Creative, unique, entertaining, relatable blog!
"Your Guy" by
Realtor
Jason Lewis
Sept. 18, 2024
Renovation Do's and Don'ts: Maximizing Your Investment
When it comes to home renovations, the kitchen and bathroom are where you'll see the best return on your investment. However, it's important to be strategic. Here are some key do's and don'ts to help you get the most out of your renovation budget.
Do: Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms are top priorities for buyers. Simple upgrades like new fixtures, modern hardware, and updated cabinetry can make a big impact. Consider mid-range updates like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a stylish vanity, or efficient fixtures in the bathroom. These changes add a touch of luxury without overspending.
Don't: Overspend on High-End Finishes While high-end features like marble countertops or custom cabinetry look stunning, they may not offer a good return unless it's for your personal enjoyment and long-term use. Mid-range upgrades provide a balance of quality and appeal, attracting more buyers without pricing your home out of the market. However, avoid purchasing the cheapest products available, as they can make your home look poorly assembled.
Do: Stick to Neutral Tones Neutral colors like whites, grays, and soft earth tones create a blank canvas for potential buyers. A neutral palette helps people envision how they can make the space their own. Save bold colors and unique designs for smaller accents that can be easily changed. This approach keeps the home feeling fresh and inviting to a wider audience.
However, don't simply whitewash or leave every room in primer. A completely blank canvas can sometimes feel cold and unfinished to potential buyers.
Do: Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms are top priorities for buyers. Simple upgrades like new fixtures, modern hardware, and updated cabinetry can make a big impact. Consider mid-range updates like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, a stylish vanity, or efficient fixtures in the bathroom. These changes add a touch of luxury without overspending.
Don't: Overspend on High-End Finishes While high-end features like marble countertops or custom cabinetry look stunning, they may not offer a good return unless it's for your personal enjoyment and long-term use. Mid-range upgrades provide a balance of quality and appeal, attracting more buyers without pricing your home out of the market. However, avoid purchasing the cheapest products available, as they can make your home look poorly assembled.
Do: Stick to Neutral Tones Neutral colors like whites, grays, and soft earth tones create a blank canvas for potential buyers. A neutral palette helps people envision how they can make the space their own. Save bold colors and unique designs for smaller accents that can be easily changed. This approach keeps the home feeling fresh and inviting to a wider audience.
However, don't simply whitewash or leave every room in primer. A completely blank canvas can sometimes feel cold and unfinished to potential buyers.
Don't: Follow Every Trend
Trendy design elements can date a home quickly. Avoid overly specific trends that might not have lasting appeal. Instead, use trends sparingly in accents like lighting, hardware, or paint. This way, your home stays current yet adaptable to different tastes. However, don't hesitate to visit ReStore or garage sales to see if old hardware can be reimagined as an accent piece. The ReStore in Penticton or the Kiwanis Market in Oliver is worth a walk-through on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Bottom Line: Focus on mid-range, neutral renovations for the best value. Kitchens and bathrooms offer the best bang for your buck, but keep the updates broad in appeal. As the market shifts toward favoring buyers, smart renovations can give your property a competitive edge.
Market Update (Since September 4, 2024) The real estate market in Keremeos is shifting. Active listings have dropped from 57 to 48, showing a tightening inventory. We've seen 2 price reductions and 2 recent sales.With the Bank of Canada reducing rates and increasing amortization for first-time buyers to 30 years, and raising the insured mortgage cap to $1.5 million, we're entering a warming market. The fall housing market is heating up, making it a promising time for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re considering renovating your home or thinking about flipping a property, reach out to discuss your options and develop a strategy that protects your interests in this complex market. Your next investment could be a great opportunity—with the right guidance. Give me a call if you have any questions about the most economical renovations for your home or any real estate inquiries.
Contact: Jason Lewis at 250-264-2114.
Bottom Line: Focus on mid-range, neutral renovations for the best value. Kitchens and bathrooms offer the best bang for your buck, but keep the updates broad in appeal. As the market shifts toward favoring buyers, smart renovations can give your property a competitive edge.
Market Update (Since September 4, 2024) The real estate market in Keremeos is shifting. Active listings have dropped from 57 to 48, showing a tightening inventory. We've seen 2 price reductions and 2 recent sales.With the Bank of Canada reducing rates and increasing amortization for first-time buyers to 30 years, and raising the insured mortgage cap to $1.5 million, we're entering a warming market. The fall housing market is heating up, making it a promising time for both buyers and sellers.
If you’re considering renovating your home or thinking about flipping a property, reach out to discuss your options and develop a strategy that protects your interests in this complex market. Your next investment could be a great opportunity—with the right guidance. Give me a call if you have any questions about the most economical renovations for your home or any real estate inquiries.
Contact: Jason Lewis at 250-264-2114.
Jason Lewis
RE/MAX Wine Capital Realty
Jason possesses in-depth knowledge of the South Okanagan real estate market and is dedicated to helping clients achieve their real estate goals. He offers both buying and selling services with RE/MAX Wine Capital Realty. Need help sell or buy your home contact him now.
Next Blog oct. 2, 2024.
be Fully Alive by
Author
MERRI MACARTNEY
Sept. 18, 2024
Adapting to Change
Ask people if they think change is hard most will say yes. Would you? Wouldn’t you agree, though, that it depends on what it is we are being asked to change? And might it not also depend on whose idea it is to change and how much control we have over it?
Four times a year, we are faced with a change that we have come to accept as just a part of living on earth, not that there is an option yet. And one of those times is coming in a matter of days. Of course, these changes are the seasons of summer, fall, winter and spring. How we adapt to each one is based on many factors such as clothing, indoor or outdoor activities, our preference for certain foods and more.
Because we have become accustomed to the change of seasons, we accept whatever else needs changing. There is the realization that we have no control over what each season brings, and we must adapt to the changes as resistance is futile. We can choose to go out in our summer clothes in the winter, but we would soon make a hasty retreat to the warmth of our homes. Fashion doesn’t exist just to help us look good, but also to protect us from the elements. A change we welcome.
People will tend to change their activities of choice based on their preferred season. While some enjoy basking in the sun on beaches and swimming in lakes or pools, others will suffer that until the cold and snow hit the slopes.
Those who prefer the summer will often head indoors in search ofwarmer activities while winter fans ski and snowmobile. Personally, I am a summer fan and enjoy getting out in nature to enjoy long walks and sight-seeing. What about you?
Have you noticed any changes in your choice of foods during the seasons? It makes sense to opt for summer BBQs, hearty soups and sandwiches in fall, and traditional hot meals in winter. What do we choose for spring? Perhaps it is back to the soups and sandwiches. Even our drinks change. We love the cold brews, iced teas and lemonade when it is hot and the hot chocolate, teas and lattes when coming in from the cold. Do you have your favourites?
Your vehicle might not change but some people’s do. We don’t see too many convertibles out an about once the snow flies. A change from a small coupe to a larger 4x4 often occurs. As for recreational vehicles, do you know anyone who goes from a skidoo to a snowmobile?
Are these changes hard? Most would say no. It is what we do. We have learned to adapt to change because we need to in order to enjoy our lives. Is that not the best motivator for any change?Something for us to think about.
As for our favourite season, the one we have adapted to the easiest, mine is summer.
What is yours?
NEXT BIWEEKLY BLOG COMING UP ON:
WEDNESDAY oct. 2, 2024
WITH MERRI MACARTNEY
The famous author of the book :
"Don't Die Before You're Dead"
more coming soon!
Contact Us
You are a blogger or local artist and would like to promote yourself on our site. Please contact us now.