While there’s certainly a huge debate on renting vs buying a home, no one could argue that it’s a major decision for many people. Some say renting is like throwing money down the drain and you’re just paying off someone else’s mortgage. Others insist that there’s no way they could give up their flexibility and be tied up in one place. 

If you’re finally thinking about taking the plunge into homeownership this year, how do you know that it’s time for you to take that leap? The decision on whether to rent or buy is a huge and costly endeavor, but you can always justify it based on logic and emotion. To help with your case, we’ve laid out seven signs you’re ready to make the switch from renter to homeowner.

 

1. Your rent payments keep going up.

Rents keep on escalating in many parts of the country, and this is one of the biggest reasons why any renter would want to buy a home. In some neighborhoods and real estate markets, the cost of renting is even higher than the average monthly mortgage of a single-family home. If you already feel trapped with the uncertainty of your rent payments, you might be better off purchasing a home where your mortgage is consistent, and you’ll be gradually putting equity into your biggest asset.

 

2. You have steady employment. 

Employment plays a huge role in the mortgage application process since lenders and mortgage companies take into account your employment history before approving you for a loan. Typically, they would want to see that you spent at least two years working for the same company or in a similar field, and that you’ll likely continue having the funds to pay your debt. If you’re a freelancer or a gig economy worker, you need to prove that you have a steady source of income for a couple of years through your W-2s, tax returns, and other documents. Just remember that for lenders, a stable job means a stable income, which lowers your risk as a borrower.

 

3. You’ve saved up for a down payment, closing costs, and other costs associated with owning a home.

 For many home buyers, the most difficult step in the home buying process is saving for a down payment, according to the 2019 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. Setting aside money for a down payment towards their dream home is made even harder because of student loans and credit card debts. So if you have a stable job for a while now and your income has improved, there’s a better chance for you to save up enough extra money to cover up the added expenses of homeownership.

And remember that the 20 percent down payment requirement for you to qualify for a mortgage is already a myth. In fact, mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, also known as FHA loans, require only 3.5 percent of the home’s purchase price. Meanwhile, government loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA Loans) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA Loans) require no down payment at all, so there’s no need to scrape all your money just to cover the 20 percent down payment if it means leaving zero balance in your savings. 

You know you’re ready to get the keys to your new home instead of renewing your lease if you have also saved up for closing costs and other homeownership expenses, such as property taxes, maintenance funds, and homeowner’s insurance.

 

4. You’re managing your debts.

It isn’t necessary for you to be totally debt-free when you apply for a mortgage. Loan companies simply need to make sure that you aren’t carrying too much debt compared to what you make, and that you’ll be able to afford to take on additional responsibility, such as your potential monthly mortgage payment. They do this by determining your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which measures how much of your monthly income goes toward paying off your debts. 

Lenders ideally prefer a ratio lower than 36 percent, but borrowers with no more than 43 percent DTI ratio can still get qualified for a home loan. Getting your debt down to a more manageable level will help put you in a stronger position to get pre-approved. Assess your spending habits even while still renting, and change them as much as possible to improve your chances of finally owning your first place.

 

5. Your credit score is in good shape.

One of the biggest reasons why renters can’t make the leap to owning a home is because of their low credit score. Having good credit matters because it will determine how much money you can borrow and how much you’ll pay in interest. A good FICO score is usually about 690 and higher, although borrowers with a credit score as low as 500 can already qualify for a mortgage depending on the loan program. 

When was the last time you’ve checked your credit report? If your credit is looking healthier because you’re making timely payments and settling your debts, you can have access to more conventional loan programs with lower down payments. Once you have addressed this important issue, you can rest assured that homeownership is now within your reach.

 

6. You’re ready to settle in a neighborhood you love.

This one’s quite subjective, but your preferred location and your capability to settle in one place are also huge considerations when buying your first home. If you anticipate moving in a few years, you know that you’ll only live in a particular area for a year or two, or you just can’t imagine yourself being tied down in one place, renting is likely your best option since you can leave whenever you want. Renting is also your smarter bet if you want to test out the waters in different areas where you’re thinking of buying a place. 

But once you’re ready to settle down in a neighborhood you love, you’re secured in your job, and that you can see yourself putting down roots in the next five years, purchasing a home is your next sensible step.

 

7. You’re ready to finally become a homeowner.

In the 2019 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report by the National Association of RealtorsⓇ, 29 percent of all buyers cited their main reason for purchasing was the desire to own a home. Your readiness to become a homeowner matters above everything else. When you own a property, you’ll be in charge of all the repairs, maintenance, and upkeep costs. If you’re not comfortable with these tasks and you’d rather leave the problem to a landlord, you may be better off renting for longer. Many people simply prefer to rent instead of taking advantage of lower interest rates because of this reason.

If the idea of home maintenance no longer intimidates you, you actually enjoy fixing things up in your place, and you’re ready to stay for the weekends just to mow the lawn and do other yard work, these are signs that you’re finally ready to call a place your home. You know you’re ready for the huge responsibility that is homeownership and you’re ready to be your own landlord.

Even in a market where interest rates and material costs are soaring, it still pays to position your home to sell for top dollar. At the very least, upgrading your property means a more comfy and convenient living situation.

Figuring out which improvements are worth the money can be tricky, especially with all the uncertainties rocking real estate. Still, you can try to enhance your home’s value with these high-ROI projects.

1. Improve Curb Appeal 

Investing in landscaping upgrades such as well-maintained gardens and outdoor spaces significantly enhances your property’s attractiveness and perceived value. Similarly, upgrading your exterior with fresh paint, updated doors and clean siding creates a positive first impression for potential buyers. According to a university study, these improvements can boost your home’s value by 7% –14%, depending on market conditions.

2. Renovate Your Kitchen

For years, kitchen renovations have been the quintessential project for boosting property value. 2024 is no different.

The best part is you don’t even have to do a complete makeover to get decent returns. For instance, replacing aging, worn-out cabinets can add 3.63% to your home’s financial worth, while installing high-end appliances tacks on another 2.35%.

3. Touch Up Your Bathroom 

Luxury bathrooms are another safe bet when increasing property value. With more people opting to spend quality time at home, spa-style bathrooms with mobility upgrades remain in high demand.

As with kitchen renovations, you don’t need to revamp the entire enclosure — updating faucets, showerheads and lighting can adequately modernize the space. However, avoid using wood paneling and accents, as these elements can exacerbate moisture damage and cap your bathroom’s life span at 15 years.

4. Implement Clean Energy Upgrades

Embracing energy-efficient upgrades benefits the environment and enhances your home’s market valuation. For example, solar panels are increasingly popular thanks to increasing demand for passive, net-zero and sustainable architecture.

The rule of thumb is your home’s value grows by $20 for every $1 saved on energy bills. That means a solar setup saving $500 yearly on electricity could increase the property’s worth by $10,000, on average.

5. Modernize Interior Doors

Interior door replacements transform your property’s aesthetics, adding a touch of sophistication to each room worth a few percentage points to the overall market value. Moreover, modern glass doors improve natural lighting and make nonverbal communication much easier, minimizing noise and brightening a space. These are all features today’s homeowners and potential buyers greatly appreciate, especially those living in noisy neighborhoods and wanting to cut down on energy bills.

6. Update Your Home’s HVAC

Installing an Energy Star-rated HVAC system can significantly enhance property value by 5%-7% with an estimated 30% ROI. Newer systems use substantially less power than older models, which can lower utility bills and attract eco-conscious buyers. Additionally, a well-maintained HVAC system reduces the likelihood of costly repairs, making the property more appealing.

7. Install Smart Home Features

Smart home automation increases convenience, security and efficiency, translating to a 3%-5% higher home value. The key is to be strategic with your selections to maximize ROI and marketability. For example, smart thermostats and video doorbell systems will likely be more attractive to prospective buyers than lighting fixtures.

8. Add Living Space

Are there unfinished rooms in your home? Convert them into usable living spaces. Extra bedrooms, entertainment areas or home offices are a surefire way to increase your property’s worth.

These projects increase square footage, enhancing overall functionality and design. For instance, finishing your basement can yield an impressive 70% ROI — a highly profitable project to undertake.

Funding Your Home Improvements

There are multiple ways to finance your home upgrades without dipping into your savings. Take advantage of the following methods.

1. Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit (HELOC)

HELOCs let you borrow against your home’s equity. Research shows the average American homeowner has about $200,000 in real property value, which they can use to finance renovations.

2. Cash-Out Refinancing

This can be beneficial when interest rates are low because you’ll refinance your current mortgage for more than what’s left and get the difference in cash. According to Freddie Mac, you can access up to 80% of your home’s value through cash-out refinancing, allowing you to fund substantial improvements.

3. Personal Loans

Taking out a personal loan can be a viable option for smaller, short-term projects. Keep in mind, though, that these loans typically have higher interest rates than home equity products. You want to be careful about borrowing too much capital, especially if the renovation doesn’t have a commensurate return.

4. Credit Cards

While not ideal for large sums due to high interest rates, credit cards can be used for minor renovations or quick fixes. Consider promotional offers with 0% APR for introductory periods to finance small projects without immediate interest.

5. Government Grants and Programs

Various federal and local programs offer grants or rebates for specific improvements, especially sustainability upgrades. For example, you could qualify for a $3,200 tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements, including heat pump installations and window replacements.

Maximize the Value Of Your Home

Increasing your property’s market worth involves a combination of strategic upgrades, modernization and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to sell in the future or simply want to enhance your living experience, making the most of your investment can yield rewarding returns. Focus on curb appeal, energy efficiency and key interior spaces to make your home more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

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First impressions matter. Your home’s curb appeal — or lack thereof — is the first thing that people see when they pass by your house. It says a lot about you as a homeowner and an individual. Here are some of the greatest benefits you can expect from giving your home the curb appeal it deserves.

 

1. Boosts Your Home’s Resale Value

The best benefit of excellent curb appeal is the additional value it brings to your home. A house’s exterior attractiveness can increase its value by 7% if you renovate it in the right places. The landscaping, driveway, roofing, windows and front door spread all play essential roles in boosting your home’s curb appeal.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your Florida home right now, you should still try to maximize its value. A job opportunity or family situation might arise in the future that requires you to relocate. Keep the exterior in good condition so it’s ready for the market if your plans change.

 

2. Keeps the Neighborhood Friendly

Maintaining your home’s curb appeal helps you avoid petty disputes with neighbors and keeps everyone friendly with each other. It will also keep the local homeowner’s association out of your hair if you belong to one. Besides, you owe it to your community to keep your home clean and organized. Nobody wants to live near a messy neighbor.

 

3. Shows You’re a Responsible Homeowner

Curb appeal also demonstrates you’re a responsible homeowner to anyone who passes by. People notice little details like your lawn’s grass length or the decorations around your front door. A well-maintained exterior shows your commitment to home ownership and providing your family with a beautiful living environment.

On the flip side, poor curb appeal shows you don’t care about keeping your home in good condition. It also suggests you aren’t home often, which might make your house a target for trespassers and thieves. Maintaining your home’s curb appeal helps you avoid these types of negative attention.

 

4. Improves Your Home’s Functionality

Curb appeal is a practical thing too. Along with establishing a unique style, it also improves your home’s functionality in many ways. Most notably, it can enhance your home’s energy efficiency with features like draft-proof windows and doors. This factor is crucial for Florida residents who often have to use air conditioning year-round to keep their homes cool.

Other simple and affordable improvements — such as replacing the doorknobs, putting up a fence and installing additional lighting — will also make your home more functional. Curb appeal keeps things organized and lets you get the most out of your house.

 

5. Gives You a Sense of Pride

Lastly, giving your home the curb appeal it deserves will fill you with pride. Keeping a house in good shape isn’t easy — it takes non-stop work and attention to detail, especially in a hot and humid climate like Florida, where working outside is more taxing than usual. You could stay inside and enjoy the A/C, but you decided to stay out and improve your home’s exterior. That’s an admirable thing and you should be proud that you made the right decision.

 

Take Your Home’s Curb Appeal Seriously

Maximizing curb appeal is more important than most homeowners realize. It can boost the home’s resale value, improve your reputation, make your house more functional and give you a newfound sense of pride and accomplishment. If you want to reap these benefits, start taking your curb appeal seriously and get to work!

A vacation rental with a white table and a chair in one corner and a sofa bed with a large painting above it in another as an example of how to prepare it for summer

Summer months are just around the corner, and if you own a vacation rental in Florida, it’s time to prepare it for an upcoming busy season. After all, you want to give your guests the best rental experience ever. If you do that, you’ll make sure to attract many new guests and help your rental gain popularity. The best part it isn’t hard to prepare your vacation rental for summer, and it won’t take much of your time. It’s so easy that it might inspire you to look for a second Florida property to turn into an attractive rental.

How to prepare your vacation rental for summer?

With the busiest rental season coming in just a couple of months, it’s time to start preparing your Florida vacation rental. Even though you may have a perfect Boynton beach home, if you don’t take the time and make the necessary preparation, you’re risking a slow season and negative guest reviews.

To help you make your vacation home look its best, we’ve prepared seven carefully selected tips. Stick to them, and we guarantee you’ll have a lot of happy guests coming back each year.

#1 Repair what’s needed

One of the first things to do when preparing your rental for summer is to have a walk-through and check for damage. Fix or replace anything necessary. Double-check if everything is in good working order and safe for your guests to use.

If you want your rental to feel fresh and new, consider painting the walls. It’s one of the cheapest ways to make your place look new. Plus, you can use colors to emphasize different features or even hide flaws. For example, if you’re dealing with a small space, consider painting it in bright colors to make it appear bigger.

In case you need to invest in new furniture pieces, make sure to choose multi-functional options. If you’re buying large items, the team from Big Man’s Moving Company suggests hiring furniture movers to help you as you’ll avoid potential injuries and damage to the new pieces.

#2 Clean and declutter your furniture

It goes without saying that before you invite guests into your vacation rental, you need to make sure that it’s spotlessly clean. To get the best results, consider hiring professional cleaners. You can even schedule them to clean each time new renters are about to come in.

Also, if you have a small place and it feels cramped, perhaps it’s time to declutter and remove some unnecessary furniture pieces. Of course, if they are in good shape, don’t toss them as you might need them in the future. Instead, put them in storage, but be mindful and use quality materials when preparing furniture for storage. High-quality packing supplies are critical for keeping them in the same condition.

#3 Make sure your rental is safe

Ensuring your rental is safe is another step in preparing your rental for summer. It’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit on hand. On the kitchen counter, make sure to leave a list of emergency numbers, a printed document of what to do in the event of a storm, and a working fire extinguisher. It’s also good to have a working flashlight in a kitchen drawer.

#4 It’s all in the details

Think about your last holiday and remember what you liked the most about your accommodation. You’ll likely remember a friendly staff member or a cute note on the bed before anything else. Therefore, add small touches to your rental to make it stand out.

For example, make an effort to have maps, driving instructions, house regulations (including check-in and check-out times and key delivery information), and emergency numbers translated to their language. They will surely appreciate your effort. Or, you can consider leaving your guest a box of local treats with a welcome note.

#5 Provide entertainment options

Even though your vacation rental guests will spend most of their time at the beach or sightseeing, there will probably be periods of downtime. If they want to spend it relaxing in the house, you need to make sure your guests have something to entertain themselves. For example, you can bring several books or leave some board games in the living room.

As we live in the internet age, easy and constant access is a must. So make sure to choose a great internet provider as this is something most people look for in accommodation nowadays. You should also consider investing in cable or Netflix. 

#6 Listen to your customers’ feedback

Reviews are critical for gathering input from your guests. 80-90% of consumers read internet reviews, and 80-88% of consumers believe online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Reviews are, without a doubt, golden eggs; one positive review might mean a boost in not only popularity but also cash. Encourage guests to leave a review when they return home, and if there is anything unpleasant, attempt to remedy it for the next guests. It’s a good idea to go over the previous year’s client feedback and make sure that any problems or complaints were addressed.

The bottom line

If you make an effort to prepare your vacation rental for summer, you’ll ensure your guests have a positive experience that will encourage them to come back many more times. Always remember that it’s crucial to maintain the same level of service. So before each summer, make sure to get your rental in great shape. If you’re still looking for that fantastic Florida property to transform into a rental, reach out to experienced real estate professionals. They will give you all the help you need to turn your real estate dream into reality.

 

If you’re a holiday homeowner, it’s time to prepare your vacation rental for summer – the busiest season. We’ll let you know how in this post.

 

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Whether you’re moving somewhere new or you’re fixing up a place you hold near and dear, renovating in the wintertime can have both its pros and cons. Even with the exciting projects you likely have in store, there are absolutely some safety and comfort concerns that might come into play when you begin whatever project you want to accomplish. Whether you’re going big with building and construction or you’re simply knocking out a wall or two, here are a few safety tips.

 

1. Keep an Eye on Weather Advisories 

This is a handy tip whenever you do something in the wintertime, but especially when you’re balancing something as sensitive and important as construction and building. If you happen to be doing any of your projects outside, you don’t want to have to deal with snow, ice, or wind-advisory gusts.

 

2. Stay Bundled Up 

Safety hazards can also be about personal safety, not just site safety. If the weather outside is frightful, make sure you, and everybody working with you, has the proper attire to stay warm and healthy. Even if you think you might not need it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

3. Check Your Equipment Daily

Even though it’s always important to check your equipment when working in construction or renovations, it can be especially important to do this during the winter. You should always run a daily inspection before operating in order to find any cracks, leaks, drainage issues, safety indicator lights, tire pressure, and more.

 

4. Clean Debris Early in the Season

If you’re working on the outdoor portion of things, making sure you’ve cleared away everything that could be potentially damaging is crucial. Make sure you clean out your gutters to stay protected from falling ice and rake the leaves in your yard to keep them from freezing and clumping. You don’t need any more to deal with than the task at hand, so keeping a clean area from the jump can keep things going much more smoothly.

 

5. Remove Snow and Ice Regularly

If you’re somewhere that has a lot of snow, it might be best to remove it regularly throughout the construction project. Even if you aren’t working directly outside, you need a clear path for materials and movement throughout the space. This makes everything easier and more convenient no matter what.

 

6. Require Masks

Requiring that everyone wear masks during a winter project can help prevent all kinds of illnesses, so make sure everyone stays masked up. Masks can also help ensure everyone stays warm and protect your faces from dust and debris while you work!

 

7. Build In Extra Time

The winter can bring all kinds of scheduling conflicts, delays and obstacles into your project — from material shortages to simple snow days. One of the best ways to avoid falling behind is to build in extra time from the jump so that when these delays happen, you aren’t put out. If you get past them quickly, you’ll be ahead of schedule anyway!

 

8. Keep It Inside

By focusing on smaller, indoor renovations in the roughest part of the season, you can use your time wisely and effectively. Paint and do indoor DIY projects when you know the weather is rough!

 

Safety in Winter Renovations

There are many ways you can protect yourself and your crew while you work on your next home improvement project. From watching the weather to wearing masks when appropriate, you can make your home a dream destination without any safety concerns this winter.

A home renovation is a great way to add value and satisfaction to your beloved abode. After all, who doesn’t love stepping into a new room, a finished basement, or a renovated bathroom?

However, before “undertaking any of the character-building, heavy-lifting labor” there’s the time-consuming and costly process of obtaining renovation permits. How long a permit can be approved depends on the scale of the project. For smaller renovations, it may take as little as 24 hours. Expectedly, larger projects might take longer so homeowners may have a bit of a wait on their hands. So who says it isn’t tempting to save a bit of time and money skipping that step entirely and pushing ahead with your planned renovations?

Well if you do, prepare to face some terrible consequences. Unpermitted work refers to any modifications made to the home that should have been permitted but were not.

Aside from a sunken property value, your biggest risk may lie in the job itself. Without the proper permits, there’s no guarantee that your contractors will execute a professional job. The results of this could be disastrous. For instance, if you sell, those substandard improvements might cause you trouble during a home inspection.

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It’s a nightmare to think about, but it means big trouble if your municipality or city office finds out you’re renovating sans-permits. Some cities will only inspect, but some will issue a stop-work order and may even slap a hefty fine on both the homeowner and contractor. Worse still, the city could order a teardown of the entire project with a subsequent order to redo any work done with the proper permits finally in hand.

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Another area of concern is that any unpermitted additions may not be covered, and even violate your insurance policy. It is especially concerning if an accident or disaster occurred in that part of your home. If there’s been a house fire caused by faulty wiring due to poor electrical work, or if someone fell and seriously injured themselves you could be facing a costly nightmare.

Filing an insurance claim for a scenario like this could be futile; your policy probably isn’t going to cover the issue, additionally, you may be heading towards a complicated, costly lawsuit.

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As we mentioned earlier, failing to get permits could cause the value of your home to drop. Why? For starters, real estate information in your local municipality needs to be up to date to help maintain home values and stay current with taxes and insurance. Renovation permits will help ensure that your property keeps up with the latest health and safety standards.

When you sell, an appraiser will assess your home in order to gauge its objective market value. Any unpermitted work brought into concern because of safety defects could depreciate your home’s value. Even worse, you could be fined with the appraiser also demanding that the work be removed and redone—this time with proper permits secured. Likewise, any room additions not up to code will be excluded in the square footage stated in your “updated”  home listing. That means buyers will think your home is smaller than it really is.

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Notwithstanding the huge laundry list of features and amenities potential buyers look for in a new home, above all is a safe and secure place. Should they discover the house they’re looking at has undergone an unpermitted structural remodel, it can imbue them with uncertainty, causing a loss of confidence in your property, and resulting in some serious purchase reconsiderations.

The buyer might think you hired someone unqualified to do the work because you didn’t even bother getting permits. They may feel that the completed renovation is unsafe, leaving them clouded with worry about long-term problems down the line. A good buyer’s agent is going to make sure that permits were pulled on any significant additions done to the property, so there’s no escaping the consequences. However, if permits were secured for the renovations, concerns like these all go out the window, with the buyer immediately given peace of mind and assurance, enticing them to make a good and reasonable offer.

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Well, it might be overreacting, but not getting permits for a significant modification or addition can stop a home sale. Wait, what?

You heard right! Once your home has entered the market, a subsequent home inspection and appraisal will follow as is required by the selling process. The inspector will ensure that buyers know exactly what they’re getting while the appraiser will look to protect the interests of the bank or lending institution, ensuring proper standards are met before they approve the loan. Both professionals can easily request public records on your home, including the permits (or lack thereof) for any improvements made, assuring that the property is not only habitable but in good working order.

It could cost you the home sale if the bank doesn’t want to fund the loan because the appraiser’s requests were not met, or if the potential buyer backed out due to personal uncertainty with regard to property safety and structural integrity.  

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Admittedly, securing a renovation permit can be a hassle. You have to provide your local municipality with your detailed plans for the remodel, as well as additional documentation if needed. Moreover, permits come with corresponding fees.

However, proceeding to push through with a renovation without proper paperwork can lead to dire consequences, as discussed above. The commonalities shared by those risks are time wasted, money squandered and maybe a forthcoming lawsuit. Not to mention, most likely you’d also be required to undo all the work done, taking you and your home back to square one on what could have been a great addition.

 

Tips:

• Know what renovations require permits. Any substantial, structural, or significant remodel requires the homeowner or seller to get a permit. These major renovations could include electrical or plumbing work, basement refurbishment, or room addition. However, if you are only updating or sprucing up an existing space, then permits might not be necessary.

• Consult with your city building committee. However, building codes and the legal requirements to pull a permit vary with every city. With this in mind, it’s important to check with your local municipality or city building code committee to make sure there won’t be any problem before you tear down a wall or remodel anything.

• Hire only licensed and reputable contractors. You can rest assured that they won’t work without securing proper permits, giving you peace of mind that their work will be up to code.

Get Ready To Buy a Home in 2025

If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen. Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list. But first, let’s connect so you have expert advice every step of the way.

EXCLUSIVE Listing

    

The Listing Team @ Real Estate Sales Force

814 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite #503

Coral Gables, FL 33134

954-342-6180

814 PONCE DE LEON BOULEVARD, 503, CORAL GABLES, FL 33134. 305.392.1497 © 2017 Real Estate Sales Force, Inc. All material presented herein is intended for information purposes only. While this information is believed to be correct, it is represented subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. All property information, including, but not limited to square footage, room count, number of bedrooms and the school district in property listings are deemed reliable, but should be verified by your own attorney, architect or zoning expert.

Home renovations are a popular option, with 90% of homeowners planning a remodel. Updating your house gives it a modern appearance and adds resale value. Upgrades also allow you to stay in place longer, which is helpful due to low housing inventory. Here are the renovations that provide the best return on investment (ROI).

1. Update Your Garage Door

The first thing buyers notice is your home’s exterior. Updated garage doors are aesthetically pleasing and functional, so consider replacing your current ones with steel entryways. They are durable, affordable and require less maintenance. It costs around $500-$1,350 for the installation, but you will see a 93.8% ROI. 

If your budget is tight, give the doors a fresh coat of paint or replace the hardware. Also, adding insulation conserves energy and lowers your heating expenses. 

 

2. Enhance Your Exterior With Manufactured Stone Veneer

This material mimics the appearance of natural stone but is more affordable. The average price for stone veneers is about $8,250-$16,125. It’s also durable, lightweight and comes in various styles. Plus, it has a higher ROI of 92.1%. The material is perfect for your exterior siding and will enhance your curb appeal. You can also add it around your fireplace.

 

3. Remodel Your Kitchen

An updated kitchen is a popular amenity for many homeowners. Remodeling your kitchen can give you an ROI of 72.2%, so it’s well worth the effort. You can repaint or add stainless steel hardware. If you want a classic look, whites, grays or beiges are excellent choices. To add more character, go with blues, greens or reds. 

Also, buy energy-efficient appliances, which will lower your monthly expenses. If you have more room in the budget, upgrade your countertops or add a tile backsplash. Marble or granite are popular for their elegant appearance. These renovations make the space more modern and functional. 

Before starting the project, have your budget in mind. The average kitchen remodel ranges from $13,484 to $38,089.

 

4. Replace Your Windows

Updating your windows will enhance your exterior. Add vinyl windows, which are affordable and provide better insulation, for about $400-$800. They are also easy to maintain and block out the sound of traffic. Plus, they offer a significant ROI value of 68.6%.

 

5. Add a Deck

Many homeowners want a space for outdoor entertaining. In fact, a deck addition can recoup about 65.8% of its original value. It’s the perfect place for family gatherings or birthday parties and also gives you a space to relax when the weather is nice. Consider building a wooden deck, which is eco-friendly and cost-effective. It costs about $85 per square foot to install a patio. 

If you plan to complete the demolition yourself, use a skid tractor, which is smaller in size. Be sure to pay attention to your blind spots and practice hand signals. You can also spruce up the space with a fire pit, outdoor kitchen or comfortable lounging area.

 

6. Upgrade Your Front Door

Adding a steel door entryway increases your property’s curb appeal. Steel doors also protect against the elements and better insulation. Plus, the strong material improves your home’s security. It costs around $352 to install but can give you an ROI of 65%.

 

7. Renovate Your Bathroom

Quality bathrooms are major selling points for buyers. Updating your bathroom can give you an ROI of 60.1%. This is pretty good, considering you will spend about $10,000 on the project. Start by updating fixtures, such as your toilet, sinks or showers. Replace your showerhead with a low-flow faucet to conserve water and save money. 

You can also repaint, update your lighting or add tile flooring. Consider adding radiant floor heating to keep you warm in the winter if it’s within your budget. Also, adding more storage increases the space’s function, such as floating shelves above the sink or decorative baskets. Double vanities are a convenient addition if you have a larger family.

 

Renovations Projects to Increase Your Home’s Value 

Remodeling your home is a great way to improve your space and add resale value. There are many projects you can choose from. Consider these suggestions to get the most value out of your next renovation.  

Comparing the Cost of Moving Yourself vs. Hiring Movers

Relocating is a big step that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Planning is key whether you’re moving alone, with a partner, or with your family. One of your biggest decisions is whether to move yourself or hire professional movers. This guide compares the cost and breaks down considerations for each option, helping you decide which might be more economical for your next relocation.

Upfront Costs

First, let’s explore the typical initial costs of moving and the associated factors of each option.

Moving Yourself

When moving on your own, the costs are initially straightforward. You’ll probably need to rent a truck and purchase packing materials, unless you already have both things. The cost of renting a truck depends on how far and how much you’re transporting, so this expense can vary. There is also the physical cost of moving yourself, as lifting boxes all day can take a toll on your body.

Professional Movers

Depending on the scope of services you purchase, professional movers can take up a significant portion of your moving budget. However, the high cost comes with unique benefits. For instance, some moving companies can assist with packing, furniture assembly, and temporary storage to protect your items. Movers also provide efficiency and experience, packing and transporting your belongings quickly and securely.

Hidden Costs

Unfortunately, whether relocating on your own or working with movers, you may encounter expenses you do not originally budget for.

Moving Yourself

DIY moves come with hidden costs beyond the truck and boxes. For example, the cost of gas in a moving truck or your personal vehicle can add up quickly, especially for long-distance moves. Unexpected delays can also lead to unforeseen expenses, such as rental extensions and overnight accommodation if your move extends beyond the planned timeline.

Professional Movers

When hiring professional movers, it’s essential to be aware of potential hidden costs. These might include extra fees for heavy items, stairs, or long carry distances. Avoid surprises by getting a detailed quote that outlines every possible charge.

Long-Term Savings

When considering the cost of a relocation, you must forecast expenses that could arise after your moving day.

Moving Yourself

Moving on your own can save money upfront, but it often leads to unexpected expenses. Hours and days of manual labor cost time and energy, which can result in lost income if you need to take time off work. Some people find that the money they save by not hiring movers is spent fixing damaged items or replacing broken belongings during the move.

Professional Movers

One of the most common misconceptions about hiring moving services is that it is not cost-effective. Hiring professionals might seem like a more considerable investment initially, but it often saves more time and stress in the long run. Movers handle logistics, allowin g you to focus on other aspects of relocating, like setting up utilities or helping children adjust to a new environment.

Which Is More Cost-Effective?

Choosing between moving yourself or hiring movers is easier after comparing the cost, and it depends on your household’s needs and circumstances. If you prefer control and have the time to spare, a DIY move might suit you. However, if you value convenience and peace of mind, consider investing in professional help.