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Swapping outdated drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, or faucets for sleek, modern finishes in matte black, brushed gold, or stainless steel can really update a space.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

LUXURY TRENDS | JUNE 2025 | CHRIS DOUCET

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Luxury Trends | May 2025 marketingcenter--

5 Welcoming New Kitchens in White and Wood

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SOURCE: Houzz

See how professionals balance popular tones to create bright, inviting and warm spaces

White and wood dominate choices for many kitchen elements. Homeowners tend to choose white or wood cabinets or a combination of the two. White is often the top choice for countertops, backsplashes and walls. And wood and wood looks are the most common flooring selections. Mixing white and wood elements beautifully balances brightness with warmth, a goal for many homeowners. Here, design and construction professionals share the features and materials they used to create five inspiring white-and-wood kitchens.

1. French Country Feel

Designer: Christina Cruz of Cruz Interiors
Location: Tampa, Florida
Size: 220 square feet (20 square meters)

Homeowners’ request. “The young couple desired a bright, airy kitchen that served as the heart of their new home, seamlessly blending modern functionality with the inviting warmth of French country design,” says designer Christina Cruz, whose clients found her through Houzz. “They envisioned a space perfect for both everyday living and entertaining, with a strong connection to the outdoors. The previous lack of flow and natural light in their prior residences was a key concern they wished to address. Our goal was to create a cohesive design that married clean, modern lines with rustic, charming elements to reflect their lifestyle.”

White-and-wood elements. “The decision to primarily use a white-and-wood palette was central to achieving the desired aesthetic,” Cruz says. “White was chosen for its ability to create a sense of spaciousness and light, providing a neutral backdrop that highlights the architectural details and natural textures. The wood elements, primarily reclaimed-wood beams on the ceiling and rustic wood cabinetry, were incorporated to introduce warmth, natural character and a nod to French country style. The white paint color used on the walls and some cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, selected for its soft warm undertones.” The custom range hood is finished in Venetian plaster. The countertops are marble. And the backsplash is hand-glazed zellige tile in a straight lay pattern.

Cruz uses Houzz Pro software. “We utilize features such as the Mood Boards and project management tools, which were indeed used on this project,” she says. “Our clients greatly benefited from the visual communication facilitated by the Mood Boards, allowing them to easily understand and approve design directions. The project management tools helped us stay organized and on schedule, ensuring a smooth process for the homeowners. The clients for this project found us through our Houzz profile.”

Other special features. “A custom-designed island serves as a central workspace and gathering point,” Cruz says. “The light fixtures are a mix of modern pendant lights over the island and classic library-style wall sconces.”

Designer tip. “A key design trick we employed in this space was the strategic juxtaposition of contrasting textures and materials,” Cruz says. “For instance, the sleek marble countertops are paired with reeded wood panels, creating visual interest and depth. This interplay of modern and natural elements is a technique we often use to achieve a balanced and unique design.”

“Uh-oh” moment. “During the framing process, the clients decided that they wanted an arched opening to their pantry rather than a concealed door,” Cruz says. “This caused a little unrest on the jobsite, but we were able to get our elevations up quickly and were able to pivot to make this happen for our homeowners.”

2. Traditional Treasures

Designers: Jennifer Rapp and Natalia Box of JCR Design Group
Location: St. Louis
Size: 300 square feet (28 square meters); 15 by 20 feet

Homeowners’ request. “This client had several main priorities for their kitchen renovation: better flow and overall functionality, more storage, better organization and a clean, updated, lighter aesthetic,” designer Jennifer Rapp says.

White-and-wood elements. “White is a classic choice and not only works with nearly any decor, but also provides a light, bright and clean aesthetic,” Rapp says. “This is a traditional home and as such called for a classic and timeless look. The mahogany-toned stain on the center island — made of cherry wood — brings warmth in contrast to the white cabinets and complements the stained oak flooring as well as the furniture in the adjacent hearth room. The cabinetry was painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, a soft white that coordinated with all of the trim in the house.” The walls are Natural Cream by Benjamin Moore.

The countertops are Nordic Falls quartzite. The backsplash is Carrara marble tile. “The arabesque-shaped accent tile over the cooktop echoes the shape of the pendant lights over the island,” Rapp says.

Rapp uses Houzz Pro software. “We use Houzz proposals to present all pricing to our clients,” she says. “This keeps us organized and helps the client see a total number, and the pictures of each item are next to the product, which is helpful.”

Other special features. A baker’s cabinet stands to the right of the paneled refrigerator. “With the doors open and recessed, the homeowners have additional counter space for their baking, as well as all of their ingredients immediately at hand,” Rapp says.

Designer tip. “A renovation is the perfect opportunity to add additional electric to customize the space: additional recessed lighting on dimmers, undercounter lighting, outlets with USB plugs, outlets inside cabinets,” Rapp says. “Don’t skimp on decisions that are much more costly to add after the fact.”

3. Clean and Contemporary

Designer: Yarden Partouche of Bayside Home Improvement
Location: Woodville, California
Size: 180 square feet (17 square meters); 12 by 15 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted a modern, open-concept kitchen that felt warm yet minimalist, serving as a communal space for family gatherings and casual dining,” says designer Yarden Partouche, whose clients found Partouche on Houzz. “The previous kitchen layout was cramped, with outdated cabinetry and poor lighting, making it feel dark and uninviting. To address this, we opened up the space by incorporating a large island with seating, added undercabinet lighting and used a light color palette with natural wood accents to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.”

White-and-wood elements. Custom walnut cabinetry. Engineered walnut flooring. Marble-look quartz countertops and backsplash. White walls (Simply White by Benjamin Moore). “The white-and-wood palette was chosen to achieve a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic, emphasizing clean lines, warmth and simplicity,” Partouche says. “This style was preferred over others for its timeless appeal and ability to make the space feel larger and more airy. Wood elements appear in the cabinetry, island base, bar stools and open shelving, using walnut for its rich, medium brown tone with a subtle grain. The white elements include the countertops and backsplash.”

Partouche uses Houzz Pro software. “For this project, I used Houzz Pro to create a 3D floor plan, which helped the homeowners visualize the layout and make decisions about the island placement,” Partouche says. “The clients benefited from seeing a realistic rendering, which reduced uncertainty and sped up approvals. They found me through Houzz after searching for local designers in Woodville. I also used the Mood Board feature to share material and color options with the clients.”

Other special features. Amber glass pendant lights. Undercabinet LED lighting. “Open shelving on the left wall adds storage while keeping the space feeling open,” Partouche says.

Designer tip. “Incorporate open shelving to display curated items like ceramics or cookbooks,” Partouche says. “It adds personality and prevents the space from feeling too sterile, especially in a minimalist design. Style the shelves sparingly to maintain a clean look.”

4. Coastal Touches

Designer: Karen Schmidt of Freshwater Design & Build
Location: Cornelius, North Carolina
Size: 304 square feet (28 square meters); 16 by 19 feet

Homeowners’ request. “Our client wanted a light, bright timeless look with a modern coastal feel,” designer Karen Schmidt says.

White-and-wood elements. “The kitchen is mostly white with wood elements in the hood, island and furnishings,” Schmidt says. “We decided the white-and-white-oak combo would be the best option for this situation.” The wall and cabinet paint is Pure White by Sherwin-Williams. The flooring is also white oak.

Other special features. Marble-look porcelain countertops and backsplashes. “It gives the look of marble without the maintenance,” Schmidt says.

5. Light and Airy

Designer: Amy Jameson of Jameson Design Group
Builder: Jason Box of Catalyst Construction
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 384 square feet (36 square meters); 16 by 24 feet

Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners wanted to open up the flow between the breakfast area, dining room, kitchen and back entry and create a space that was functional, unique and easy to move through,” designer Amy Jameson says.

White-and-wood elements. Rift-sawn white oak cabinets and beams. Neutral walls (Horizon by Benjamin Moore). White ceiling and trim (Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore). White backsplash tile. Infinity White quartzite countertops in a leathered finish. “The combination of white neutrals and natural oak tones in this home provides a palette that brightens a space lacking in natural light and is also the perfect backdrop for colorful personal items and artwork,” Jameson says.

Other special features. Staggered hand-poured glass disk island pendant lights. Polished nickel faucet.

Builder tip. “Understanding the importance of function is key before starting any construction project,” builder Jason Box says. “Every family has different needs and patterns that can drive a design. This family didn’t need a second living space off the kitchen. They needed a place to serve multiple functions — homework station, drop zone. So the challenge that drove this design became ‘How to make a functional space become a focal point?’”

“Uh-oh” moment. “Originally, the homeowner wanted a window on either side of the range, but the gas meter was located too close to where one of the windows would be located,” Box says. “Our solution? Installing a new clerestory window above the range hood. Although the concept was simple enough, this was no easy feat. This element took tons of coordination between the appliance vendor, designer and contractor to make sure mandatory clearances were met and everything was perfectly aligned.”

SOURCE: Houzz

How to find a home for sale before anyone else does

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SOURCE: Homes

Real estate professionals offer tips for beating the competition.

The United States has a significant housing shortage that, for now, shows little end in sight, creating intense competition among buyers looking for the perfect property. For some buyers, the only real shot at finding a home to purchase means striking before it hits the market.

Experienced real estate agents are trained to find homes that will be listed soon. But for the layperson, here are some ways to find a home for sale before anyone else does, according to real estate professionals:

Become a regular at estate and yard sales

Sellers typically follow the same steps just before placing their home on the market, one real estate agent said. The first step is usually cleaning the house, which often involves getting rid of unwanted junk.

Some homeowners will throw unwanted belongings in the trash, and others will try to sell them at an estate or yard sale. A savvy homebuyer should view a yard sale as an early detection, said Tezeta Roro, a New Jersey-based real estate agent at Keller Williams.

"Homeowners usually hold sales when they are thinking about minimizing and looking to move," Roro said. "Hit up a few."

Take a drive through the neighborhood

Clever house hunters should drive around the neighborhood they're looking to buy in and see whether any home has a dumpster or storage pods in front of it, said Tristain O'Donnell, an Atlanta-based real estate agent for Engel & Völkers.

O'Donnell said cruising neighborhoods is her "go-to technique when trying to uncover hidden inventory."

"These visual cues often signal that a homeowner is preparing their home for sale — whether it's a light refresh or a full renovation," she said. "In many cases, it could also indicate an investor flipping a property with plans to list it soon."

Monitor homes that are in pre-foreclosure

A foreclosed home is a property where the current owner could not keep up with the mortgage payments, the home loan went into default, and the lender repossessed the property. A pre-foreclosure is the period when the lender goes through official court proceedings to repossess a home.

"Since foreclosures have to be disclosed in public records, you can often look for and discover homes that are in pre-foreclosure," said Adam Hamilton, co-founder of rental property software company REI Hub. "That ultimately can give you the jump on being aware of the property before the general public."

Anyone can search for a list of pre-foreclosed homes at the county recorder's office, sometimes called the "clerk's office" or "register of deeds." The Multiple Listing Service, known as MLS, also keeps a pre-foreclosure tally, but the company charges an extra fee to access specific properties.

"The best real estate deals rarely start on the MLS," said Elena Novak, lead real estate researcher at PropertyChecker.com. "They begin where few buyers are looking. When a property appears neglected and the owner hasn’t lived there in years, that’s not a red flag; it’s often a strong lead."

Build a relationship with an agent

Agents who sell homes in the neighborhood you want to move to should have your contact information, experts say. Building a relationship with an agent beforehand can pay off once that person catches wind of a potential listing.

"They will likely know of folks looking to move or want an off-market, quiet sale," Roro said. "I have scored homes for my buyers during the height of COVID competition this way."

One sure-fire way to connect with agents is attending a real estate investment club meeting, said Ryan David, a real estate investor in eastern Pennsylvania.

"At these types of meetings, typically there will be agents focused on off-market sales opportunities, along with real estate wholesalers and real estate investors that frequently buy and sell properties," David said. "The goal of these local groups is to network and to pass along deals that the average person doesn't know about."

Use good old-fashioned networking

Real estate agents aren't the only professionals who will know when a house is coming up for sale soon.

"There are some house construction companies online that talk about their future builds for houses and neighborhoods," said Dylan Calvo, a Tennessee-based agent at the Realty Association. "Follow them, look at their websites, and become friends with them. Be the first to know about it."

But the list of professionals doesn't stop there, Roro said.

"Don't underestimate the folks you interact with regularly, such as your cleaner, landscaper, mailman, hairstylist, barber or dentist," she said. "Mention what you are looking for. They may know someone looking to make a move."

Scour social media and online neighborhood groups

Some of the world's most popular social media applications have pages dedicated to specific neighborhoods. Users post things for sale and local happenings, including if someone plans to move. Reading posts on those pages might give a crafty buyer an early clue as to who will be selling their home soon, the experts said.

"Home buyers can also post in these groups with their ideal home and budget," Roro said.

SOURCE: Homes