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If your home is starting to feel a little drab or dated, you may feel the need to completely renovate the space. However, before you go to that extreme, there are actually many low-cost, high-impact options you can explore. What’s more, many of these improvements can improve the value of your home. Broker/Owner, One Community Real Estate®, Leigh Brown presents some budget-friendly advice below.
Electronic Update
Like many people, there is a good chance you only rely on your smartphone for technology. While you can do many things with this, there are a few inexpensive additions to your device arsenal that can offer additional conveniences or even boost your home value. For starters, consider installing a smart thermostat, for better temperature control and to reduce utility bills. You can also install smart security systems for extra protection and monitoring.
Many people also love using a video-enabled smart home hub, such as the Amazon Echo Show. Not only does this allow you to quickly and easily call your friends and family, but you can also link up your smart thermostat and smart security systems to your Echo Show, giving you more control over usage and monitoring.
Accentuate with accessories
Nobody wants to stare at blank walls day in and day out. If you haven’t updated your decor in a while, now’s a great time to do just that. Unfortunately, the boutique stores in your hometown are probably pricey, but you can usually find a great deal online for your favorite retailers. Home decor and accents to consider include everything from a new comforter to vintage-style photo frames to display your favorite family memories.
Lift yourself with lighting
Did you know that lighting affects your mood? ArchDaily explains that when the light is cool, meaning it is more of a blue tint, your home might feel sterile and unwelcoming. However, warm lighting can make things inviting and cozy. Something as simple as changing your light bulbs can have a big impact on the overall mood of your home.
Something else to consider, especially if you enjoy reading, is that a well-illuminated room puts less strain on your eyes. By inexpensively upgrading your overhead, task, or table lighting, you may enjoy fewer headaches while you kick back and enjoy your favorite novel.
Paint Perfect
One of the fastest and least expensive ways to update your space is to grab a paintbrush. Paint your walls like a pro by planning it out and choosing a color that makes you feel good. Architectural Digest asserts that it is a smart idea to gather your supplies ahead of time. Doing so will reduce your interaction with the public, which is especially important as a senior.
Wallpaper Perfection
If painting isn’t your forte, don’t rule out wallpaper. Although wallpaper has gotten a bad reputation over the years, there are many vibrant and colorful options available that can completely transform a space that needs a little loving care. Temporary wallpaper, which comes in many different eye-catching modern designs, allows you to play around and change up with the look of the walls before you commit to anything. But don’t limit yourself to walls — temporary wallpaper works well in craft projects, draw liners, and bookcases.
Keep Your Receipts
Whether it’s minor changes like updating the decor or major changes like painting or renovating a bathroom, it’s important to keep receipts and contracts all in one place. Having this information can come in handy whenever it’s time to sell your home, or if you’ve made an improvement that is considered tax-deductible. You also want to have a method of storing receipts and information when working with contractors. Maintain a special folder in your digital files that you can update as needed. To keep the file smaller for or whenever you need to share it, you can compress a PDF online to make it easier to send.
While this is not a full list of ways to elevate your home, these tips are a good start. While some of these tasks might feel like a bit of an inconvenience, chances are you’ll absolutely adore the end result.
If you have more questions about maintaining your home that adds to the value for when you are ready to sell, we are here to help you figure it out. Email my team at One Community Real Estate®, Leigh Brown & Associates, or reach me directly at 704-507-5500 today!