If you’ve thought about moving recently, there’s a good chance you’ve also considered… not moving.

Between higher mortgage rates and the cost of buying a new home, many homeowners are choosing to stay put and upgrade what they already have.

According to a recent survey, more than 2 in 5 homeowners say they’ve renovated their home in the past year, and another third are planning to do so in the next year. In fact, roughly 65% of recent renovators said they specifically chose to improve their current home instead of moving.

When you see numbers like that, it’s easy to assume it’s the most sensible move right now. And in many cases, maybe it is.

But deciding whether to renovate or move isn’t something to base solely on what everyone else is doing. In fact, if you’re in the same category as about 12% of the people in that survey, you may want to think a little more carefully before committing either way.

Most Renovations Seem to Be Relatively Low-Cost, and Low-Risk…

For a large number of homeowners, the money being spent on renovations is relatively modest, and not something that’s going to make or break them financially. The survey found that the most common projects fall between $1,000 and $20,000 for 73% of the homeowners. These tend to be smaller upgrades, cosmetic improvements, or tackling one area of the home at a time.

At that level, renovations are usually pretty straightforward and relatively low-risk. You improve your space, enjoy it while you live there, and if you eventually sell, those updates can help your home show better and compete in the market.

These aren’t high-stakes decisions where homeowners feel pressure to recoup every dollar by dramatically increasing the home’s value. And in many cases, moving would have cost significantly more anyway.

So if the goal is to make your home more comfortable and better suited to your needs—and you’re not banking on it making your home worth more than it cost to do the work—it’s a perfectly reasonable decision.

The Price Point Where Things Start to Change

The dynamic starts to shift as the numbers climb.

The survey found that 16% of homeowners reported spending between $20,000 and $50,000 on renovations. At that level, it’s worth being a bit more thoughtful about what you’re doing and why.

If you’re at the lower end of that range, it’s probably not all that risky. But as you move toward the higher end, it becomes easier to expect that the investment will increase your home’s value by more than what you’re putting into it. And unfortunately, that’s often not the case.

That said, if the renovation will make you happier in your current home and you have realistic expectations about the return on your investment, it can still make sense, especially if moving would mean buying into a significantly higher price point.

But once you get beyond that range… it becomes a different conversation.

Once You Hit the $50,000 Mark, You Should Consider the Alternatives

The survey revealed that 7% of homeowners are spending between $50,000 to $99,999, and 5% are spending $100,000 or more on renovations.

When you start investing that kind of money into your home, it’s worth asking a bigger question: does it still make more sense to renovate, or would it be better to move?

As mentioned earlier, most renovations don’t deliver a full return on investment. Some add value. Some make a home easier to sell. But very few give you dollar-for-dollar payback, let alone a profit.

And it’s something many homeowners don’t fully realize until later. It’s not unusual for someone to spend $50,000, $75,000, or more improving their home, only to decide a year or two down the road that they want to move after all.

At that point, the expectation is often that those upgrades will translate directly into a higher sale price. But when an agent runs the numbers and looks at comparable sales, the reality is that the increase in value doesn’t always match the cost of the improvements.

It’s a frustrating realization for homeowners… and not a conversation agents particularly enjoy having after the decision to renovate has already been made.

And that’s exactly why it can be so helpful to involve an agent before you start renovating.

Agents don’t enjoy being the ones to break the news after the fact that the numbers don’t quite add up. But when you bring them into the conversation early, they can help you look at the bigger picture and decide whether it makes more sense to renovate your current home, or explore what your options might look like if you were to move instead.

The Takeaway:

A recent survey showed that roughly 65% of homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of move. And for many—especially those taking on smaller projects under $20,000—it can be a smart, practical way to improve their home without the added cost of relocating.

But as renovation budgets start to climb, the decision becomes more important to think through. For the roughly 12% of homeowners spending $50,000 or more, it’s worth stepping back and considering whether upgrading your current home is truly the best move, or if that money might go further toward buying a home that already has those features in place.

Before committing to a larger renovation, it can be helpful to loop in a local real estate agent. They can give you a clearer picture of your options, help you understand how those improvements might impact your home’s value, and make sure you’re making the right decision based on both your goals and the numbers.

The post Renovate or Relocate? It Depends on How Much You’re Spending appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Putting up a fence might seem like one of the simplest home improvement projects you can take on. It adds privacy, defines your yard, keeps pets contained, and can even improve curb appeal. In many neighborhoods, fences are so common that homeowners rarely give them much thought beyond choosing the style and deciding how tall it should be.

But every now and then, a fence becomes the center of a surprisingly complicated situation.

A recent story highlighted a case where a fence that had been standing for years eventually led to a legal dispute over property boundaries and something called “adverse possession,” a legal concept that can allow someone to claim ownership of land if they’ve used it openly for a long enough period of time.

Cases like that are rare, but fence disagreements between neighbors are actually fairly common. And most of them don’t involve someone trying to claim their neighbor’s land. They usually start with small assumptions or simple oversights that snowball over time.

If you’re thinking about installing a fence around your property, here are several things worth keeping in mind before the first post ever goes into the ground.

Know Where Your Property Line Actually Is

It might sound obvious, but many homeowners don’t know exactly where their property boundaries are.

People often assume the line runs along an existing fence, a row of shrubs, or where the yard seems to naturally divide between two homes. Sometimes those assumptions are correct. Sometimes they’re not.

A professional survey is the most reliable way to determine exactly where your property begins and ends. If you had one done when you purchased your home, it’s worth pulling it out and reviewing it before making any decisions about where a fence should go.

Check Local Rules Before Installing Anything

Fence regulations can vary widely depending on where you live. Some towns require permits before installation, while others have specific rules about fence height, materials, and how close a fence can be placed to a property line.

Taking a few minutes to check your local rules before installing a fence can save a lot of frustration—and potentially expensive corrections—later.

Talk to Your Neighbor Before You Build

Even if a fence will be entirely on your property, it still affects the people living next door.

A quick conversation can go a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings. It gives your neighbor a chance to ask questions, see where the fence will go, and feel confident that the project is being done properly.

Sometimes neighbors even decide to share costs or collaborate on placement so the fence works well for both properties. Either way, a simple heads-up can help keep the relationship friendly.

Make Sure the “Good Side” Faces Outward

Most fences have a finished side and a structural side where the posts and rails are visible.

In many areas, local codes require that the finished side face outward toward neighboring properties or the street. However, even where it’s not required, it’s generally considered good etiquette.

After all, if someone is going to look at a fence every day from their yard, it’s only fair that they see the nicer side.

If you’d prefer a finished look on your side as well, some fence styles are designed to look good from both sides, but (as you might guess) that will usually add a bit to the overall cost of the project.

Don’t Assume Old Fences Mark the Boundary

Just because a fence has been sitting in the same place for years doesn’t necessarily mean it marks the exact property line.

Sometimes fences were installed slightly inside the property line to avoid disputes or to make maintenance easier. But other times fences were placed based on assumptions rather than an actual survey.

Relying on an existing fence as proof of the boundary can lead to surprises later.

Address Questions Early Instead of Letting Them Linger

One reason fence disputes sometimes escalate is that small uncertainties get ignored for years.

Over time, assumptions about where a boundary sits can become accepted as fact. In rare situations, long-term use of land can even lead to legal questions about ownership.

That’s why addressing boundary questions early—and documenting things clearly—can help prevent misunderstandings down the road.

Try Not to “Dig In” if a Disagreement Comes Up

Fence discussions can occasionally become tense if both neighbors feel confident they’re right about where the boundary lies.

Before turning it into a standoff, it’s often worth reviewing surveys, checking property records, or bringing in a professional to clarify the situation.

In many cases, the issue turns out to be simpler than it initially appeared.

Hire Professionals Who Know the Local Requirements

Fence installation might look straightforward, but experienced contractors often know the ins and outs of local regulations, permitting requirements, and placement guidelines.

A reputable fence installer can help ensure the fence is positioned correctly and complies with local codes. They may also be able to identify potential issues before they become problems.

In many cases, letting professionals handle the details provides peace of mind that everything is being done properly.

Besides, it’s easy to underestimate just how difficult it can be to dig post holes and install a fence correctly. If it’s within the budget, leaving it to a pro with the right tools and experience can save a lot of time, effort, and frustration.

The Takeaway:

A recent headline made it sound like a homeowner was at risk of losing a few feet of their property because a neighbor’s fence had been sitting over the line for years. While situations like that don’t always lead to anything more than time and money spent on legal fees—and possibly some strained neighbor relationships—it’s a good reminder that property boundaries aren’t always as clear-cut as they might seem.

Something as simple as installing a fence can raise questions about property lines, local regulations, and long-standing assumptions about where one yard ends and another begins. Taking a little extra time upfront to confirm where the boundary actually sits, check local requirements, and communicate with neighbors can go a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings later.

The post “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”… As Long as You Keep These Tips in Mind appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

“Fixer-upper” is one of those real estate terms that just kind of sounds fun and hopeful. It brings to mind images of rolling up your sleeves, picking out tile samples, and ending up with the home of your dreams at a bargain price. And sometimes, that’s exactly how it works out.

But a fixer-upper can also be more than some buyers want—or are prepared—to get involved with.

The reality is that whether they sound like an opportunity or something you’d rather avoid, sometimes buying a house that needs work is your best option. Maybe there aren’t other homes available in your price range. Maybe the house is in a far better location than other properties in the same budget. Maybe you’re excited about starting from scratch and putting your own touches on the place. Or maybe the deal is simply too good to pass up.

Buying a house that needs work can be a smart move—as long as you know what you’re getting into and make thoughtful decisions about what work to do and when.

It’s Tempting to Start With the Projects That Are Visible

The first thing to recognize is that “fixer-upper” spans a broad spectrum. On the low end, it could mean small cosmetic updates—things you can tackle with a free weekend, a trip to the hardware store, and a YouTube tutorial. On the high end, it could mean extensive (and expensive) work that only licensed professionals can legally or safely do.

That wide range is exactly why many people oversimplify or underestimate what they’re getting into. Others don’t necessarily underestimate the workload, but they mis-prioritize it.

It’s very tempting to start with the projects that are visible, noticeable, and bring instant joy like a brand-new kitchen, stylish light fixtures, or even just fresh paint. Those are also typically the lower-cost projects that feel productive and satisfying.

But it’s important to keep in mind that a chic new chandelier won’t keep you warm if the furnace is on its last legs.

But Here’s the Right Order of Improvements…

Knowing which jobs to tackle—and in what order—is critical. A recent Realtor.com article laid out a smart system for fixer-upper improvements, and the main takeaway is this: save the “fun” projects for last, and put the serious, structural work at the top of your list.

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Start here:

• Core systems and safety essentials—heating and cooling, plumbing, and electrical work.
• Any major structural issues like roof repairs or foundation fixes.
• Hazards that make the home unsafe, such as broken stairs or large holes.

Next on the list:

• High-impact living spaces that affect daily use—kitchens, bathrooms, and main gathering areas.
• Practical upgrades like replacing a worn-out garage door.
• Simple outdoor improvements, like tidying up landscaping.

Save for later:

• Cosmetic touches—fresh paint, updated flooring, or new light fixtures.
• Decorative or luxury upgrades—major landscaping projects, additions like extra bedrooms or a pool, or top-of-the-line finishes.

Spelled out like this, it’s clear that the improvements which matter most aren’t necessarily the ones that will earn you compliments right away—unless, of course, your houseguests are contractors who can admire that shiny new furnace, water heater, and roof.

Ask Some Experts for Their Advice Before Doing Any Work

Figuring out what needs to be done—and in what order—can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. The good news is, you don’t have to sort it all out on your own. A few key experts can help you make smart decisions before you buy a fixer-upper and while you’re in the thick of fixing it up.

The first person to lean on is a home inspector. A thorough inspection doesn’t just flag issues; it also helps you understand which problems are urgent, which can wait, and which might make the home a poor investment altogether. A good inspector may even offer ballpark cost ranges for repairs so you can start sketching a realistic budget.

Next, reach out to the professionals who would actually do the work. If you’ll need plumbers, electricians, or roofers, start calling around for estimates. Even if you think you’ll tackle some projects yourself, don’t just wing it—research the cost of materials and the time it will take. Overconfidence and under-budgeting are a classic recipe for frustration.

And don’t overlook your real estate agent. An experienced agent isn’t just there to get you into the house—they can also help you decide which improvements offer the best return on investment. Not every upgrade is worth the expense, especially if you’re planning to sell in the near future. A good agent can help you focus on ROI-smart decisions, weighing what really matters most in your local market.

Go Into It With a Plan and Realistic Expectations

They may be close cousins, but buying a fixer-upper to live in is not the same as flipping a house.

Flippers are on a deadline. Their business model depends on finishing fast, keeping costs tight, and selling for a profit.

Buyers purchasing a fixer-upper as their primary home face a different reality. It’s more of a marathon than a sprint. Renovations might stretch over months—or even years.

If you have an unlimited budget, minimal work, or the skills to tackle everything on your to-do list quickly, that’s fantastic. But if your budget is limited, the house needs a lot of work, or your DIY skills aren’t quite that advanced, it’s smart to plan on breaking the work into stages.

Either way, taking the time to think through your budget, your timeline, and a realistic plan of attack—and setting clear expectations—will serve you well.

The Takeaway:

Buying a fixer-upper can be one of the smartest moves you make—or one of the most stressful. The difference comes down to preparation.

Go in with a clear understanding of the work required, a realistic budget, and a practical timeline. Start with the essentials, save the “fun” projects for later, and lean on inspectors, contractors, and your agent to help guide your priorities.

It’s not the same as flipping a house, and it’s rarely as easy as TV makes it look. But if you keep your eyes open and your priorities straight, a fixer-upper can be more than just a hopeful term. Done thoughtfully, it can become the home you’ve always imagined.

The post What’s the First Project You Should Tackle in a Fixer-Upper? Spoiler: It’s Probably Not What You Think appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Most homeowners love the idea of home improvement projects—at least the part where they get to enjoy the finished product. A new kitchen. A spa-like bathroom. Or perhaps a backyard oasis with an outdoor kitchen.

But even the “fun” projects are easy to put off. Between the time commitment, the mess, the scheduling headaches, and the rising costs of materials and labor, it’s no surprise those Pinterest boards stay digital.

Which is why the less exciting stuff—such as basic home maintenance like fixing a small leak, dealing with slow drainage, or replacing aging systems—is even harder to prioritize. It’s not fun. It’s not flashy. And it rarely feels urgent…until it is.

According to a recent Forbes article, nearly three out of four homeowners (71%) have delayed a planned home project this year due to inflation, higher interest rates, and economic uncertainty.

So if you’ve been putting off some maintenance or repairs around your home, you’re not alone. Life’s expensive right now, and many households are rightfully being cautious.

But the article also warns that postponing certain types of work—particularly maintenance that affects the health, safety, or structural condition of a home—can come with serious consequences, both financially and otherwise.

What’s Getting Delayed…and What Shouldn’t Be

It’s totally understandable why homeowners gravitate toward projects that add visual appeal or everyday enjoyment. Who wouldn’t prefer dreaming about a kitchen upgrade or new outdoor entertaining area over replacing insulation or dealing with a crawl space?

But while it’s fine to daydream about the fun stuff, it’s the foundational items—literally and figuratively—that deserve attention first.

Unlike a dream kitchen or fancy tilework, many of these foundational fixes don’t need to follow trends or fit a personal design style. Their value is more universal to you as a homeowner, and to potential buyers in the future. Well-maintained systems may not earn compliments—but they’ll keep you safe and comfortable while you live there, and help prevent inspection drama and last-minute price reductions when you sell.

Yet, unsurprisingly, the Forbes article pointed out that most homeowners are prioritizing kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces when imagining unlimited budgets. However, the article also makes it clear that the bigger risk isn’t skipping an upgrade—it’s ignoring maintenance.

Here are some examples of issues that tend to be pushed aside but shouldn’t be:

• Small plumbing leaks or slow drainage
• Damaged or aging roof
• HVAC systems not functioning efficiently
• Electrical issues or outdated panels
• Cracked or shifting foundation
• Gutter and drainage problems
• Termite or pest issues
• Rotting wood or deteriorated siding
• Mold or ventilation problems

You don’t need to knock everything out in one weekend, and (thankfully!) not every item will apply to every home. But these are the kinds of things that, if ignored, don’t just sit quietly in the background—they get worse, more expensive, and far more noticeable during a home inspection.

How to Start Tackling Projects Without Getting Overwhelmed

The hardest part about dealing with home maintenance is often just figuring out where to start. When everything feels like it needs attention—and budgets feel tight—it’s easy to do nothing at all. But a smart plan doesn’t have to mean a massive upfront investment. It just takes a little strategy.

Begin with a walkthrough of your home, inside and out. Look for issues you’ve grown used to or have quietly ignored—things like water spots, sticking doors, loud HVAC cycles, or signs of moisture near windows. Then, sort what you find into three basic categories:

• Must-do-now: anything posing a safety risk, showing active damage, or impacting major systems
• Needs attention soon: aging or worn components that are functional for now but may not be for long
• Nice to fix later: cosmetic updates or minor annoyances that aren’t urgent

From there, you can tackle projects in phases based on your time and budget. If something seems big or intimidating, break it down. A roof replacement, for example, may not be in the cards right now—but a professional inspection and some spot repairs might buy you time and peace of mind.

When it comes to budgeting, a few smart moves can go a long way:

• Watch for seasonal deals or times when contractors are less busy—they’re often more flexible on pricing.
• Set up a small monthly maintenance fund—$50 a month may not seem like much, but it adds up and helps soften the blow of unexpected repairs.
• Bring in the pros when needed. Even a simple inspection (like HVAC or roof) can help you plan ahead, rather than waiting for a full system failure.

And don’t forget: your real estate agent can be a great resource, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. Agents often know the go-to local tradespeople, understand what future buyers will care about most, and can help you prioritize with an eye on long-term value.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Tackling one issue at a time, with a little planning and some smart shortcuts, can help you stay ahead of bigger, more expensive problems down the road.

The Takeaway:

It’s easy to put off home maintenance—especially the unglamorous stuff. And right now, with higher costs and a lot of economic uncertainty, most homeowners are doing just that.

But ignoring small issues doesn’t make them go away. It usually makes them bigger. And when it’s time to sell, they’ll still be there—just more expensive and more likely to turn buyers off.

The smartest move is to take care of things steadily over time, starting with the most important items first. Your future self (and your future buyer) will thank you. And if you ever want help knowing where to start, your real estate agent is just a call away.

The post 71% of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

The truth is, putting a price tag on how much a specific improvement will boost your home’s value is tricky and inexact at best. So while the idea of a project paying for itself may sound great, it’s often more a sales tactic than solid math.

If you’re being sold on the value-boosting benefits of a home upgrade, pause before you sign on the dotted line. Here are six things worth keeping in mind before you assume it’s going to pay off in the end:

1) But 15% of What, Exactly?

Those improvement calculators might be fun to play with, but they’re only as accurate as the data you feed them. That “15% increase” might sound impressive—until you try to pin down what your home is actually worth.

Market value isn’t fixed; it’s shaped by what buyers are willing to pay in your specific market. So the only way to truly test and prove how much you’d be improving the value is by actually selling it. And if you’re calculating a 15% increase based on a number pulled from an online estimate or a hopeful hunch, you might be stacking ROI on top of wishful thinking; those sites aren’t exactly known for their pinpoint accuracy.

2) ROI Rarely Means a Profit.

Sure, whatever the home improvement contractor is selling you might increase the value…but there’s a good chance it won’t improve the value as much as the project cost you.

There are studies done annually on which home improvements produce the greatest return on investment, and they reveal a surprising truth: the vast majority of them don’t even return 100% of the cost, let alone a profit. Even the ones you’d think would increase the value more than they cost to do (like kitchen and bathroom updates) usually fall short.

3) Don’t Expect Windows to Wow.

New windows might help your home sell faster—or keep a picky buyer from nitpicking—but they’re rarely the type of feature that gets hearts racing. Most buyers assume the basics (windows, roof, HVAC) are in good shape. So while replacing foggy panes or putting on a new roof might be necessary or make sense, it’s not likely to drive your price through the roof.

4) It Could Be an Over-Improvement…

It’s tempting to go all-out on luxury finishes, but if you’re in a modest neighborhood, buyers might not pay extra for that imported tile or full brick exterior. Your home still has to appraise, and buyers are comparing it to the house next door with vinyl siding and a fresh coat of paint. Upgrades that outpace the market can leave you holding the (very expensive) bag.

5) Some “Upgrades” Can Scare Buyers Off.

Take solar panels for instance… You might love the savings, but some buyers worry about aesthetics, maintenance, or being stuck in a long-term lease with the solar company. Instead of seeing added value, they may just see added complications. And if they’re turned off enough to walk away, your pool of potential buyers shrinks.

6) Your Real Estate Agent Is Your Reality Check.

Before you spend five figures based on a promise of future value, talk to your agent. They can tell you what’s worth it in your market—and what’s just marketing fluff. A good agent knows what today’s buyers actually want and what they’re willing to pay for. Trust them to separate the wise investments from the wallet drainers.

By all means, improve your home! Make it comfier, greener, or more beautiful. But if you’re doing it for value, make sure that “value” isn’t just marketing spin. Bring in your agent early, ask tough questions, and think twice before believing the hype.

The post 6 Things to Keep in Mind When a Contractor Promises a Home Upgrade Will “Increase the Value” appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

With over half of homeowners (51%) saying they genuinely care about having one of the nicest exteriors in the neighborhood, and nearly a quarter (23%) believing their yard is award-worthy, it’s clear that curb appeal isn’t just about personal pride…it’s a full-blown competition.

So, if you want to keep up with the Joneses (or maybe even outshine them), here’s a ranked list of what homeowners say matters most, so you can focus your time and money where it counts:

1) Start by Making Sure Your Lawn Is Mowed to Perfection…

A shaggy lawn is basically the equivalent of showing up to a black-tie event with bedhead—no matter how good everything else looks, people are going to focus on it. A full 67% of homeowners say they feel the most pressure to keep their grass neatly mowed, edged, and trimmed. So if you’re going to focus on one thing, start here.

2) …and Then Make Sure to Fertilize It Before Moving On

In close second place, 66% of survey respondents said they stress about maintaining healthy, vibrant grass. So once your grass is short and tidy, get out there with some fertilizer and make it greener than your neighbor’s envious glances.

3) Tuck Some Flowers Into Those Beds

Once the grass is greener on your side of the fence, it’s time to focus on the flowers. 52% of homeowners say lush flower beds are the next most important element in your yard, so make sure you put some flowers into those beds before you hit yours for a nap!

4) Put a Coat On

Peeling paint and faded siding can make even the tidiest yard look neglected. 51% of homeowners say keeping up with exterior paint and siding is a priority, so if yours is looking a little worse for wear, grab a brush and get to work. (Or just hire a pro…painting isn’t everyone’s strong suit!)

5) Sweep it…and Then Hose It for Good Measure

If the driveway and sidewalks are looking a little grimy, it’s time for a clean sweep, literally. 47% of homeowners say they focus on keeping these areas spotless. A pressure washer can do wonders, and if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to play with high-powered water jets for an afternoon. Not only is it fun, it certainly beats scrubbing it on your hands and knees!

6) Perfect Your Porch

Nothing says “welcoming” like a porch that looks like it belongs in a Norman Rockwell painting. 47% of homeowners prioritize an inviting entryway, so if yours looks a little underwhelming, add some cozy seating, potted plants, or a tasteful seasonal wreath. Just be warned: this might cause people to want to pull up a chair and just stare at your porch rather than sit on it!

7) Mulch Ado About Nothing (But It Still Looks Nice)

Mulch is nothing but ground up trees, but whoever originally thought of throwing it around the yard rather than throwing it away was really onto something! 41% of homeowners make it a priority, and for good reason—it instantly makes everything look polished and put-together with minimal effort. Bonus: it also helps keep weeds in check. Win-win.

8) ‘Tis the (Every) Season!

Holiday lights, pumpkins, a tasteful autumn wreath—seasonal decor makes your home look festive and well-maintained. 41% of homeowners consider it an important detail, so feel free to show off your decorating skills. Just, you know, don’t leave the Christmas lights up until July.

9) Raise the Roof (or at Least Keep It Looking Good)

If your roof looks like it’s seen better days, it might be time for an upgrade. 40% of homeowners say a good-looking roof is a must, and let’s face it—missing shingles are about as noticeable as a missing front tooth. But even if it’s in good shape, make sure it’s clean of debris like sticks, leaves…and pizza of course.

10) Get Lit

Strategic outdoor lighting isn’t just for safety—it’s also a major curb appeal booster. 39% of homeowners say attractive outdoor lighting matters to them, so consider some pathway lights, lanterns, or even twinkle lights for that extra charm. Just don’t go full Vegas casino. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Including way too bright lighting.

11) Mend Fences (And Gates)

A rickety fence can make even the best-kept yard look neglected. 34% of homeowners make sure their fences and gates are in top shape, so if yours is leaning, creaky, or missing a plank or two, now’s the time to fix it. Bonus: it’ll keep nosy neighbors from peeking through the gaps.

12) Finish With a Furnish

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re probably in the running for the best yard on the block! Now it’s time for the finishing touch to put you in the top spot. 33% of homeowners say nice looking outdoor furniture is a priority, and let’s be honest: what’s the point of having a stunning yard if you don’t have a comfy spot to sit and admire your handiwork?

The post Curb Appeal Secrets: Win Your Street’s Unspoken Beauty Contest appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

The truth is, the impact solar panels have on resale value depends on a variety of factors, including your local market and the specifics of your home. While adding solar panels might be the right choice for some homeowners, it’s important to understand how they can affect the future saleability of your property from a real estate perspective.

Before moving forward with installing solar panels, here are six important things to consider that could impact your home’s resale potential:

1) Know Your Market

In some areas, solar panels are seen as a major plus for buyers, especially in places with high energy costs or strong eco-conscious communities. In these markets, solar panels could potentially add value to your home or even make it more saleable. However, in other areas where energy costs are lower or buyers aren’t as focused on sustainability, solar panels may not carry the same weight.

Understanding your market and its view on solar energy is essential before installing a system on your house. An easy way to do that is to simply ask your local real estate agent for their insight into the local buyer pool.

2) Some Buyers Won’t Be Interested in Your Home

No matter how receptive the market is overall in your area, there are going to be buyers who won’t be interested in buying your home if it has solar panels. It’s like swimming pools… Some people absolutely want a house with one, some are indifferent, and others won’t even consider homes with one.

Does that mean nobody should install a pool or solar panels in order to appeal to every potential buyer when the time comes to sell? Of course not! Just be aware that it might impact the demand for your house when it comes time to sell, especially if you plan on selling in the near future.

3) Focus on Curb Appeal

When installing solar panels, it’s ideal if they’re relatively out of sight. But no matter where they are, make sure they look as visually appealing as possible. Poorly placed panels or visible wiring can detract from your home’s exterior and hurt its overall curb appeal.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to place solar panels where they can’t be seen, depending upon the direction of the house and sunlight. So make sure your installer shows you a layout of the panels before installing, and try to have them arranged in a way that won’t be distracting or unsightly.

4) Own, Don’t Lease (If Possible)

One of the most significant considerations when installing solar panels is whether to buy or lease the system. Buyers are generally more interested in homes with fully owned solar panels, as they offer greater long-term value. Leased systems, on the other hand, can complicate the sale process. A potential buyer might not want to take on the lease payments, or worse, may not be able to legally remove the system if the terms of the contract are restrictive.

If you do choose to lease, make sure your contract allows for an easy transition for future owners.

5) Check for Transferability

If you’ve taken advantage of local incentives, rebates, or net metering, it’s important to ensure that these benefits are transferable to the next homeowner. Without this transferability, the new owner may not enjoy the same savings or financial incentives that you did.

Be clear about how the benefits of your solar system can be passed on during the sale, as this can be a key selling point for potential buyers.

6) Be Realistic About the ROI

Although solar panels can offer savings on energy bills and may increase your home’s value, they don’t always provide a full return on investment.

Research comparable homes in your area to determine how much value solar panels have actually added to those properties. In most cases, the increase in resale value is only a portion of the cost of installation, so it’s important to manage your expectations regarding the return on investment.

The post Solar Panels and Selling Your Home—What You Need to Know Before Installing appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

But before you pick up a sledgehammer and go full HGTV, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions. After all, the road to a Pinterest-perfect home can be a bumpy one, and sometimes, it’s paved with unexpected costs, and a few “Why did we think this was a good idea?” moments.

So before you dive into a major project with a hefty price tag, ask yourself these four important questions to make sure it’s a wise decision:

1) “How long will we be here?”

Before ripping out cabinets or adding a second story, consider how long you plan on living in your home. If the answer is “forever,” go wild!

But if you’re thinking more along the lines of “five years, maybe less,” you might want to scale down those renovation dreams. The last thing you want is to sink a fortune into it, and go through the stress and mess of it all, and only enjoy it for a short time.

Especially if it doesn’t make you more money on the sale of your home…

2) “Will it improve the value of the home more than the cost of renovations?”

Many homeowners believe that no matter what improvement they do to their home, or how much they spend, it will make their home worth more money. Well, it usually does make it worth more money, but not necessarily as much as homeowners expect it will.

A lot of home improvements will add some value to a home, but don’t actually produce a positive return on investment. For instance, according to a recent HGTV article, there are only three projects that typically have a positive return on investment, and they’re not sexy projects, unless you consider new garage doors and front doors sexy…

No matter what project you plan on doing, go into it knowing that it won’t necessarily add a healthy profit onto the value of your home when you sell it.

3) “Do I care if it doesn’t net me a profit?”

It’s not a big deal that a project won’t turn you a profit, if you’re planning on living in the home for some time and it’ll bring you enjoyment! Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself, even if that means your renovation doesn’t pay off in dollar signs.

Maybe your newly minted home theater won’t add much to your property value, but if it adds endless movie nights with friends and family, who’s counting? Just make sure you’re comfortable with enjoying the upgrade for yourself and not relying on it to pad your wallet when it’s time to sell.

4) “Does it make more sense to just move?”

Sometimes it’s easier (and cheaper) to pack up and find a house that already has the features you’re after. If your dream kitchen or bigger backyard is going to cost as much as a down payment on a new place, it might be worth asking if it’s time to start house hunting instead of hammer swinging. Moving may seem like a hassle, but so does living in a construction zone for the next six months!

The post 4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Doing Major Renovations to Your House appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study, almost half of the respondents claim that they prioritize their pets when making home improvement decisions. So if you find yourself feeling like one of the main reasons you go to work every day is to provide a nice home for your furry friend, you’re not alone.

Check out these 5 ways pets are influencing what work gets done around the house for pet-loving homeowners:

1) Making Sure They’re Comfy and Safe

Whether it’s blocking off the construction zone for their pup’s safety, adding a temporary escape plan for their cat, or entirely relocating them to a relative’s home or pet spa, a majority of homeowners make sure that their pet has a way to get out of the fray while work is in progress.

2) Choosing Pet-Friendly Products and Materials

When it comes to materials, it’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about durability, scratch resistance, and avoiding disasters.

While pets may not be walking up and down the aisles of Home Depot picking out paint samples, 34% of pet owners said they consider their pets while choosing products. Investing in stain-proof fabrics and hardwood floors that stand up to claws help to ensure home improvements last through at least a few hundred rounds of zoomies.

3) Sometimes They Influence Projects on Small Levels…

Sometimes it’s the little things that count, like ensuring your pet has their own special nook in your home.

Nearly a quarter of renovating pet owners (22%) design their spaces with their pet’s needs in mind. Whether it’s a feeding station tucked away in the kitchen, or a cozy corner just for napping, pets are getting their own personal space integrated into reno plans.

4) …but Sometimes the Project Is Entirely for Them!

Forget about updating kitchens and bathrooms, some renovation projects are entirely pet-focused!

Nearly 10% of pet owners went all out with custom pet installations, like stylish feeding stations, luxurious “catios”, built-in grooming stations, personal play structures, and even litter box hideaways.

5) And Sometimes It’s Because of Them…

Pets leave their mark in life… sometimes a little too literally. Whether it’s scratches, slobber, or that one chewed-up baseboard, pet owners are making home upgrades to accommodate their furry companions — because in a pet’s world, it’s their home and we just live in it. And if you want to live in it, you better be prepared to replace carpeting, floors, touch up paint, replace doors…

…but the pure joy of having them in your life is worth every penny each home improvement (and vet bill) costs, isn’t it?!

The post A New Meaning to the Term “Pet Project”: 5 Ways Pets Are Influencing Home Improvements appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Some people are scared off by homes that need a lot of work, while others are brave enough to take on the challenge. And whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a general contractor to manage the process, you’ll still have to go through the all-too-common stages of home remodeling.

So if you’re in the thick of a project (and a whole bunch of dust), just remember that you’re not alone. Here are the ten stages you should expect to go through when remodeling a home that needs a lot of work:

1. The optimism stage

“This won’t be so bad. Just a simple, one-month project. Out with the old, in with the new.”

2. The demolition/loud noises stage

It sounds (and smells) like a helicopter crashing through a Home Depot. And that’s before you try to rip out old flooring.

3. The finding out-it’s-worse than you thought stage

Good rule of thumb: there’s always gonna be something messed up behind a wall, or under the carpet, or above the ceiling, or…

4. The having-serious-doubts stage

Why didn’t I just go for the smaller, updated house…

5. The finally-completing-one-section-and-taking-photos-of-it stage

Progress! Snap a photo and post it to the ‘gram with the caption: “Still a lot of work to get done, but the new place is coming along! #homeremodel”

6. The realizing-you’re-way-over-budget-and-past-deadline stage

Just add twenty percent and two months to any estimate right off the bat.

7. The consider-selling-it-and-buying-an-updated-home stage

This is rock bottom, when you consider selling the half-finished home ‘as-is’, just to get out of it.

8. The week-when-there-finally-seems-to-be-a-lot-of-progress stage

Ahhhh, there’s an end in sight!

9. The last-hiccup-which-takes-forever-to-fix stage

It wouldn’t be a remodeling project if there wasn’t one nagging (but visually striking) piece that had to be custom ordered from Morocco.

10. The everything-is-done-and-it-was-totally-worth-it stage

But in the end, it’s always worth it. Everything is brand new and exactly how you wanted it.

The post The 10 Stages of Remodeling a Home That Needs a Lot of Work appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.