For Sellers • Home Life • July 26, 2024

Small Upgrades, Big Impact: Boost Your Home’s Appeal with These No-Demo Renovations

by Nancy Nino

When it comes to selling your home, making a great first impression is crucial. But what if you don’t have the budget for a major renovation?

Luckily, new data from Zillow and Thumbtack reveal that you don’t need to break the bank to boost your home’s appeal. “Certain low-lift projects can deliver a high payoff because they elevate a home in the mind of a buyer,” said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert.

Here are the top 10 no-demo renovation projects of 2024 that can make your home stand out in the market and attract more buyers.

#1—Window Box

Who doesn’t love a pop of color and greenery? Window boxes are a classic way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. These charming containers for flowers, plants, or herbs can be installed just below the window sill, instantly bringing new life to your home’s exterior.

Zillow stats: Homes with a window box receive 48% more saves and 52% more shares per day compared to similar homes without this feature.
Average national cost: $100 to $150 for professional installation and $15-$900 for materials

#2—Open Shelving

Open shelving has become a hot trend in home decor, with closet systems and shelving installations up 31.5% year over year according to Thumbtack. It’s a great way to display your favorite items while creating an airy and modern look. This project can be a DIY endeavor or you can hire a professional for a custom built-in.

Zillow stats: Homes with open shelving receive 37% more saves and 45% more shares per day compared to similar homes without this feature.
Average national cost: $275 for professional installation (excluding the cost of shelves)

#3—Painted Brick

If you have a brick exterior, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. A new color can completely transform the look of your home and increase its curb appeal.

Zillow stats: Painted brick homes receive 31% more saves and 39% more shares per day compared to similar homes without fresh paint.
Average national cost: $4,600–$7,600, including labor, material and equipment

#4—Vintage Charm

Vintage elements can add a unique touch to your home. Think about incorporating vintage light fixtures, hardware, or even furniture. Not only does it add character, but it can also save you money compared to buying brand new items.

Zillow stats: Homes with vintage touches receive 28% more saves and 31% more shares per day on Zillow compared to similar homes without them.
Average national cost: Vintage decor costs vary, but you can find great pieces for less than $100. Vintage crown molding, for example, costs between $2 and $50 per linear foot and can make ceilings appear higher while adding architectural interest.

#5—Outdoor TV

An outdoor entertainment area can significantly boost your home’s value. One easy way to create this space is with an outdoor TV. Installations have risen 12.7% year over year, making it a popular addition for many homeowners.

Zillow stats: Homes with an outdoor TV get 28% more saves and 26% more shares per day than those without.
Average national cost: $175-$200 (this can increase depending on electrical capabilities and weatherproofing)

#6—Picket Fence

It may be part of “The American Dream” stereotype, but a white picket fence is a timeless feature that continues to boost curb appeal. Added bonus: it provides a fenced-in yard for pets, a feature many buyers appreciate.

Zillow stats: Homes with a picket fence receive 27% more saves and 31% more shares per day than yards without a fence.
Average national cost: $7–$45 per linear foot

#7—Pergola

As outdoor living becomes more important (and summers hotter and hotter), adding a pergola can provide much-needed shade and a stylish gathering space.

Zillow stats: Homes with a pergola get 20% more saves and 24% more shares per day than those without.
Average national cost: $3,600 for a 10-by-10-foot pergola, including labor and materials

#8—Fire Pit

A fire pit can make your backyard a cozy retreat for summer nights. This DIY-friendly project can be completed at a low cost, providing an inviting outdoor feature.

Zillow stats: Homes with fire pits see 19% more saves and 23% more shares per day than those without.
Average national cost: Under $1,000 (depending on the kit purchased)

#9—Outdoor Sound System

A sound system is another way to start (or add to) an outdoor entertainment area. A little music can help set the tone for any type of gathering. If you bundle this project with an outdoor TV, it could help you save on labor costs, as they can be set up at the same time.

Zillow stats: Homes with this feature see 18% more saves and 19% more shares per day.
Average national cost: $500-$2,000 depending on the system

#10—Smart Lighting

Upgrade your home’s lighting with smart technology. This modern feature can make your home more attractive and functional.

Zillow stats: Homes with smart lighting get 18% more saves and 23% more shares per day than those without.
Average national cost: $308 for installation

Conclusion

These projects can make a significant impact on your home’s appeal and market value. And the best part is, no reno needed!

“These features bring a wow factor to a home or they serve as a signal that a home is up-to-date, well-maintained or move-in ready,” said Pendleton. “When it’s time to sell, these features may ultimately help a home sell faster or for more money, because there will likely be more competition for that home among buyers.”

Whether you’re looking to sell soon or just want to enjoy some new features, these upgrades are worth considering. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!

For Buyers • ROBcasts • June 20, 2024

“Real Estate ROBcast” Credit – Part 2

by Nancy Nino

Welcome to our 4th “Real Estate ROBcast” with Rob Nino (Lender) and Nancy Nino (Realtor), where we are discussing the topic of credit and ways to build it up to improve your prospects of a good interest rate and your overall home financing experience. (If you missed our “Credit Basics #1“, go here!)

We will also delve into some side hustles you can do to earn a little cash to help either pay down debt or save up for your down payment.

We will have a special guest appearance from Cousin Leo Quinn for this one…you won’t want to miss it!

And don’t miss our Side Hustles Idea guide (below), our bullet point list of various side hustles that ANYONE can do!

Buying Myths • First Time Home Buyers • For Buyers • June 11, 2024

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

by Nancy Nino

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your money, look for any line items that aren’t absolutely essential. If you cut down on those, you can re-allocate that cash toward buying a home. Even the little things can add up. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“The majority of first-time buyers did make financial sacrifices to purchase a home. For those who did, the most common sacrifices buyers reported were cutting spending on luxury goods, entertainment, and clothes.”

Automate Your Savings: Once you know how much you want to set aside for your homebuying budget, look for ways to make it easy. If you have to transfer money manually, you may forget to do it. But getting some automatic transfers set up helps drive consistency and removes the temptation to spend it elsewhere. Realtor.com explains:

“If you’re struggling to put enough money away because of the constant temptations to blow your paycheck, consider automating the process. Ask your employer if you can have your paycheck deposited into multiple accounts—if so, instruct it to send a certain percentage of your salary directly into your savings account. Or go through your bank . . .”

Lean into Any Side Hustles You Have: Do you have a gig you do (or have done before) to net some extra cash? Taking on part-time work, freelance jobs, or picking up a side hustle can help give your savings a boost.

Put any Unexpected Cash To Good Use: If you get any sudden windfalls, like a tax refund, bonus, inheritance, or cash gift from family, put it toward your house fund.

By using these strategies and focusing on your savings over time, you can make sure you’re well on the path to having what you need to buy your first home. As Ramsey Solutions says:

“Budgeting shows your money who’s in charge (that’s you). It gives you the power to tell your money where to go instead of having to wonder where it went. It’s how you make any money goals happen—like saving for a down payment.”

Bottom Line

If you need more strategies for getting ready to buy, let’s connect.

For Buyers • ROBcasts • May 30, 2024

“Real Estate ROBcast” Credit – Part 1

by Nancy Nino

Welcome to our 3rd”Real Estate ROBcast” with Rob Nino (Lender) and Nancy Nino (Realtor), where we are discussing to topic of credit. In this ROBcast, we explore some credit basics as well things that could hurt your credit when trying to buy a home.

For Sellers • Selling Tips • May 27, 2024

194% ROI?! Unveiling the Home Remodeling Projects That Actually Pay You Back

by Nancy Nino

Thinking about sprucing up your home? Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to enhance your living space, remodeling can be a great investment. But not all projects offer the same return—especially since home repair costs have risen 40% since 2019.

I know remodeling costs today can be disheartening, but the experts at Zonda, a housing market research firm, just released their 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, and it’s packed with insights to help you maximize your return on investment (ROI).

Curb Appeal is King

When it comes to boosting your home’s value, exterior improvements are where it’s at. According to Zonda, eight out of the top ten projects with the highest ROI are exterior upgrades.

Why? Because first impressions matter. A home with great curb appeal can stand out in the market, attracting more buyers and potentially selling for a higher price.

According to Clay DeKorne, Zonda’s chief editor, exterior replacement projects continue to make the most sense when it comes to adding resale value. In today’s market, characterized by higher mortgage interest rates and homeowners with significant equity, these projects stand out for their high ROI.

Cost vs. Value: National Average for Home Remodeling Projects

Below are all of the home remodeling projects that Zonda analyzed for its report, ranked by highest return on investment.

Top 3 Projects with the Highest ROI

This year’s report shows that the hottest projects for maximizing your ROI are actually the “unsexy” ones – the things that maybe don’t grab headlines but definitely grab buyers’ attention.

Just take a look at the top three on the list, each of which has an ROI well over 100%.

Garage Door Replacement: 194% ROI. This project tops the list, almost doubling its return from last year. A new garage door can dramatically improve your home’s exterior look, making it more attractive to buyers.

Steel Entry Door Replacement: 188% ROI. Replacing your front door with a steel one doesn’t just boost security; it also enhances the overall appearance of your home. It’s a simple upgrade with a significant payoff.

Manufactured Stone Veneer: 153% ROI. Adding stone veneer to your home’s exterior can give it a luxurious and durable look. This upgrade is not only stylish but also highly valued by homebuyers.

For those looking for small projects with a big impact, doors are a great place to start.

“A new garage door or new entry door can make a pronounced difference,” says Todd Tomalak, principal of Zonda Advisory. “It could be the thing that makes one house stand out against all the others, making the home worth a higher price.”

Of course, there are other not-so-glamorous upgrades that can add value. Things like a new roof, windows replacement, and HVAC conversion also made Zonda’s list.

Key Takeaway

While a luxurious kitchen remodel might be your dream, the data suggests it won’t necessarily pay off as much when it comes to resale value. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a new kitchen! But if you’re focused on maximizing your return on investment, target those exterior improvements and strategic interior updates first.

First Time Home Buyers • For Buyers • ROBcasts • May 23, 2024

“Real Estate ROBcast” First Time Home Buyers – Part 2

by Nancy Nino

We’re back with the 2nd half of our inaugural “Real Estate ROBcast”, finishing up our conversation on First Time Home Buyers. If you missed the first part of this conversation, go here!

First Time Home Buyers • For Buyers • ROBcasts • May 23, 2024

“Real Estate ROBcast” First Time Home Buyers – Part 1

by Nancy Nino

Meet my nephew, Rob Nino, a lender wit Premier Mortgage Resources. Here is our inaugural “ROBcast” in our new video series on lending and real estate.

First Time Home Buyers • For Buyers • Rent vs Buy • May 2, 2024

GUIDE – First Time Home Buyers – Spring 2024

by Nancy Nino

Click the image below to access and download the PDF guide.
If you have any issues accessing this file, please reach out to me directly via email and I’ll get it over to you straight away.

For Sellers • Selling Myths • Selling Tips • May 1, 2024

GUIDE – Things to Consider When Selling a Home – Spring 2024

by Nancy Nino

Click the image below to access and download the PDF guide.
If you have any issues accessing this file, please reach out to me directly via email and I’ll get it over to you straight away.

Buying Myths • For Buyers • May 1, 2024

GUIDE – Things to Consider When Buying a Home – Spring 2024

by Nancy Nino

Click the image below to access and download the PDF guide.
If you have any issues accessing this file, please reach out to me directly via email and I’ll get it over to you straight away.