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6 Tips to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

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SOURCE: Realty Times

Does your new home fit into your budget, but not your design wishes? Everyone wants to keep up with the Joneses, but not everyone can afford the price tag. Don’t worry, with the tips below you can make your home look expensive without spending big bucks to do so. It just takes a little creativity and a bit of elbow grease, but you can create the home of dreams.

Moulding

Moulding is an easy ways to take your walls from drab to fab without looking gaudy. You can choose a more ornate, Victorian style moulding, or go for a simple piece of wood framing, as was popular in Craftsmen homes of the 1920’s and 1930’s.

Whichever you choose, paint your moulding and walls the same color to provide a cohesive look to your home, and consider splurging to hire professional to help you out. A licensed handyman can not only repair existing moulding in your home, but can also help you add new moulding. A professional can make the new moulding look seamless, like it has always been a staple part of your homes character.

Accessories

Whether you are going for a minimalist or eclectic look, your accessories can provide both interest and elegance to your home.  Things like candles and fresh flowers can bring add points of interest to your home as can throw pillows and blankets.

Get creative and DIY items that can be pricey in stores, such as making throw pillows from fabric scraps instead of spending a lot of money at Target. You can also make your own wreaths, or reupholster chairs to give them a new look.

Save your money for investment pieces, like large artwork that can instantly become a focal point to your rooms. Of course, save money when you can by thrifting these too.

  1. Mix Up Your Textures

Experts say a design that is too matchy-matchy – excessively color-coordinated, in other words – can actually make it look less expensive. Instead you should mix and match different textures throughout your home that can help to enliven multiple senses at a time. A faux-fur throw on top of a leather couch, for example, as well as velvety pillows and knit rugs. Each of these items can provide beauty to your home on its own, but when put them together it will give the feeling of a well-thought out and unique space.

Let Someone’s Trash Be Your Treasure

One of the easiest ways to add a bit of class and character to your home is to choose antiques and vintage pieces to put side-by-side with your newer décor. This might seem like and expensive option, since a vintage headboard can cost several hundred dollars or more online, but that doesn’t have to be the case. You just have to know where to look.

Check out your local thrift stores and garage sales to get the best deals on vintage furniture. Many people just want them out of their homes, without considering their value. You can advantage of these pieces, repaint them, or just refinish them to former glory. Your home will instantly look more cultured, and you will help keep items out of the landfill as well!

Make Your Own Built-Ins

I love looking through Zillow, picking out my favorite homes and imagining my family inside of them. One thing I always look for first is built-ins. There is just something about them that screams class to me, and I am dead set that my dream home will have them. If your home doesn’t though, you can improvise. Just make them yourself.

Ikeas hacks are all over the internet, and the one that most often catches my eye are DIY built-ins using Ikea bookshelves. The Billy Bookcase comes in several different heights and colors, making it versatile for your home. Add a bit of moulding to make them truly blend in, and it will look like they have always been there.

You Shouldn’t Judge a Book by Its Cover, but Many People Do

A person’s opinion of your home does not start when they walk through your door. It starts when they are standing on your sidewalk. Keep your yard tidy and pruned, your lawn mowed, and your walkway clean and clear of cracks if possible.

Raised garden beds are pretty to the eye and can help you save money if you fill them with herbs and vegetables. And perennial flowers, such as tulips and peonies, only need to be planted once but will make your garden beautiful year after year.

You do not have to own a million dollar listing to make your home and inviting and expensive looking place for you and your family to enjoy. Even the smallest budgets can have a big impact with a bit of planning and work ethic. Roll up your sleeves and get to work, your only limit is your own imagination!

SOURCE: Realty Times

LUXURY TRENDS | JULY 2025 | CHRIS DOUCET

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Luxury Trends | June 2025 marketingcenter--

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

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Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money.

Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them.

1. Overpricing Your House

It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains:

“Setting a list price too high could mean your home struggles to attract buyers and stays on the market for longer.”

And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags. That’s why pricing your house right from the start matters.

A great real estate agent will look at what other homes nearby have sold for, the condition of your house, and what’s happening in your market right now. That helps them find a price that’s more likely to bring in buyers, and maybe even more than one offer.

2. Spending Money on the Wrong Upgrades

The housing market has nearly a half million more sellers than buyers according to Redfin. That means you have more competition as a seller and may have to do a bit more to get your house ready to sell. But not all projects are going to be worth it. If you spend money on the wrong projects, it could really cut into your profit.

A local real estate pro knows what buyers in your area are really looking for, and they can help you figure out which projects are worth it, and which ones to skip. Even better, they’ll know how to highlight any upgrades you make in your listing, so your house stands out online and gets more attention.

3. Refusing To Negotiate

Now that inventory has grown, it’s important to stay flexible. Buyers have more options – and with it comes more negotiating power. U.S. News explains:

“If you’ve received an offer for your house that isn’t quite what you’d hoped it would be, expect to negotiate . . . make sure the buyer also feels like he or she benefits . . . consider offering to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs or agree to a credit for a minor repair the inspector found.”

That’s where your agent comes in. They’ll help you understand what buyers are asking for, what’s normal in today’s market, and how to find a win-win solution. Sometimes making a small compromise can keep the deal moving and help you move on to your next chapter faster.

4. Skipping Research When Hiring an Agent

All of these mistakes are avoidable with the help of a skilled agent. So, you want to be sure you’re working with the right partner. Still, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 81% of sellers pick the first agent they talk to.

Many homeowners may skip basic steps like reading reviews, checking sales history, and interviewing a few agents. But that’s a mistake. You want someone you know you can rely on – someone with a good track record. The right agent can help you price your house right, market it well, and sell it quickly (and maybe for more money).

Bottom Line

Selling a house doesn’t have to be stressful, especially if you have an experienced agent by your side. Connect with a local agent so you have an expert to help you avoid these common mistakes and make the most of your sale.

SOURCE: Keeping Current Matters

5 Improvements Under $500 That Will Boost Home Value Before Selling

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SOURCE: Realtor

It's become difficult for sellers to make major upgrades these days due to the economy and ongoing tariff pressures on goods and materials.

Even homeowners just looking to tap into their equity for repairs are having a hard time knowing what they can afford these days.

However, with home prices still commanding attention, even a modest $500 investment can go a long way in boosting perceived value—and possibly even the sale price.

Repaint the front door

A freshly painted door is one of the first impressions buyers see and that can psychologically signal a well-kept home.

"The front door is one of the first things buyers will notice—so make it count," says designer Justin M. Riordan, founder of Spade and Archer Design Agency in Portland, OR, and Seattle. "While bold colors like orange, teal, and coral can shout 'Look at me,' traditional choices like black, navy, or red quietly say 'well-maintained.'"

Since a can of exterior paint is typically priced at less than $100, the return on investment on painting the front door can be especially high.

"It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal," says Riordan. "A freshly painted door helps guide the buyer’s eye, subtly laying out a welcoming path as they enter your home."

According to Homelight, painting the exterior of your house, including the front door, can yield an ROI of 51%.

"The impression the buyers get upon stepping up to the home is created within a few seconds, and you want to make sure the front door sends the message of being welcoming and that the home is cared for," says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker, who operates in both California and Florida.

Update hardware in kitchen and bathroom

Swapping outdated drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, or faucets for sleek, modern finishes in matte black, brushed gold, or stainless steel can really update a space.

"It’s like a facelift for your kitchen and bathroom—instant upgrade," says Riordan.

Nikki Beauchamp, an associate broker with Sotheby's International Realty in New York, NY, often suggests that clients change out hardware sets, since these can be inexpensive and are often DIY-friendly.

"It's easy to pick up and do yourself over the course of a weekend," Beauchamp says.

According to BobVila.com, cabinet hardware hinges and handles start at just $2 each—and 20 to 40 pieces of hardware will be enough to upgrade a 200-square-foot kitchen.

HomeAdvisor reports that a faucet with basic options starts as low as $91, meaning you get a big visual payoff for a minimal investment.

"Swapping out hardware and faucets can completely update the space without breaking the bank," says Riordan.

Upgrade lighting

Swapping out dated fixtures or changing builder-grade lights to something more stylish are both easy ways to modernize a room and create strong visual impact.

"It’s an inexpensive way to make the home feel warmer and more upscale," notes Riordan.

According to HomeGuide, lighting fixtures typically start at $50, so that's a big bang for your buck.

Basic dimmer switches, which cost between $15 and $25, can also instantly elevate a space.

Bosscat reports lighting upgrades such as these can provide a return on investment of up to 75%.

Plus, if you’re selling, good lighting will make your home more photogenic.

"It’s crucial for making those listing photos pop," says Riordan.

Professionally clean carpets

Buyers equate clean floors with a well-maintained home.

"Buyers notice flooring right away," says real estate agent and investor Ron Myers, of Ron Buys Florida Homes. "If the carpet smells like pets or looks stained, it can turn someone off fast. A professional carpet cleaning helps make the home feel fresh and well cared for."

Professional carpet cleaning costs $182 on average, according to Angi—but "can erase years of stains and odors, which is especially important for homes with pets or smokers," says Riordan.

A clean carpet may not add much value, but it removes a potential buyer turnoff.

"It's a quick fix for a big payoff in terms of buyer perception," says Riordan.

New insulation install

New attic insulation is an easy way to lower energy bills and, in an era of rising energy costs, it's a serious selling point.

"It's a bit under the radar, but trust me, energy-conscious buyers love it," says Riordan. "Plus, there are plenty of rebates and incentives for insulation upgrades that make it even more worthwhile."

For instance, taxpayers can take advantage of the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit and claim up to 30% of the cost of the insulation itself.

According to Angi, insulation costs start at $498—and the U.S. Department of Energy reports you can save up to 20% on your home’s heating and cooling costs by adding insulation to attics.

"Many buyers ask about utility bills and how efficient the home is," says Myers. "Insulation helps you answer that question with confidence."

Some studies show a return on investment of over 100% when selling a home with a newly insulated attic

"It might not be something buyers see, but they’ll feel the benefits—and that's what counts," says Riordan.

Julie Taylor is a reporter for Realtor.com. She was most recently a writer and co-executive producer on “The Talk” where she won two Daytime Emmy Awards. A member of the Writers Guild of America, Julie has written for Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Redbook magazines and is the author of six books. Julie earned a B.A. in magazine journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma. After two decades in New York City and Los Angeles, she recently relocated to the Midwest.

SOURCE: Realtor

June Market Report with Chris Doucet

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June 18th Weekly King County Market Watch NW marketingcenter--