Category: Advice on moving

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As realtors, we often get asked by those looking to sell their home about potential remodels or updates. Friends and family with long-term value in mind want to know if remodeling their kitchen, or installing new flooring, or adding an addition will be worth the investment when it comes time to sell.

But what about bathrooms?

Here’s the truth: updating a bathroom can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase the value of your home. According to a report from Remodeling Magazine, an average bathroom remodel can recoup up to 60% of its cost at resale, making it a valuable investment for homeowners looking to increase the value of their property.

Here are some reasons why updating your bathroom before selling your home can be a smart investment:

  1. It improves the appearance of your home: a dated and worn-out bathroom can be a major turnoff for potential buyers. Updating the bathroom with new fixtures, flooring, and lighting can significantly improve its appearance and make a better impression on buyers.
  2. It increases functionality: upgrading the bathroom can also improve its functionality and make it more appealing to buyers. Adding a double sink, a larger shower, or a separate tub can make the bathroom more functional and appealing to buyers.
  3. It boosts energy efficiency: updating the bathroom can also include the installation of energy-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow toilets, LED lighting, and water-saving showerheads. These updates can help reduce energy and water consumption, lower utility bills, and appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
  4. It adds value to your home: a bathroom remodel can add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. By investing in the bathroom, you can increase the overall value of your property and potentially earn a higher selling price.
  5. It increases your home’s competitiveness: with many homes on the market, updating your bathroom can help your home stand out from the competition. A modern and updated bathroom can be a major selling point for potential buyers, especially if it offers features that other homes in the area lack.

When updating your bathroom, consider making updates that are neutral and timeless. Avoid trendy designs or bold colors that may not appeal to all buyers. Opt for classic fixtures and finishes that can appeal to a wide range of buyers and make the bathroom look clean, bright, and spacious.

In short: updating your bathroom can be a smart investment before selling your home. It improves the appearance and functionality of your home, boosts energy efficiency, adds value to your property, and makes your home more competitive in the market. By investing in your bathroom, you can increase your chances of selling your home quickly and for a higher price.

Thinking about updating your home with resale value in mind? Give Properties on the Potomac a call at 703-624-8333 for a free consultation!

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Why does one house sell in a day and another on the same street stays on the market? The answer is often an intangible “feeling” that one house provides over the other.

That feeling is happiness. Happy houses sell faster even if they are not perfectly staged and pristine. The occupants have decorated their house with joy and incorporated elements that they love. The house feels authentic and welcoming. Unlike formulaic staging, happiness cannot be “staged.” It has to be accumulated over time in layers and often begins on the day the occupants moved in.

Often, homeowners decorate and improve their houses for “resale” value; not necessarily that the improvement pleases them. That is when the authenticity issues rise. Those who design and furnish their homes to their taste, incorporating personal and family treasures and art, remain authentic to themselves and their homes show it.

Whenever my husband and I bought a new house, I decorated for our taste. I boldly painted two walls in a two-story foyer in a gloss “shutter green.” At the time, beige was the color of choice. Every time we entered our foyer, we were thrilled with the color. Neighbors and family expressed concerns that nobody would buy the house with the colors. The reality was that when we decided to sell it, we received two full price offers almost immediately.

Clients often ask me to give them “permission” to improve their homes for resale value even though they may have just moved in. My response is categorically, “Will this improvement make you happy?”

We spend a lot of time in our houses. Our environment must please us and not a prospective buyer. Tastes and trends change quickly so best to design and enjoy the home for yourself and your family.

When the time to sell approaches, that is when condition and design must be evaluated. Below is a list of improvements to make to improve resale value:

  • Replace carpets
  • Declutter
  • Clear closets
  • Clean landscaping and mulch
  • Seal driveway
  • Have windows washed
  • Replace/remove any worn or broken elements
  • Paint, if walls show wear or if paint is dated
  • Make sure that everything works properly
  • Have the house professionally cleaned

Below are some things not to do in preparation for sale:

  • Do not replace appliances
  • Do not change kitchen or bath counter tops
  • Do not remodel bathrooms or kitchen
  • If the basement is not finished, do not finish it for resale

When we meet with potential sellers, we discuss what it will take to get the house sold. We suggest improvements and staging, if any. Our goal is to make your house sell well and quickly.

If you are considering a move, please contact Properties on the Potomac at 703-624-8333 to review your house and design a plan for making it irresistible.

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The houses may look the same. The lots may all be the same size. In some communities, there may not be a lot differentiating one house from the next, at least not externally. But living on a cul-de-sac is different. A cul-de-sac adds value. And when it comes time to sell, houses in a cul-de-sac have the upper hand over their non-cul-de-sac neighbors. Here’s why:

  1. Instant community
    For a new buyer, living on a cul-de-sac means it might be easier to get to know your neighbors. It is often easier to share a refreshment, make introductions, and, maybe, find common ground.
  2. Security
    Quite literally, being at the end of the road makes it difficult for cars to speed past your home. It’s safer to walk and to congregate outside. Children can play, ride their bikes, skate, or play ball, while the windows of 3-4 homes overlook the area.
  3. Social activity
    On warm summer evenings, it is not unusual to see neighbors enjoying a beverage together on the cul-de-sac where children have played most of the day. It is a great place to invite children and adults alike to get away from screens and get some fresh air and human interaction.
  4. Relaxing environment
    Without having cars driving past your front yard, the noise and level of activity is greatly diminished. Relaxation comes with an absence of movement and noise. Yes, children might laugh and shout, but these are the happy sounds of life – not the road noise and speed of business life.
  5. It is a throwback to earlier times of children playing outdoors
    The cul-de-sac is where children of all ages can play together. It is heartwarming to see the older kids teaching the younger ones to shoot a basket in a hoop or to learn to ride a bicycle. It frees up parents to relax without managing children’s every activity. It stimulates sociability and friendship and expands energy for a good night’s sleep. “It is one of the last remaining ways to give children an old-fashioned childhood,” says Patricia Shannon of Southern Living magazine.

While there are exceptions to all of these, my 37 years of serving clients has proven that cul-de-sacs are a great place for building friendships, relaxing, and hours of safe play for children. Historically, homes on cul-de-sacs command higher resale values. Why? Limited supply with greater demand (as listed above) boost value. The cul-de-sac is a special place.

Is a new home on your list for this year? We know where the cul-de-sacs are. Call or text us at 703-624-8333 to help you find the perfect setting.

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Here we are – the beginning of 2023 ! You have been waiting to make decisions and commitments until the holidays are over. Now what?

If you are thinking of moving – up, down, around, or away – here are a few tips to help you structure your activities:

  • Decided whether you want to sell or keep your current real estate. Either way, consult a competent real estate broker. The possibilities are endless and your investment and risk are huge. Be selfish and work with the best (that would be us – read our website and see for yourself).
  • If you plan to sell, list long before you want to go on the market. That way pre-marketing excitement can bring the best buyer.
  • Go through all the nooks and crannies of your home (that includes closest that you often use). Start with all off-season belongings first. Decide whether you will keep, toss, or donate.
  • If you have a home of 2000+ Square Feet, know that it will take you several weeks to complete the culling and packing.
  • Be smart and not impulsive. There are many garments and things, that due to the current circumstances ,have remained unworn or unused. Do not throw away anything on a whim. It doesn’t matter if it makes you happy if you will need it later. You will buy it back for more money and of lesser quality. Keep your stuff. Your happiness will compound with lower bills. Be a good steward.
  • Do not make capital investments in your current home unless it will be a coat of paint and some flooring. Keep it simple. Do not replace appliances with stainless steel.
  • Chose a smart real estate agent who knows what sells and what brings in the most return for your investment. – Again, that would be us – not bragging, just the facts.
  • In 2022, our listings sold for 105% of list price and our buyers paid 95.5% of list price. How is that? Ask us.
  • We’ll be happy to show you how you can benefit from our 35 years of experience in all sorts of markets.

Looking to make a move in 2023? Give Properties on the Potomac a call at 703-624-8333!