Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale

The following is a guest post by GUSTAVO GONZALEZ, Senior Manager of Content and Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC

Looking to make some upgrades and wondering which will have the biggest payoff? If you guessed kitchen and bathrooms, you're spot on. Another good one is landscaping. Whether they're big or small, a few upgrades can pay big dividends when it's time to sell your home. Follow these tips to prioritize and put more money in your pocket when you're ready to sell.

Before you do anything, make sure you consider the value of your house, the neighborhood, the housing market where you live, and how soon you will sell after you make the improvements. If you live in a neighborhood where properties are selling for $300,000, doing a $150,000 renovation may not add as much to your property value as you might think.

Kitchens and Baths
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a remodel is expensive doesn't necessarily mean it will give you the best return on investment. Even minor updates can yield a big return. Consider painting, refinishing surfaces, and upgrading appliances, which can lead to a big payout.

Sticking to a budget is always important, and keep in mind that an average, medium-sized kitchen remodel can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, while the average bathroom remodel is $10,000. In most cases, homeowners see a return of 100% or more with a kitchen or bath remodel, so it's definitely worth the investment. Plus, you get to live in a beautiful new space.

A Finished Basement
If finishing your basement is something you've been putting off, now might be the perfect time. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, "The average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage, and more space for entertaining." Seems like a sure-fire win, win.

Add Curb Appeal
When buyers see that the outside of the property is taken care of, they'll be more excited to see the inside. Remember, first impressions make lasting impressions. According to Anji, "Curb appeal can increase your home value by 7%. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor living spaces and an attractive lawn has the biggest ROI at 256%. Trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value and simple landscape maintenance tasks usually pay for themselves."

Whether you're in the market to sell your home or just want to make some budget-friendly renovations that you and your family can enjoy, making the right upgrades can help enhance your quality of life and add a few more dollars to your bank account down the road.

Ideas for Upgrading Your Patio

Delta Media Group

Maybe you've been pondering all those cool ideas seen on TV and the web about redoing your drab slab of a concrete patio so that it's a standout feature of your indoor/outdoor entertainment area. Here's the deal. We are all in love with the idea of extending our living and entertainment area into the outdoors. And why not? There are dozens of relatively inexpensive and yet innovative hacks that will make your outdoors as inviting as the indoors, so let's start working from the ground up by renovating that boring, cracked, or scuffed-up concrete patio and see how dazzling it can be.

1. Paint it.
   For basic painting, you will need concrete binding primer; concrete paint; painter's tape, a roller tray with liners (for fast cleanup), a paint roller, nap roller covers, and paintbrushes.
   
   Pressure wash the patio and let it dry. Cover up with painter's tape everything you don't want to be painted. Apply concrete binding primer, allowing it to dry one to four hours prior to painting. Apply two coats of paint, allowing the first coat to dry overnight. Wait 72 hours before you move furniture back onto the patio.
   
   
2. Stain it.
   Apply a stain over the patio, then seal it. 
   
   
3. Paint a pattern.
   Using a circular saw, score a concrete slab with a diamond pattern, then paint it with two shades of gray concrete paint. You can also use a stencil to create interesting patterns like a carpet design.  
   
   
4. Lay decking on top of the concrete.
   Not a fan of concrete? You can lay decking on top of the concrete and attach white fascia boards along the sides.
   
   
5. Create a stamped concrete patio.
   Stamped concrete is wildly popular these days. A bit cheaper than pavers, it comes in a variety of patterns and colors. Installers will try to delay cracking (be advised, it will crack someday) by installing control joints. Obviously, you will have to pour concrete and stamp the new concrete before it hardens. So if you've already got a concrete slab there, you'll have to figure out how to get rid of it. 
   
   
6. Fake a stone look.
   Another redo that involves pouring new concrete is to fake the look of brick or stone with a patterned rubber roller. You'll need a concrete roller to create indentations that look like brick or stone, and those rollers can be costly. Concrete stamping mats are a more affordable option. These flexible pieces of rubber have embossed patterns. Stamp them on wet concrete and apply pressure. Lift the mat and repeat the process. 
   
   
7. Resurface with pavers.
   How about resurfacing your patio with clay pavers? These bricks are hard-fired in a kiln, so they are extra-strong and can stand up to the harsh sun and inclement weather. Less expensive than stone, clay pavers cost more than concrete pavers. 

Although all these projects are relatively inexpensive, you can obviously spend more on some than others. So if cost is a factor, then you may want to go with simple painting or staining.

Once you're done with your new floor, it's time to think about decorating. You might start with a weather-resistant outdoor rug, perhaps in the dining area. Decorate with flower boxes or containers of flowers that can change with the season and move indoors when it's cold. Hang up strands of lights. Add a water feature, which could be a fountain with plumbing or a self-contained model that runs on electricity and recirculates the water.

Let your creativity and inner interior decorator run wild as you think up ways to jazz up that formerly dull space and make it shine.

Have you made some updates to your outdoor living space? Show us some pictures in the comments! 

An island makes a wonderful addition to your kitchen, adding an extra workspace, seating, and storage. Besides its practical benefits, a kitchen island can also transform your kitchen's appearance by creating a stylish focal point. From the shape of your island to its color and features, your options are nearly endless, so you can design an island that suits your needs and style.

Our real estate agents suggest the following creative ideas for your kitchen island:

• Think Beyond a Rectangle
  The traditional shape for a kitchen island is a rectangle, but that doesn't mean it's the only one. A kitchen island that's slightly curved, fully circular, or a combination of a rectangle with a curve becomes a statement piece due to its unique design. And depending on the shape you choose, your island may be more functional. For example, a triangle shape creates more room for seating around your island.
  
  
• Add Shelves to Showcase Displays
  Although islands provide many practical benefits, they can also give your kitchen's aesthetics a boost. Incorporate some open shelves within your island to display your favorite cookbooks, glassware, vintage items, or other collectibles. The more interesting and colorful, the better.
  
  
• Make it Colorful
  You can always match the color of your kitchen island to the one used on your cabinets, but why limit yourself? A burst of cheery, red, orange, or bright blue can instantly turn your island into a statement piece. On the other hand, if you have dark cabinets, a light, muted shade can have a big visual impact.
  
  
• Go for an Industrial Vibe
  If you have an industrial style in your kitchen, you can extend it to your island. Combine elements like brick, wood, and metal, add a sleek black counter and exposed ductwork, and you've got an island with an industrial vibe.
  
  
• Add Task Lighting
  You'll need to have appropriate lighting to brighten up your kitchen island, and the fixtures you choose can also add another layer of interest to the space. Options include everything from small pendants to statement shades, but in addition to the lighting's appearance, also think about how you'll be using your island. If you are doing lots of food prep, you may need bright task lighting. Or, if you'd like a softer look, pendant lighting offers extra light and some elegance.
  
  
• Consider a Moveable Island
  A kitchen island doesn't necessarily need to be a fixed, immobile feature. A moveable freestanding island gives you lots of versatility. You can use it to prepare meals, and then if you're entertaining in the evening, push it aside to make more room.
  
  
• Install an Extra Sink
  Having a second sink in your kitchen will require extra plumbing, but for many people, this is a game-changer that's worth the extra cost. You'll need to have enough room on your island, plus additional space to the sides, but you'll have an extra area to clean dishes, wash your hands after prep work, and wash veggies and other foods.

Contact us if you're looking to buy a home and would like to see Spokane homes for sale. Our agents have years of experience and are ready to help you find your new home. 

Our real estate agents have noticed a surge in interest in vintage furniture and home decor over the last few years. This old-fashioned aesthetic can make your home feel cozier and more personal. But how do you find these one-of-a-kind pieces for your home?

Want to bring this popular trend into your home? Use our guide to find the best vintage home decor items in Spokane.  

1. Know What You Want 
   Not all vintage pieces make it into resale markets. Most of the items that end up being preserved are rare, high-quality, or unusual-looking to modern eyes. Before you begin your search, think about which of these aspects is most important to you. If you're having trouble finding the right piece, you can try referring to it by alternate names. The same piece of furniture might be called a cabinet or a hutch, depending on the person looking at it. If you bring up all of these names with the seller you're working with, you'll have a much better chance of being shown a piece that fits your specifications.  
   
   
2. Embrace Imperfections 
   Vintage items have been around a long time – that's what makes them vintage. Unfortunately, this means it is rare for them to be in perfect condition. By the time you get your hands on it, your perfect piece will probably have at least a little wear and tear on it.  
   
   Antiques may not be in perfect condition, but if you shop around, you can find beautiful pieces that will last you for many years. Small scratches and scuff marks are a concession to make in return for that level of value.  
   
   
3. Inspect Items in Person 
   You can find many vintage items listed online, but when possible go see items in person. A great-looking photo can disguise rips and tears, chipped surfaces, faded materials, and other major problems that might be dealbreakers for you. It's also hard to tell exactly what a vintage piece looks like until you see it for yourself. If you get the chance, stop by a real antique store near you. 

Hoping to upgrade your interior design with a few new vintage items? Here are some places to look for new pieces near our Spokane homes for sale. 

• Vintage Mercantile and Auction - 5005 N Market St, Spokane WA 99217 
  Vintage Mercantile and Auction is a great place to find some distinctive pieces, especially if you're also looking for a bargain. Their weekly auctions showcase some of their best acquisitions and give you a chance to snap up these coveted finds before they hit store shelves. 
  
  
• ZipperZ on Garland - 913 West Garland Ave, Spokane, WA 99205
  When you're done shopping on Market Street, be sure to swing by Garland Avenue, which has many unique stores with one-of-a-kind finds. While you're strolling Garland Avenue, be sure to stop by ZipperZ on Garland. ZipperZ on Garland is an upscale consignment shop and has many vintage treasures just waiting to be discovered.
  
  
• Blue Cat Vintage - 1919 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202 
  Blue Cat Vintage has an impressive selection of furniture and home accessories, including more unusual items like lighting and rugs. You can even browse their wares online to get a feel for what they have before heading into the store for a closer look.  

Classic furniture never goes out of style. Give your home a whole new look with some choice vintage pieces from any of these Spokane small businesses, and contact us today to buy or sell homes in the Spokane area.

When looking at Spokane homes for sale, buyers often plan how they might fix up a home or make it their own. The right home improvements can go a long way towards making a home more livable and increasing its value. But as your list of home improvement projects grows, how do you decide which ones to tackle first? Here are some tips to help you prioritize your to-do list.

• Improve Function Before Looks
  Most home improvement projects can be placed into one of two categories. Either the project is aimed at improving the function of the home, or it's aimed at improving the appearance of the home. Painting your walls a different color, for example, is an appearance-based home improvement. Replacing a leaking window is a function-based improvement.
  
  Tackling functional improvements before looks-based ones will help keep your home safe, secure, and resistant to additional damage.
  
  
• Do Small Projects First
  If your long to-do list is starting to intimidate you, sometimes the best approach is to tackle the smallest, least-demanding projects first. This allows you to start crossing things off your list, which can jump-start your motivation and give you the drive to keep going. 
  
  Also, consider breaking your big projects down into smaller projects. This helps make them more approachable. For example, instead of writing down "paint all rooms," you could write down, separately, "paint the bedroom," "paint the kitchen," and "paint the bathroom."
  
  
• Consider ROI
  ROI stands for "return on investment." This is something that real estate agents think about a lot when talking about home improvements with clients. 
  
  If you are considering moving any time soon, you want to tackle the projects with the largest ROI first. This will help you earn more when you sell your home. For instance, replacing leaky windows generally comes with a great ROI, whereas adding shelves to the laundry room may not.
  
  
• Do What Fits Your Budget
  There may be some projects you would love to tackle but can't afford to right now. There are likely other improvements that are in your budget.
  
  Rather than continuing to put off projects until you've saved more money, do what you can afford to do right now. Then, as your income increases or your financial situation otherwise changes, you can move on to more expensive projects.
  
  
• Ask What Makes the Most Impact
  Another way to prioritize your home improvement projects is to ask yourself which ones have the most overall impact on your life.
  
  If you cook every day and your old kitchen is really bothering you, for example, renovating the kitchen may be a priority task. If the paint is peeling in the spare bathroom, but you only use that room once a month, that project can probably wait.
  
  
• Prioritize the Preventative
  If there are any home improvements that will prevent problems in the future, tackle those first. This will reduce your workload and costs overall.
  
  For instance, if your gutters are old and leaky, you need to replace them to prevent damage to your foundation and landscaping. This is more important than painting a bedroom.

By using one, some, or all of the strategies above, you can better prioritize your home improvement tasks. If you're thinking of moving to a new home or selling your current one. Click here to learn more about our services.

Even though your pets are part of your family, potential buyers are likely to be less than thrilled about your four-legged family members. When it's time to show your home, here are a few things pet owners should do to ensure their home looks its best when compared to other Spokane homes for sale. 

1. Stow Your Pet Supplies
   Have a plan in place to move all of your pet supplies so that they're out of sight during your showing. You might keep a plastic tote on hand that you can quickly store your pet supplies in and transport to your garage or car. See that you also remove pet supplies when taking photos for your online listing or to advertise your open house. If you have any pet supplies that you simply can't relocate, like a fish tank, check that it's sparkling clean for your showing. 

2. Eradicate Any Odors from Your Home
   Make sure that your home smells fresh for potential buyers by eliminating pet odors from your home. Don't try to hide the odor with candles and air fresheners. Buyers can detect when sellers are trying to hide bad odors. Instead, use enzyme cleaners and professional cleaning services to remove the source of these odors. A professional steam cleaner can work wonders when it comes to removing odor-causing pet stains from upholstery and carpets. A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) air purifier is an excellent addition that will remove odor-causing particles from the air in your home. Not sure if your home still smells like a wet dog? Have an unbiased friend or family member stop by and give their honest opinion. 

3. Get Rid of Any Stained Items
   If your cleaning attempts don't remove pet stains, it's best to dispose of these stained items and replace them. Not only do stained items show poorly with prospective buyers, but they can even impact the final selling price of your home.

4. Make a Plan for Items with Significant Pet Damage
   Some homes have areas with many pet damage, like scratched wooden floors that need refinishing or carpet that needs to be replaced throughout the whole house. Determine if it makes sense financially to replace these damaged items. Even if you're on a tight budget, it may be better to spend the money to fix these issues so that you can command a better selling price for your home. In other cases, you might opt to offer your buyer a credit to remedy these issues. 

5. Meticulously Clean Your Home Each Day
   Commit to vacuuming or sweeping your carpets and hard floors every single day, so that pet hair doesn't have a chance to build back up after your deep cleaning session. You should also vacuum your furniture daily. By cleaning a little every day, your home will remain ready and fur-free for impromptu home showings.

6. Remove Your Pets
   Unfortunately, many buyers are deterred by the sight of pets during a showing. Whenever possible, your pets need to leave your home during the showing. Have your leashes and kennels ready so that you can quickly pack up. 

7. Remove Evidence of Your Pets from Your Outside Areas
   Don't forget to tidy up your home's outdoor spaces! Scoop any pet droppings, and remove any pet toys or water bowls that you use during the day. 

Looking for a home with more space for your furry family members? Get in touch today to get started!

When revamping your kitchen, you might be tempted to go with the most recent design or that trendy color of the year. Just because it's trending doesn't mean you should go for it.

We can tell you that kitchen design trends come and go, but certain classic looks have stood the test of time. These designs are simple, beautiful, and appeal to a wide audience. And because the kitchen is one of the most expensive areas to renovate, it's smart to stick with what's tried and true. Here are the top 7 timeless kitchen trends that have been loved for decades.

1. Neutral Paint Colors
   The classic white-on-white kitchen will never go out of style. And while it's sometimes critiqued for being boring, it provides a sophisticated look, can blend into any style, and appeals to the masses. You can easily swap out accessories to get that kiss of color. Also, a neutral-color kitchen creates the illusion of space. It can be a blank canvas for your creativity and for buyers interested in buying your home.
   
   
2. Subway Tile
   Subway tiling is one of the most popular kitchen trends, and for a good reason. It's easy to install, it's relatively inexpensive, and has stood the test of time. It has a pleasant pattern and can be arranged in so many ways to get a custom look that complements your personality. It can work with many different décor styles without competing for visual attention.
   
   
3. Single-Level Island
   A single-level island provides a clean, classic, and seamless look. It's a practical feature that allows you to prep meals, help kids with the homework, eat breakfast and gather with loved ones. When keeping an open layout, a kitchen island serves as a focal point and allows light to stream through the space. 
   
   
4. Shaker-Style Cabinets
   Trends among cabinet fronts are always changing, but Shaker cabinetry is a trend that has been around for more than 100 years. With recessed panel doors, Shaker cabinets are known for their functionality, durability, and a simple, clean, and timeless look. This style works well with both farmhouse and modern designs. 
   
   
5. Quartz Countertops
   Quartz-surfacing countertops will continue to be a popular option for a long time. Made by mixing crushed quartz stone with resin, quartz is one of the strongest countertop materials. It is resistant to burns, chips, and scratches and doesn't stain from acidic substances. It offers a timeless appeal and requires less upkeep than many other countertop materials. 
   
   
6. Deep Sink
   A deep and wide sink is just plain practical and a clean kitchen's best bet. Deep sinks contain splashes and properly accommodate large pans, pots, and other items that require hand washing. A large, deep sink can also be a statement when it comes to décor. Choose a sink with a metallic, marble, or porcelain finish and pair it with a stylish faucet. 
   
   
7. Hardwood Floors
   The classic hardwood floor never goes out of style. It lends warmth and natural beauty that can make a kitchen feel more inviting, cozy, and comfortable. Hardwood adapts to any style and can stand up to spills and stains. If you have hardwood floors in other parts of your home, putting them in your kitchen can help create a seamless look by pulling together your interior design. While hardwood floors last for years, you can stain, refinish, or paint your floor to get a fresh new look.

Design a kitchen that buyers looking for Spokane homes for sale will love no matter the decade. Reach out today for more information.

COVID-19 is a new reality that's now affecting our homes and the way we live.  It's more important than ever to clean and sanitize your home.  We've combined a spring-cleaning checklist with tips from the CDC to protect your home.  Here are some best practices to keep your home clean and virus-free.

Disinfecting Your Home

• This article from the CDC provides a great overview of how to clean & disinfect your home!
  
  
• Cleaning & disinfecting are very different things!  Clean surfaces first to remove contaminates from surfaces.  Then, disinfect to actually kill any germs or pathogens.
  
  
• Clean surfaces using soap & water.  Disinfect surfaces to remove germs using disinfectant solutions.
  
  
• Disinfect high-touch areas such as faucet handles, doorknobs, stair rails and countertops.
  
  
• The CDC recommends disinfecting high-touch areas at least once daily just to be safe.
  
  
• There's a lot of information out there - if in doubt, refer to CDC Guidelines!

General Spring Cleaning Tips

• Start with a general de-cluttering in each room
  
  
• Strip beds, wash pillows & comforters
  
  
• Deep clean mattresses - sprinkle baking soda, let stand, then vaccuum
  
  
• Dust and clean walls & baseboards
  
  
• Clean window sills & sliding door tracks
  
  
• Dispose of expired meds at approved drug take-back location
  
  
• Donate old blankets & towels to an animal shelter
  
  
• Clean all remote controls with alcohol and cotton swabs
  
  
• Remove stove knobs and soak in white vinegar; clean stove face
  
  
• Clean & sanitize light switches, door knobs, microwave buttons, fridge handle
  
  
• Scrub inside & outside of all garbage cans
  
  
• Clean & de-scale coffee maker
  
  
• Replace all sponges
  
  
• Dust and clean ceiling fans - don't forget the top
  
  
• Wash all pet toys
  
  
• Clean & sanitize washing machine according to manufacturer's directions