Category Archives: Housing Marketing

Soleil Sotheby

5 Renovations That Increase Resale Value

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Renovations and home improvements aren’t just for our own personal satisfaction. Yes, we redecorate, remodel, and restyle while we live somewhere to make a home more unique, but sometimes, certain updates can add more to the bottom line when it’s time to sell. 

From bathroom remodels to updated kitchens and new decking to extensions, for Margate NJ real estate it’s helpful to know which renovations can boost your selling price when you eventually decide to move.

So, here are the top 5 renovations that will increase the resale value of your home.

1. Loft Conversion

Adding an extra bedroom and en suite with a loft conversion has the potential to add up to 15% to the home’s value.              

There are different types of loft conversions available, from light roof conversions (which is the most cost-effective as it requires less structural work) to more expensive mansard conversions, which have one or both roof slopes replaced with a flatter roof.

Most lofts can be converted, but you should always make sure your space is compatible by hiring a builder or architect to check first. You should also always check planning permission with your local authority before planning a loft conversion. While most projects don’t require it, more expensive conversions, like the mansard, generally need permission.

2. Minor Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it only makes sense that you’ll want to ensure it is up to scratch if you’re planning on selling. However, these remodels are some of the most expensive, with the average homeowner paying $12-35k for the upgrade.

If this scares you off, we don’t blame you. However, you may want to consider a minor remodel instead. Installing a functional and modern-looking kitchen not only creates a warmer and more inviting environment for you and your family but will also add value to your home. A minor remodel has also proven to earn you a return on investment (ROI) of more than 83%.

The kitchen is a social hub, and when potential buyers view your home, they want to imagine their family and friends cooking, drinking, and sharing memories together. If they can see themselves enjoying life in your upgraded kitchen, it will heavily influence their buying decision, even if the remodel is minor.

3. Bathroom Remodel

Bathroom remodels are some of the most popular home upgrades, and they have a great return on investment. If your bathroom furniture and style is outdated, old, or damaged in any way, a remodel can add up to 4% of the value of your home. 

According to the National Association of Realtor’s (NAR) 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, bathroom upgrades ranked highest, above kitchen upgrades and complete kitchen renovations. 

Depending on the age and state of your bathroom, some of the most popular remodels include upgrading the flooring, adding energy-efficient updates to decrease the water bill, updating the plumbing fixtures, and adding vanity upgrades. 

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4. Extension

From a conservatory, a single or two-story addition, or a garage conversion, these home upgrades have the potential to add between 5 to 20% extra value to your property.

There are many different types of extensions you can build to increase the value of your home, but again, ensure that you have planning permission before you start. 

5. Decking

Everyone loves to have an attractive outdoor space, especially in summer. Adding wooden decking to your yard is a great renovation that instantly increases resale value. Wooden materials are significantly cheaper than marble for a new kitchen or bathroom, so you’ll save money with this project. They are also cheap to construct, making them an ideal upgrade for both you and your family to enjoy and someone else’s in the future.

Increase the Value of Your Home

If you’re seeking ways to put your property on the market and increase its value, these renovations will help you add some extra zeros to your asking price. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get upgrading today and reap the rewards when you sell.

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Should Sellers Decorate their Homes During the Holiday Season?

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Today, there are just over 1 million homes for sale in the United States. While the holiday season is spent decorating with bright lights and vibrant colors for many homeowners, Americans selling their homes are hesitant. If your home is on the market, you are likely wondering to what degree you should decorate this year. After all, many real estate agents discourage clutter and personal items when prospective buyers are likely to stop by. So the question remains, can homeowners selling their homes still decorate for the holiday season?

The primary reason many realtors discourage personal items and clutter within the home is because clutter can make a space feel cramped and personal items will often inhibit a viewer from being able to imagine themselves within the space. Although holiday decorations will fill up space within the home, they can also make a home feel warmer and more welcoming if done correctly. For this reason, many realtors recommend that sellers use only minimal holiday trimmings and decorations in order to keep the home looking as spacious as possible. A few small holiday items will likely do the trick, as too many decorations can also be a distraction to viewers.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that the seller may be decorating their home for a holiday that prospective buyers do not celebrate. In order to keep your home welcoming and inclusive, it is best not to use overtly symbolic decorations and instead lean more towards festive decorations. For this, most realtors recommend one sign if at decoration within the living room and another welcoming holiday decorations by the door.

Most realtors agree to keep the holiday decorations in storage until after the shoot when it comes to staging photos. If your home takes months to sell, staging photos that show holiday decorations may seem odd and deter potential viewers from stopping by. This means that if your home’s listing photo shoot is scheduled for the holiday season, you may need to put off decorating. However, once the photos have been taken, feel free to decorate your home with tasteful decorations.

Lastly, Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty recommends sellers take down any holiday decorations immediately after the holidays. Although some American families enjoy keeping their holiday decorations up until Valentine’s Day, it will likely hinder buyer interest and make the home appear unkempt and dated.

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How to Get Your Home Ready to Show

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Whether you have been planning to sell your house for years or are trying to take advantage of the current seller’s market, before placing your home on the market, you will first need to get your home show-ready. What defines a “show-ready home” has been the subject of debate in the real estate industry for many years; however, there are certain things homeowners can do that will always improve the chances of their home selling. Below, Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty will share their top suggestions for getting a home ready to show.

Does Your Home Have Curb Appeal?

It may surprise some readers to hear that realtors and homeowners often overlook curb appeal when putting a house on the market. This can have disastrous consequences, as first impressions are crucial, and many buyers will write off a home that has an unkempt outer appearance.

For this reason, when deciding to put your house on the market, it is essential first to take stock of the home’s exterior condition and ensure that:

–        The yard is free of grass patches and is well mowed

–        There are no weeds or dead flowers within the garden

–        The porch has no cobwebs or dead leaves

–        The outer façade of the house is free of peeling paint (homeowners should consider painting the entire home if it is in desperate need of a new coat of paint).

In the fall and winter months, it is crucial that the homeowner takes extra time to maintain the exterior by raking leaves, shoveling sidewalks, and ensuring that the driveway and entrances of the home are well-salted to ensure the safety of potential buyers.

Research the Latest Staging Trends

Staging a home does not necessarily mean purchasing staging furniture and can mean rearranging the existing furniture and décor in a way that is in style and pleasing to potential buyers. When staging, it is crucial to keep in mind the viewers’ taste, which means that homeowners should not arrange furniture necessarily to their liking, but in a way that compliments the space. Soleil Sotheby’s International Realty also recommends that homeowners research current staging trends as this can help improve their home’s chances of a quick sale.

Work with Family Members or Roommates to Always be Ready to Show

Once a certain level of “show readiness” has been created, it can be hard to maintain. However, it is crucial that occupants be ready to show the home to potential buyers at all times. Before placing a home on the market, all its inhabitants must discuss how best to keep the house looking show-ready and what steps all members can make to ensure this happens. This can mean divvying up responsibilities among occupants for last-minute cleaning or asking that the home’s cleanliness be maintained at all times.