Top 5 Home Improvements That Boost Value

As tight inventory and higher interest rates impact affordability, many current homeowners are staying put in their homes. Instead of looking elsewhere to find their dream home, most homeowners (65% according to a recent Thumbtack survey) are opting to create it where they are. That means home renovations are top of mind. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 Home Improvements you can do to boost your home’s value. 1. Energy Upgrades Improving your home’s energy efficiency has multiple benefits, from utility cost savings to adopting a greener lifestyle. With high inflation and increasing concerns about climate change, homebuyers are considering energy efficiency as a benefit in their home purchase. Also, there are government subsidies and tax benefits that can take some of the cost burden off of homeowners. Some upgrades to consider include: Adding insulation to attic spaces Replacing old and/or drafty windows Switching to LED lightbulbs Installing low-flow toilets and shower heads Installing an electric charging outlet for electric vehicles Installing solar panels (check in with state guidelines for cost vs. benefit as each is different) Replacing old appliances with Energy Star certified appliances Redo landscaping with xeriscape or more drought resistant landscape that requires less maintenance and watering Photo by Unsplash 2. Enhancing Outdoor Spaces The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way people utilized and enjoyed their homes. During lockdowns, some homeowners saw an opportunity to maximize their space, both indoors and outdoors. This led to a rise in patio/deck additions and landscape overhauls. Although lockdown restrictions are gone, the trend of enhancing outdoor spaces is not. Consider adding a pergola to a patio for a covered area to enjoy meals under. Wood decks on average have a 90.2% ROI, making them an excellent choice when looking to invest in your outdoor space. Need more budget-friendly ways to boost value without breaking the bank? Consider adding potted plants, cafe string lights, and nice patio furniture to create an inviting outside oasis. Credit: Ralph Ravi Kayden 3. Minor and Major Bathroom Remodels Bathrooms have long been a go-to when it comes to home improvements. These smaller spaces can be fairly inexpensive to upgrade while delivering a boost in your home’s value. Minor bathroom remodels on average have 102% ROI, meaning for every $100 you spend in upgrades, you’ll get $102 back. A simple fresh coat of paint and new light fixtures can transform your bathroom for a relatively inexpensive amount. These are also projects homeowners can do themselves, saving them more money and increasing their investment. Current trends stem from the pandemic, where homeowners were looking to add a bit of tranquility to their homes. Spa-like amenities, including relaxing soaking tubs, stone surfaces, and steam rooms have gained popularity over the past few years. Credit: Blu Fish Photography 4. Minor and Major Kitchen Remodels: Kitchens are the heart of a home. As trends change, they have become more than just a place to prepare meals. They are a place to gather, do homework, take Zoom calls, and entertain. This need for versatility is making homeowners look at the bigger picture to expand their kitchens into living spaces and add more seating options. These upgrades are some of the most costly in home renovations, as kitchens are regularly used and need more durability in finishes and design. Quality cabinetry with thoughtful storage solutions, smart appliances, and elegant surfaces are top choices when it comes to remodeling with your home’s value in mind. Kitchen renovations tend to have a 90-92% return on investment.   Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash 5. Boost in Curb Appeal One of the best ways to boost your home’s value is boosting its curb appeal. This long-standing strategy in real estate has helped many homeowners maximize their home’s presence on the market and ultimately their profit when selling. Your home’s curb appeal is its first impression, so take care to make it a good one! The extent of your exterior upgrades can range from simply adding potted plants or replacing exterior lighting to more significant structural changes/additions (like adding a front porch). Clean siding (whether power washed or freshly painted) instantly freshens up the exterior. Consider painting or replacing your entry door to modernize and liven your curb appeal. Neat landscaping and well-designed gardens also add value to your home. Consider consulting a landscape designer to complement your home with a beautiful yard! Credit:Blu Fish Photgoraphy        

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Why Staging Matters

We get asked a lot of questions about staging, and why it is important in the sale of a home. Simply put, as representatives of sellers, we want to recommend what we know will generate the highest and best offers for our sellers. As leaders in our local market, we have witnessed the power of staging time and time again, often seeing our staged properties garner multiple above-asking price offers. We’re not alone, 67% of Realtors surveyed say that staging a home helps sellers fetch more money during resale. We outline what staging is, why it is important, and how it can impact the bottom line when it comes to selling.   Learn More About Our Services   What is Staging? The concept of staging emerged in the 1970s by Barb Schwarz, a real estate professional with a background in theater. She developed and coined the term, to help her show her listings, using mostly techniques in decluttering and arranging furniture. Today, staging still uses these techniques, but also has evolved into a process of transforming rooms to generate more interest using new furniture, artwork, and accessories.   Why is it Important? Real estate has changed significantly over the past decade with the advancement of technology. Now, 43% of buyers start their search online, and over 90% of buyers use an online source for information. Professional photography and staging are critical to a polished digital presentation to draw potential buyers. The importance of the digital presentation of listings is even higher post-pandemic, with the number of buyers and sellers who would buy or sell sight unseen increasing. Staging helps buyers visualize how a home lives, and answers these common questions, “Will my furniture fit?” or “What can I use this space for?”  In today’s society of influence, home improvement shows like Fixer Upper, have reshaped the expectations of buyers of how home’s should look. Today’s buyers are looking for move-in ready, and perfectly staged homes because that is what is shown on TV and social media. Millennials (age 21-28) made up 31% of homebuyers in 2020. This age range is adapted to technology, using apps and online resources to find and view homes. To reach a larger buyer pool, your home should stand out from other inventory.   The Numbers. Staged homes typically sell faster and for more money. According to a 2020 Real Estate Staging Association RESA survey, 85% of staged homes sold above asking price and 75% of sellers saw an ROI of 5-15% over asking price with an average investment of just 1%. Although it is an up-front cost covered by the sellers, many see the benefit of this investment when it comes to the closing table. Pricing is dependent on the size of the home, how many rooms are needed, and the current market conditions.   Before + After. Below: Luxury condominium staging using a mixture of the owner's furniture and stager's furniture and artwork.     Below: Den in North End home transformation with fresh neutral paint and stager's furniture and artwork.     Thinking About Selling Your Home soon? Our services include a complimentary home preparation plan by one of our professional design consultants. This plan gives our sellers a focused view of items to do to maximize profit in their home sale. They can even show you how to use your own furniture to stage for success.   Learn More About Our Services

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6 Dog Parks in the Treasure Valley

Did you know that Idaho is in the top 3 states for pet ownership? That’s right, 70% of Idahoans own a pet, and 33.3% own a dog. After a long winter here in the Treasure Valley, we and our furry friends are itching to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. Fortunately, Boise and the surrounding area are dog-friendly cities, with multiple parks to take your pup for outdoor play and exercise. Here are 7 popular dog parks throughout the Treasure Valley. 1. Morris Hill Park 10 N Roosevelt Street, Boise Located on the Boise Bench, this 1-acre fenced area has two sections for dogs, a shelter with picnic tables, and adorable agility course obstacles. The dog park portion is wood-chipped. The surrounding park has plenty of grassy areas, a playground, and picnic shelters. Credit: City of Boise 2. Fort Boise Dog Park 733 Mountain Cove Road, Boise Situated in northeast Boise just north of downtown, Fort Boise is well known for its many hiking and biking trails and the infamous military reserve cemetery dating back to 1906. Recent upgrades to the area include a new fenced-in dog park, with chat surface material. The area also provides controlled dog off-leash trails that wind up into the foothills, giving you and your dog plenty of room to run! Credit: City of Boise 3. Together Treasure Valley Dog Island 3417 Crescent Rim Dr, Boise One of Boise’s most popular fenced-in dog parks, this 5.4 acre dog park is located in the southwest corner of Ann Morrison Park. Surrounded by waterways fed from the nearby Boise River, this park is a perfect fit for any water-loving pooches! Ducks and geese are abundant in the water and surrounding park. This park is a favorite for the sprawling grass, tree cover, large “shy/small dog” enclosure, and picnic shelters. During the winter months, the entire Ann Morrison Park lifts its leash restrictions, giving more area to run.  Credit: Boise Jim 4. Discovery Bark Park 3417 Crescent Rim Dr, Boise One of Boise’s most popular fenced-in dog parks, this 5.4 acre dog park is located in the southwest corner of Ann Morrison Park. Surrounded by waterways fed from the nearby Boise River, this park is a perfect fit for any water-loving pooches! Ducks and geese are abundant in the water and surrounding park. This park is a favorite for the sprawling grass, tree cover, large “shy/small dog” enclosure, and picnic shelters. During the winter months, the entire Ann Morrison Park lifts its leash restrictions, giving more area to run.  Credit: meridiancity.org 5. Storey Bark Park 430 E. Watertower Lane, Meridian This Meridian dog park features 2.25 acres of grass and graveled area for dogs. This park features new amenities such as; agility course obstacles, paved walkways, shade shelters with picnic tables, mutt mitt stations, landscaping with trees, and separate large and small dog areas. Credit: bringfido.com 6. Amity Dog Park 2nd Street S and E Amity Avenue, Nampa This large dog park features 6-acres of open grass and graveled play areas for people and pets to interact with each other. Featuring a swimming pond and dock for dogs, drinking fountains for people and dogs, shade shelters, a ‘shy/small dog’ enclosure, trees, walking paths, and benches this Nampa dog park just about has it all! Credit: Stellas Point 6. Honorable Mention: Harrison Hollow Off-Leash Trails 2899 N Harrison Hollow Ln, Boise One of the most popular dog off-leash areas in Boise, Harrison Hollow provides miles of hiking for you and your furry friend with incredible city views. The entire area is dog off-leash, but dogs must be on leash in the parking lot. A vault toilet, bike station, water fountain, and mutt mitt stations are available. Credit: Stellas Point  

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