prevent a buyer from seeing a property’s full potential. Decluttering, therefore, is one of the most effective refreshes you can make before you sell and it’s one of the cheapest. To declutter your home and turn it into a space that buyers can envision as their own, go from room to room, eliminating anything unnecessary. Store, give, or throw away knickknacks, furniture, and other personal belongings that you don’t use or that don’t add to the picture you want to paint for a future buyer. Think about model homes you’ve been in or staged rooms you’ve seen in magazines. This is the image you need to present to buyers if you want to sell your home fast. Don’t forget to declutter drawers, cupboards, and closets and organize what’s left.

    Maximize Curb Appeal

    Maximize your home’s curb appeal if you want to sell quickly. You can get a realistic look at how your property’s exterior appears to potential buyers by walking the route leading from the street to your front door. Stand from a distance and inspect your house numbers, mailbox, garage door, gutters, walkway or entry steps, porch or deck, and front door. Pay close attention to landscaping, exterior lighting, railings, and fixtures like door knobs and doorbells. Does anything need to be fixed or refreshed? How can you make your home stand out from the crowd, either in cleanliness or design?

    Update Window Treatments

    New window treatments make a massive difference in how a home presents to potential buyers. Old, antiquated, and torn or broken blinds, curtains, and shades can make an otherwise acceptable property look outdated and even like a fixer-upper. For a small investment, you can update your window treatments to modern versions that help brighten a room and delight buyers. When choosing new window coverings, consider options that allow privacy while letting natural light in. Also, take note of the new smart designs with high-tech and hands-off controls for ease and efficiency.

    Remodel Your Kitchen

    Remodeling a kitchen returns 98.5% of a homeowner’s investment and promotes a quick sell. Even if you don’t want to or can’t do an extensive kitchen makeover, consider a minor refresh with a new backsplash, coat of cabinet paint, hardware set, major appliance, or statement light fixture. New kitchen tile can make the difference between a dated space and a modern room that’s ready for a new buyer.

    Focus on Fixtures

    Great lighting makes a massive impact and produces a ‘wow’ factor that can convince buyers your home is what they’re looking for. Today’s lighting trends include textured and subtle pendant lights, hidden lights, and mixed-metal fixtures. When refreshing the lighting in your home, remember to ensure all bulbs match. Additionally, for a fast sell, focus on refreshing door knobs, electrical outlets, cabinet hardware, and faucets. Replace any that are dented, scratched, not working, or past their prime in appearance in any way.

    Ready to start prepping your home for a quick sale this year? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help.

  • Appliance Trends: Wi-Fi Enabled, Seamless Design, and More

    The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, the most important according to many homeowners. When creating a great kitchen that is beautiful and functional, then, appliance decisions often take center stage.

    Today’s trends show that homeowners, particularly women, love the idea of appliances that simplify cooking and meal prep for their families. In a recent survey, 54% of women say they’re willing to spend more on smart home devices like high-tech refrigerators, ovens, and coffee makers.

    Additionally, homeowners appreciate appliances that save energy. They also splurge on models that integrate well with their kitchen design like those with panels that blend into cabinetry.

    The latest appliance trends will give you a peek into some of the new and popular ways these devices can help you simplify everyday tasks and get more enjoyment out of your home.

    Wi-Fi-Enabled Appliances

    The top-of-the-line smart appliances can inspire a more productive and healthier lifestyle through technology. Some of the most impressive smart refrigerators we’ve seen include smart cooling systems that sense humidity levels or create recipes based on ingredients on hand. These futuristic appliances also take inventory of your groceries and create customized shopping lists.

    Wi-Fi-enabled ovens and ranges let homeowners control them from outside the home. Smart and voice-activated coffee makers allow you to control the timing of your coffee with an app or a simple command.

    Multifunction Appliances

    Multifunctional capabilities, especially when it comes to kitchen appliances, are a massive draw for homeowners. Europe is already in vogue with the use of the Bimby kitchen robot (in America, it’s known as the Thermomix) that combines chopping, blending, and cooking in one device.

    In the U.S., consumers are catching on to these multifaceted appliances’ benefits (think space and time-saving). An all-in-one toaster oven, coffee maker, and griddle is one of the most fun multifunctional small appliances we’ve spotted lately.

    Sustainably Made and Functioning

    Green living is again one of the top trends among homeowners. Whether you prioritize recycling or energy conservation, or both, you’ll likely delight in the newest appliances from brands that also hold these ideals to heart.

    Appliances made with recycled materials are coming to the forefront of kitchen design, as are those that dramatically cut down on water usage. Water-saving dishwashers with Energy Star ratings are some of the best in their class, as are washing machines with eco-features from companies like Miele.

    Double Appliances

    Double refrigerators, double ovens, double wine refrigerators, and more. Double the capacity to store often means half the time prepping, cooking, and wondering where something is when needed.

    These trending appliances are a top choice among high-end homeowners and continue to gain broader acceptance among those with more modest dwellings.

    Pops of Color

    Not everyone loves the colorful appliance trend, but many homeowners, particularly younger consumers, embrace the look because it lets them express their personality.

    Pops of color in kitchens will continue to inspire renovations and makeovers, but time will tell if the aesthetic that sometimes screams retro and borders on kitschy will take a firm hold.

    Mixed Metals and Glass

    Boring appliance design is a thing of the past. Today’s kitchens feature refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers with striking metals like gold, copper, and bronze.

    Matte black models, as well as those with glass outer panels in a range of colors, are also all the rage.

    Induction Ovens

    Amidst great efforts (and controversy) to phase out gas ovens and cooktops, the induction oven is on the rise as a focal point in a well thought out kitchen. These ovens are arguably more environmentally-friendly than their gas counterparts and they’re getting more attractive. We anticipate more homeowners will welcome them as a viable option, even in a luxury chef’s kitchen.

    Steam Ovens

    The steam oven is a trending appliance in many high-end homes. This device circulates steam instead of hot air to cook food. Steaming retains more color and nutrients in your food and cooks it super fast.

    Some of the best steam ovens also come with convection technology, which means there’s almost nothing you can’t cook perfectly.

    Paneled Appliances

    Concealed dishwashers and refrigerators are gaining traction in homes across the U.S. Homeowners across the states have a desire for a more high-end and seamless look in their kitchens, which leads them to choose models they can hide behind customized paneling to blend in with their interior design scheme.

    The lack of handles isn’t a hindrance to these upscale appliances that are typically exceptionally and intuitively designed.

    Are you looking to buy a new home or sell yours? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • 10 Modern Kitchen Ideas for a Stylish Refresh

    Creating a modern and stylish kitchen takes a balanced approach that considers functionality and flair. It’s a task that, while not always easy, can add value to your home and provide more enjoyment for your family.

    There isn’t one true definition of modern. However, some interior designers argue that clean lines, sleek surfaces, and neutral colors best express the look. We’ve seen some magnificent modern kitchens that follow this example perfectly and others that stray but still hold fast to modernism while incorporating layered textures, bold hues, and rich wood tones.

    So, what modern means to you may differ entirely from what it screams to your neighbor. But, generally, the look incorporates design elements that emerged in the early 20th century and continue to inspire creativity. Modern style often includes a monochromatic color palette, minimalism, and natural light. It sometimes embraces an open floor plan and the use of metals like chrome and steel.

    While modern design typically refers to a narrow aesthetic born of a specific historical movement, contemporary style, in contrast, refers to anything of the current movement. As you think about what modern design elements you want to bring into your kitchen, consider first the look you want to achieve and then your long-term goals for a perfectly functional space.

    Here are 10 modern kitchen ideas for you to consider for a stylish refresh.

    1. Opt for an All-White Color Scheme

    A modern kitchen with glossy white lacquered cabinetry that blends seamlessly into an all-white backsplash can make a massive impact. If you can leave windows uncovered in an all-white kitchen, do so to make the space appear even brighter as natural light floods in.

    2. Go Dark

    Moody modern kitchens with dark cabinets, countertops, and walls feel dramatic and luxurious. Think black-on-black with pops of steel and wood as accents for added texture, or choose dark green, blue, or other jewel tones mixed with touches of silver or gold.

    3. Choose a Black and White Palette

    Black and white often has a modern feel, but you can pull this look off in an impressive way with two-toned cabinetry, sleek marble countertops and matching backsplashes, painted pendant lights, and matte black metal or shiny black glass appliances.

    4. Mix Wood Tones and Metals

    Multiple wood tones throughout a kitchen, such as shades of beechwood or oak, can give it a modern look. Equally, mixing metals can work to modernize your space if you’re intentional, such as when using black metal throughout with touches of brass, but keep in mind that mixing more than two metals may look mismatched rather than stylish.

     

    5. Introduce a New Style

    Recent events have prohibited many homeowners from completely modernizing their kitchens. Still, even farmhouse chic and cottage-style spaces can get a modern update when a homeowner carefully introduces mid-century modern or industrial elements into the mix. Look to lighting, cabinet and drawer hardware, and barstools for a quick and cheap modern update.

    6. Remove Upper Cabinets

    Skipping upper cabinets gives a kitchen a modern and minimalist look with an open and airy feel. Many homeowners embracing this trend use sleek wooden shelves in place of cabinets to neatly display utilitarian things, such as teak bowls, instead of hiding them.

    7. Plant a Tree

    If you have the space to add a unique architectural element to your kitchen, consider planting a tree in a custom modern planter. A floor-to-ceiling olive tree makes a striking statement in a minimalist kitchen, bringing a touch of nature into a setting that might otherwise appear too clean.

    8. Hang Dramatic Modern Lighting

    Kitchens can receive a modern lift with a dramatic and bold pendant light, perhaps a vintage or period piece. Go glam with gold or keep it cool with chrome, but ensure that your light is one of just a few focal points in the space to avoid creating an antique shop vibe.

    9. Embrace Simplicity

    A crisp modern kitchen finds appeal in the simplicity of its cabinetry, countertops, lighting, and appliances. In a simple or minimalist modern kitchen, focus on the utilitarian aspect of the space and treat it as a blank canvas for creating culinary works of art.

    10. An All-Wood Makeover

    Modern doesn’t have to be all about metals. An entirely wood kitchen, from flooring and wall paneling to cabinetry and countertops, can be stunning if well thought out. This design move, while risky, can prove timeless and memorable for homeowners who do their due diligence researching various kinds of wood and complementary finishes.

    Ready to buy a new home and design a modern kitchen? Or update your current space and then sell? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate can help you through the process.

  • Higher Costs Cutting into Your Home Improvement Budget? Opt for These DIY Solutions

    Renovations can add value to your home and increase the enjoyment of your dwelling, but the costs for various projects also have the potential to pile up. What do you do when you want to prepare a home for sale or give it a makeover without going into major debt or depleting your savings?

    Many homeowners turn to DIY solutions that may take some time and a bit of research but often prove worth it in terms of money saved and happiness gained.

    Projects like painting and power washing typically require only a few days to a week of your attention. Others, such as laying tile or resurfacing floors, may demand a lengthier commitment, but with the right attitude, they can produce years of benefit for little cost.

    Here are some DIY solutions you might want to take on if your budget is tight but your inspiration lofty.

    Paint Your Home

    Interior walls with scratches, scuffs, and outdated colors can use a new coat of paint. Fresh paint will likely make a dramatic difference in the overall look of your home and present it nicely to future buyers.

    Depending on your style and interior design goals, you may want to play with color, for instance, painting a statement wall or an entire room in a bold hue. Homeowners who plan to sell in the near future should heed expert advice that says to stick to a neutral shade carried throughout the house.

    Painting an exterior might take a little more work, especially if you have a two-story home. But, those not opposed to erecting and climbing ladders and scaffolding may want to dive into this project.

    With any painting project, it’s important to properly prep your surfaces, research the different paint types and materials, and test your color on a small section. While involved, this DIY solution is usually a much cheaper option than hiring someone to do the job.

    Update Fixtures

    Swapping old outlet covers, switch plates, curtain rods, door knobs, light fixtures, and faucets can be a cheap and easy way to give an outdated home a quick update. Often, homeowners overlook these minor parts of a home until they look so bad they can’t be ignored or it’s time to sell.

    Consider that attractive switch plates and outlet covers typically cost less than $5 each. Additionally, you can usually get modern curtain rods and door knobs cheaply. Good quality light fixtures and faucets may run you a couple of hundred dollars or more (especially for luxury versions with touch or sensor technology built in), but consider their impact on your home for a relatively low cost.

    And, remember that instead of paying a handyman, electrician, or plumber to install fixtures, you can do it yourself and save money. Some great video tutorials available online walk you through every step of the process. Of course, when working with electricity and plumbing, it’s wise to research ways to keep you and your home safe before you begin.

    Upgrade Window Treatments

    Shabby curtains, shades, and blinds don’t add value to your home and they may, in fact, decrease it. For just a small cost, you can upgrade your window treatments yourself to lighter, brighter, and more contemporary versions that provide privacy while giving your home an airy and open look.

    There are plenty of low-budget options available for beautiful drapes, shutters, and horizontal or vertical blinds. Some of the most impressive window treatments we’ve seen, however, require a bit more of an upfront investment (i.e., smart shades and blinds with voice-activated opening and closing) but are still a cost-effective solution if installed yourself.

    Restore or Reveal Hardwood Floors

    It’s possible to bring original or replacement hardwood floors back to their like-new splendor with a little time, elbow grease, and money. Consider that flooring often makes or breaks a room. Imagine, for example, how much more dramatic a dining room or study could be with pristine hardwood to set the mood.

    Likewise, pulling up old flooring to reveal hardwood underneath can be worth the effort, especially in a period home. Not sure if you have hardwood underneath your laminate, tile, or carpet? Some homeowners are willing to take the risk of time and money to pull up a small corner of old flooring and potentially reveal a treasure underneath.

    Stain or Paint Kitchen Cabinets

    Purchasing and installing new cabinets, or even new cabinet doors, is not cost-effective in many markets. Instead, homeowners often trade a little time for a fresh coat of paint to breathe life into a stale kitchen or bathroom.

    As on walls, new paint on cabinets and cabinet doors can completely transform a room. Depending on your design and real estate goals, you may want to paint cabinets a neutral shade or go bold with a dark or bright hue, or lather on an ultra-high gloss.

    Remember, though, that before you start this DIY project, it’s essential, again, that you research methods for prepping your surface and choosing the right materials.

    Are you considering fixing your home and putting it on the market? Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® can help you when you’re ready.

  • Budget-Friendly New Year’s Renovations to Boost Your Home’s Value

    Whether you’ve moved into a new home and want to make it your own in the new year or are readying your property for sale, you can make some budget-friendly renovations to boost value instantly.

    Turning a recently purchased property into a dream home or getting more money from the one you’re leaving starts with making wise decisions about makeovers and upgrades.

    The key to choosing what to remodel first, or at all, is often a personal preference but can lie largely on what future buyers want. It should also depend, however, on careful consideration of the return you’ll get on your remodeling investment. And, since renovations always come with a cost, a detailed look at the money you have available is important when deciding what home improvement job to tackle.

    If you’re a homeowner who needs to be budget-conscious when taking on renovations, look to the following for inexpensive projects to start the new year.

    Add Exterior Lighting

    Landscape or exterior lighting might seem like a costly renovation, but there are many low-voltage lighting systems that homeowners can install themselves to forgo electron costs. Consider the abundance of DIY solar and smart lighting kits on the market. Or the easy-to-install and affordable deck lights or exterior wall sconces. Outdoor lighting adds a level of safety to a home and enhances its architectural features when thoughtfully planned, boosting value.

    Paint Inside and Out

    A fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to quickly spike your home’s value. Paint instantly transforms and updates a property’s interior and exterior. Considering the average cost of a gallon of one-coat paint is roughly $38, you can see a tremendous visual gain for a relatively small investment. Neutral paint colors are on trend year after year as they provide a blank canvas for homeowners to create the look they envision within nearly any design style.

    Replace Your Entry Door

    Adding a new steel or fiberglass door bolsters home security and adds to a property’s resale value. It can provide homeowners with greater privacy, makes an excellent first impression, and is likely to recoup 85% of its cost upon the sale of a home.

    Upgrade the Garage Door

    Replacing a garage door is a fantastic way to improve a home’s curb appeal. For roughly $4,302 (the average price of a new garage door), you can increase your home’s resale value by $4,418 with this budget-friendly renovation. A garage door replacement is one of the few home improvement projects that typically lets you get your money back and then some when it’s time to sell.

    Add Siding or a Stone Veneer

    Depending on its use, stone veneer can impart a classic or modern vibe. Whatever your design style, you’ll probably find that improving your home’s exterior with a stone veneer – even on just part of it – can make the difference between boring and beautiful. Likewise, new siding can instantly boost a home’s visual appeal, and appraisers often look at the structural benefit of siding when determining a home’s value.

    Install Smart Home Technology

    Installing smart home technology quickly modernizes a home for little cost. It’s a great way to get more enjoyment from a property and make it more efficient and safe. The best smart home devices to boost value include connected lights, sprinkler systems, water leak detectors, appliances, window treatments, and security cameras.

    Make Small Fixes

    Sometimes, the littlest things make the biggest impact. Don’t overlook the value of new doorknobs, electrical outlets and covers, faucets, screens, and cabinet hardware on your home. For a minor cost, you can significantly upgrade your property’s exterior and interior and boost its worth.

    Add Low-Cost Landscaping

    Low-cost landscaping, such as colorful shrubs and trees and water-wise plants and gardens, are easy on the average homeowner’s budget while adding anywhere from 5% to 12% to a home’s value (depending on property location). Nearly every landscaping expert advises planting trees, which can add up to $9,000 in value. Drought-friendly and sustainable yards are cheap to design and save homeowners money in the long run by reducing energy costs.

    Lay New Floors

    Homes with old rugs and torn linoleum quickly get a value upgrade with a flooring replacement. Laminate floors that look like hardwood are popular among homeowners because they’re budget-friendly and beautiful. Cork, carpet, and ceramic tiles are great options to instantly bring style and appeal to an outdated property.

    Are you looking to buy and renovate a new home in the near year or update yours and sell it? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • Home Trends: What’s In and What’s Out in 2024

    A new year is ushering in a fresh collection of home trends with fun and funky styles we’ve seen before sitting alongside modern design ideas revamped for 2024.

    Retro-inspired curvy furniture, mixed metals, and mass-market design collars will make their way into homes across the United States in a big way.

    What are homeowners forgetting about for the new year? All-white interiors, extreme minimalism, and farmhouse style are now deemed too ordinary to trend, among other design ideas.

    Here’s what’s in and out among home trends for 2024.

    What’s In

    Curvy Furniture

    Curvy furniture will make a statement again next year in sofas, coffee tables, and dining tables. The flowy and organic look of these sculptural furnishings promotes a feeling of calm while exhibiting high style, an aesthetic many homeowners are on board with. There are countless ways to complete a room’s look focusing on curvilinear furniture, such as pairing a round sofa with a morphing or teardrop-shaped coffee table.

    Art Gallery-Style Spaces

    Ultra-modern interior design setups like those in art museums will have their moment in 2024. Think clean lines, bold colors, and eye-catching patterns for lighting, textiles, and furniture, all coming together in a perfectly arranged visual statement that demands attention.

    Mixed Metals

    Mixed metals will be a hit with tons of opportunities to embrace brass, bronze, nickel, and chrome simultaneously. While mixing metals in bathrooms and kitchens can produce a harmonious look, and living rooms and dining rooms may receive an impressive update through the use of various metals, experts still say to stick to two metal tops in any design scheme.

    Mass-Market Design

    Because 2023 was a massive year for interior design collaborations between mass-market retailers and big-name designers, we expect this trend to amplify in 2024. Only, expect a number of these style-driven partnerships to reveal themselves through more approachable and affordable brands.

    Bold Colors

    Bold and vibrant purples like deep magenta and playful plum will take the spotlight in interior design in the coming year, as will other hues that promote a sense of happiness and whimsey. Uplifting teal and royal emerald will also trend as homeowners strive to create celebratory and joyful spaces.

    Low-Impact Decor

    Reducing waste has long been on trend as a general way of living, and now there’s a huge push for the low-impact movement to make its way into interior design. There’ll be a momentous turn toward zero-impact furnishings and decor that reduces a homeowner’s carbon footprint. Brands that create furniture from sustainable or recycled materials will likely see more business, and designers will probably focus on locally sourced and thrifted pieces.

    Spa-Like Bathrooms

    Creating a blissful space to escape and rejuvenate is trending among homeowners. Bathrooms, in particular, in 2024 will likely get makeovers that accentuate luxe living. This means that spa bathrooms will trend with amenities like backlit mirrors, spa lighting, steam showers, and even cold plunges.

    What’s Out

    All-White Interiors

    Many homeowners love the look of an all-white space with white walls, flooring, cabinets, and countertops. While this aesthetic can give a home a clean and airy feel, plenty of designers say the trend for 2024 will be to integrate more color into pristine spaces. Bold paint and tile, for example, can add interest to an otherwise bland room. Even kitchen backsplashes can get new life with warmer and more inviting tones.

    Extreme Minimalism

    Extreme minimalism in furniture and finishes will take a backseat next year to more functional and thoughtful design. Doors without handles or knobs, and bare walls lacking texture, may appear sleek but can tend to come off as uninviting and sterile.

    Farmhouse Style

    In the last decade, you’d be hard-pressed to find a mainstream design magazine or mass-market decor store that didn’t embrace the farmhouse style in some fashion. According to the experts, thought, this look that incorporates design elements like wide plank flooring, reclaimed wood art pieces, and rustic finishes is on its way out.

    Recessed Lighting

    Say goodbye to predictable recessed lighting and embrace statement light fixtures and hidden lighting instead. Recessed lights can take away from a room’s charm and reduce its overall aesthetic to function instead of flair. To stay on trend, opt for unique and creative fixtures that blend in with your design or become a focal point of it rather than detract from it.

    Faux Limewash Walls

    Design trends for 2024 will focus on authenticity in expression and implementation. While walls painted to resemble a rustic texture surely don’t scream ‘genuine,’ you can get this look stylishly by affixing natural stone in a modern way with interior stacked stone veneer wall panels.

    Are you looking to buy and makeover a home in 2024 or renovate yours and sell it? Let Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate® help you when you’re ready.

  • Market to Market

    Here’s what Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate agents across the country are seeing in local markets.

    Based on the article “Owning It” in Better Homes & Gardens magazine, October 2023 issue.

    Will Palmer
    THOMASVILLE, GA
    “Homeowners should ask themselves: Are we doing the home improvement project for ourselves or are we doing it for resale? These are two vastly different things. If the seller is doing projects to sell the home—smaller projects like painting or freshened entries or porches—the reward will be almost immediate. Seller need to pick materials and projects that appeal to everyone and keep in mind they are doing it for return on investment, not for themselves.”

    Dot Frank
    BISMARCK, N D
    “Although house hunters should invest plenty of time ensuring a home’s foundation, appliances, shingles, and windows are in working order, it’s easier to get excited about pretty fixtures, contemporary paint colors, and modern flooring. If your home’s structure and systems are solid, turn your attention to the lowcost items that turn heads and offer a high return on investment, like fixtures, paint, and flooring. Projects that result in the lowest return are often those that are personal and involve continued maintenance, such as sunrooms or pools. Busy wallpaper and trendy tile also can cause buyers to bemoan the work they envision to remove and replace it.”

    Carol M. Buchanan
    WARWICK, N Y
    “My general rule is this: Put as little money as possible into getting your home ready to go on the market. If you replace all the carpet in the house, costing you several thousand dollars, realize the buyer may pull everything out and install wood floors. Your cabinet choice in the kitchen may not be a buyer’s taste either, so you don’t want to go to that expense.”

    Sunday Nguyen
    BERKELEY, CA
    “What excites buyers right now are turnkey homes with wood finishes, grand living rooms, office space for working from home, and walk-in closets. Beyond that, replacing fixtures (such as faucets, interior door handles and hinges, and wall/ ceiling LED lights) and improving curb appeal through landscaping can increase a home’s value and attractiveness to potential buyers.”

    Crystal Ledbetter
    CARY, N C
    “Most garage doors are front facing and can add or diminish curb appeal. Invest in a beautiful one. When you’re ready to sell, a deep professional cleaning is advised. I wouldn’t remodel right before selling; leave that for the new owners.”

    Randy Kennedy
    CELEBRATION, FL
    “A homeowner should look at their neighborhood before beginning a huge remodel. You don’t want to have the fanciest house in the neighborhood. Insurance companies in Florida now look at the age of the water heater and will make you replace that sooner than later. They will not insure a roof over 15 years old either. Many times, these items become financial concessions at closing. Also very few of my buyers like carpet, and most are suspicious of HVAC systems over 10 years old.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Remodel for yourself, not to sell your house. If you take on a project in order to sell, you’ll rarely get your money out of it. Making improvements benefits the buyer, not the seller.
    —CLAIRE WARREN, BHG real estate agent in Houston

    Sal Rondinelli
    CHARLOTTE, NC
    “The best returns on curb appeal come from professionally designed landscaping, as the average homeowner may be tempted to overcrowd small spaces or not create enough visual impact with large spaces. Beyond that, affordability excites buyers now. Great values reign supreme. Updated kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, and smart home technologies are attractive to buyers. Before remodeling a basement, make sure you understand the moisture levels in your house. You may need a professional to seal the area and install systems to keep the moisture down before you ever begin putting up walls.”