home improvement - The Finigan Group

4 Ways to Avoid Going Over Budget on A Home Renovation

by Josh Finigan | Nov 29, 2022 | Home Ownership Education, Selling My House

Whether you are renovating to make your space more comfortable, to increase your home’s value, or just trying the style you always wanted from Pinterest, one of the biggest obstacles you can face when updating your home is staying within your budget.

Budgeting for any remodeling project can be challenging. In fact, in the 2021-2022 study by Houzz, 34 percent of homeowners exceeded their budget, and they did so for a variety of reasons. The top two reasons they cited include finding that the products or services were more costly than expected and that the project was more complex.

Want to avoid these mistakes made by homeowners? We have listed these four expert tips to help keep your project as close to budget as possible.

It can be tempting to do the legwork yourself, so you can save money, especially if you know you have got enough time on your hands. However, the DIY route may not be cheaper than you thought it would be. Your lack of know-how can be costly, and you could spend more on a botched job.

Especially for plumbing, electrical, or structural work, it will be safer and cheaper to pay a licensed and experienced professional to do the job right. Also, trust that professionals know the best brands to work with and can achieve the look you are aiming for while still getting the most bang for your buck.

But while it is better to leave the job to the pros, there are some things you can do to prepare your space before a crew comes, especially if you are paying them per hour. Depending on the remodel, you can tidy up the area and clean surfaces, pack up and move furniture and other decors out of the construction zone to make their job go more smoothly.

Experts recommend hiring a general contractor for medium- to large-scale remodeling projects. A general contractor knows who will do the best work for the best price, and they will know when to schedule them to avoid wasting dollars on inefficient use of time. Plus, sticking to a single contractor ensures the quality of work and materials will be consistent.

To get the best deal, obtain bids from at least three different traders. While it is not unusual for their quotes to differ in certain areas, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about their good and bad points and different approaches to the same work. Moreso, you can be wary if a bid is too good to be true, which could be a red flag that the contractor is either lying to you or is inexperienced.

If you decide not to choose a general contractor and hire individual workers yourself, get at least three quotes for each service performed so you can better compare their prices and scope of work.

No matter how big or small the remodeling project is, careful and detailed planning is the best way to avoid expensive problems down the road. Remember that the cost of renovations does not only include the materials and contractor/labor fees. Further, consider the little things, such as the costs for any necessary permits, sales tax, delivery charges, shipping charges, and even cleaning materials. Getting a detailed breakdown of the costs upfront means you can see how the different elements of your project add up to the total price.

If you are working with a good contractor, expect that you will get a detailed quote. They will also take the time to sit down with you and discuss the entire project, creating a step-by-step plan. This is also the best time to make all the decisions, especially regarding the materials and finishes you want.

And once the plan is complete, stick to it so you will not make last-minute changes when you are stressed, which is a surefire way to get your budget out of control.

Even if you are an optimistic homeowner, part of the planning stage is to have a plan for the unexpected. According to the Houzz study, one of the biggest reasons homeowners went over budget was because the project turned out to be more complex than expected. When your contractor opens a wall, they could find some necessary electrical work. If you have an older home, there is a critical risk of getting things that need updating, including plumbing, electrical, and wall material issues or even discovering mold and asbestos, that could jeopardize your family’s health and safety.

Hence, regardless of the budget you arrive at, it is safer to have an additional 10-25 percent buffer to cover any surprise expenses and delays. You will get peace of mind knowing that you have the funds just in case you need money to fix whatever is discovered wrong at short notice. Besides, experts say this cash cushion, more often than not, comes in handy.

5 Things To Skip Renovating Before Listing Your Home For Sale — Because A Buyer Might, Anyway

by Josh Finigan | Nov 18, 2022 | Home Sellers and Buyers, Selling My House

When you decide to put your home on the market, you want to put your best foot forward in preparing it to look its best for prospective buyers. Besides, the better your home shows, the more offers you’ll likely get, right? Next, you make a to-do list of what things to fix and update around your home, only to realize that the list could go on forever. That’s when you realize: Do I have to do everything?

For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home’s value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it’s actually up to you.

The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.

Having state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be appealing and is a nice bonus. But not having them is seldom a deal breaker. Especially in hot seller’s markets, old but working appliances may not need replacing or upgrading. All that you need is to give the appliances a good cleaning.

If your older model appliances are worn, broken, or missing some parts, that’s the time to think about replacing them. However, brand-new appliances can cost a fortune and are not worth buying only to get your home sold. So instead of splurging on top-of-the-line models (that you won’t be able to use much, anyway), consider buying used or floor models that can still add a lot of value to your home without draining your bank account.

Should you renovate the kitchen and bathrooms? That’s probably one of the biggest questions sellers have when they decide to sell.

It’s important to note that a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can be costly and time-consuming. A kitchen remodel (midrange) will only recoup about 56 percent of the value, while remodeling a bathroom will only recoup about 59 percent, according to the 2022 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects.

Likewise, your vision of a perfect kitchen or bath may differ from those of a potential buyer. And given all the home decor styles to choose from, trying to second-guess what they want and giving it to them when they visit your home is just plain unrealistic. It’s a risk when renovating these areas because they’re some of the things buyers look forward to when they can finally call it home.

If your kitchen or bathroom looks dated but functional, you only need to ensure it’s clean and clutter-free. Present it as a space with potential that is easily customizable to the buyer’s preferences.

If your home already has hardwood floors, there’s no need to tear out the existing flooring and replace it for the market. What’s important is to have your floors shined and polished before the staging or showing. The next homeowner may rip it out anyway and replace it with their choice of flooring, which could be wood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpet. If you have older carpets, you only need to spend a few bucks and hire a professional cleaning company rather than investing money into replacing them. The only time to consider ripping it all out is if there is a terrible odor from pets or if there are impossible stains that would deter a buyer from submitting an offer.

While improving your home’s curb appeal is crucial in enticing buyers to knock on your door, your home’s exterior needs not be perfect. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common, and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking.

Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “cool” now can become dated in a heartbeat, or what may be trendy for a specific slice of the population may be off-putting for others. When you decide to sell, your goal is for a wider pool of potential buyers to come to your showings. By providing them with a blank slate, it’ll be easier for them to envision themselves in your home.

If you’re repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, pick neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. Should you choose to fix any broken or damaged things like light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, never replace them with something too obnoxious or trendy. Always choose common fixture styles that can appeal to almost all buyers. They’d be happy to do their renovations once the house belongs to them!

Show off your home’s potential

Don’t get overwhelmed by the idea that you need to fix everything you think is wrong with your house to get more offers. You’ll only waste valuable time and money on unnecessary upgrades that you could use to cover closing costs. You aren’t going to get a return on your investment if your house becomes “too much for the neighborhood” and yours is the only one that stands out. Aim to show your home’s potential instead of trying to achieve perfection. And if you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent so you’re guaranteed to make the most out of your home sale.

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5 Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Living Space

by Josh Finigan | Nov 17, 2022 | Home Ownership Education, Selling My House

Here are some ideas for you to improve your outdoor space so you can soak up a lil’ bit more sunshine or simply enjoy the nightlife just outside your front door.

A hammock or any swinging chair is a simple way to update your backyard. They take up less space, and there are plenty of designs and styles to choose from that will work in almost any setting. It’s also a great choice if you want to achieve that beachy vibe using a decorative accessory. Whether you put it on your porch, terrace, or patio, a hammock’s easy swinging motion is calming and it can be a relaxing way to end your day.

One way to embrace outdoor living and make your space an extension of your living room is to invest in additional lighting. Luminous decorations, such as floor or table lamps and lanterns, will not only brighten up your backyard but will also add interest to it. Just make sure to choose lamps that are designed for the outdoors and are weatherproof. Another brilliant idea is hanging pretty string lights across an entire space or along a fence to give your yard a rustic vibe..

According to Zillow’s 2019 Outdoor Living Trends, there’s no need to rely on matching patio sets to upgrade your space. Instead, you can mix and match your seating options to achieve that curated, eclectic look that continues to gain popularity. Pull together benches, chairs, pint-sized stools, and ottoman for a unique look. You can even add floor pillows and poufs to create extra seating in your lounge area because, who doesn’t love that lovely Bohemian feel?
You’ve got more choices than ever, and everything could potentially add some style to your patio. It’s also great if you love collecting individual pieces of furniture or if you just want a homey, vintage look. Just make sure to arrange the pieces and patterns in a way that they won’t look cluttered.

Adding textiles, such as rugs and fabrics, is an affordable update you can make to enhance texture and complement the color scheme of your outdoor space. You can also add new accent pillows, cozy floor cushions, and slipcovers to reinvigorate the area. When designing exposed spaces, remember to always check for inclement weather to make sure that any items that could get damaged make their way into storage. When possible, choose outdoor fabrics that can withstand the sun’s rays and also dry quickly once weathered.

In creating your perfect outdoor oasis, it should not only be stylish, cozy, and comfortable, but also functional. It’s where you would love to curl up at night with a good book and a glass of wine, or where your family will have dining al fresco on the summer days, so why not equip it with amenities that will encourage activity. In the Zillow research, fire features and outdoor kitchens are particularly popular options.

Elevate your outdoor space by installing a fireplace or fire pits, depending on your space and budget. Aside from the unlimited s’mores, a fireplace will also make your patio usable even on colder months. An outdoor kitchen is also amazing for all the summer barbeques you want to have with your family.

7 Listing Photo Mistakes To Avoid When Selling Your Home

by Josh Finigan | Nov 16, 2022 | Home Sellers and Buyers, Selling My House

A photograph can be worth more than a thousand words. This is especially true in real estate. You might have the most desirable house in the neighborhood, but if you do not take and post the right pictures, your home will not appeal to as many buyers.

In the 2021 National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 84 percent of home buyers find photos very useful. Furthermore, 41 percent of recent buyers said the first step they took in the home buying process was to look online at properties for sale. This is why it is important for your online listing to make a good impression. You want to show that your home is worth considering setting up in-person showings.

Since you might not get a second chance to make a first impression, you cannot afford to mess up your listing photos. Here are some of the most common real estate photo mistakes you need to steer clear of and some tips on how you can avoid them.

Blurry or out-of-focus images can leave an impression that the seller is hiding certain house features, while grainy photos can make a house look menacing due to deep shadows. With today’s camera technology, there is no excuse for having such images anymore, especially when selling a product such as a home.

Listing photos need to look professional. If you do not want to hire a professional who specializes in residential photography, at least use a quality camera or smartphone that can give you high-resolution images. More so, use a tripod to enhance the stability of the camera and prevent blurred photos.

Lighting is a critical aspect that can make or break a photo. Good lighting can make a property look more spacious, fresh, and inviting, especially if you highlight the natural light it provides. This is why interior photos are best taken during the day, with windows and blinds opened, curtains drawn back, and lights turned on to produce bright and illuminated spaces. Similar principles apply to exterior images to best feature your home’s curb appeal.

One of the worst kinds of listing photos features a cluttered house. Papers on the side of the refrigerator, groceries and food items on the kitchen counter, unmade beds, clothing on chairs, personal belongings like diplomas and other memorabilia still on display—you name it.

While it does not directly affect the quality of the photos, a clean and organized house is critical to a successful photo shoot. If you cannot stage your home or hire a professional stager, do your best to clean, declutter, and organize beforehand. Remember that the goal is to photograph your home to look like a model home to entice potential buyers without being misleading. Any clutter and personal items will only distract them from seeing the most attractive aspects of each room and might hinder them from scheduling a showing.

The main goal of prospective buyers is to focus on your property, not to check who or what resides in it. Although you love your pets and they are adorable, keep them out of your pictures. Not everyone loves pets or may be allergic, so including your pet in listing photos can negatively impact house hunters. They might worry about fur on the carpet, scratched floors, or nasty pet smells and stains.

Similarly, listing photos should never be photobombed by you, your cute kid, or anyone living in the home or taking the photographs, which often happens when there is a mirror in the room. Remember that it is your home that should take center stage, so skip the selfies or family shots so buyers can easily envision themselves living in there.

Pictures of your property’s exterior should not include a close-up of a patch of grass. Or a tree in the backyard. Or a random plant. Interior photographs, on the other hand, should never include close-ups of everyday home items—from not-so-fancy ceiling fans, and water heaters to every appliance you have that would not qualify as sought-after amenities.

While the intention is likely to show the condition and age of these items, in reality, dull close-up shots make rooms look small and repetitive. So take a step back and photograph your property’s look and flow, focusing on spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, closets, outdoor living space, and unique home features, so buyers can have the feel of the home just by looking at photos. The brand of the refrigerator can wait until they schedule a showing.

Another mistake sellers often make is featuring pictures taken several months ago that are outdated, maybe in an attempt to save time and effort. But listing photos should always be up-to-date and show the current state of the house and how it would look to a potential buyer in person.

Additionally, it is important not to post seasonal photos, especially with decorations from a holiday one celebrated months ago. For example, if you are listing your home for sale in February or March, you do not want buyers to see photos of your Christmas tree and twinkly lights. So take down all holiday decorations before taking pictures for your listing, unless you want people to think that your property has been on the market since December. Your listing photos should feature a neutral home and reflect the current season to attract more buyers.

Aside from having good quality listing photos, buyers would want to see as many photos as possible to help them make an educated decision on whether to schedule a showing of the property. If the listing has limited photographs, buyers might wonder what the seller is hiding. For instance, only featuring photos of the exterior could mean the interior is outdated, and vice versa. If your listing says your home has two bathrooms, you would want to show both of them. Make sure to include images of every part of the home, highlighting the rooms and spaces you want to.

Each Multiple Listing Service and real estate websites have different limits on the number of photos a home seller can include. Whatever website you and your real estate agent choose to use, it’s a good idea to upload the maximum photo limit.

6 Renovations to Instantly Increase your Homes Value! [Charlotte NC Real Estate]

by Josh Finigan | Nov 15, 2022 | Home Ownership Education, Selling My House

Today Josh, at the Finigan Group, outlines the 6 TOP renovations that will maximize your homes value. If you’re considering selling your house here in Charlotte North Carolina, you have to think about it from a buyer’s perspective. You may walk through the rooms and be reminded of all the happy times you’ve had in the home, but a prospective buyer will be looking at it more critically. You want the property to measure up so it sells fast at a great price.

A great way to do that is to invest in home improvement projects that will increase your home’s value, but you may want to upgrade your home even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon. A renovated space may also be more comfortable and satisfying to live in, which is a big consideration if you plan to stay in the home for years to come. No matter your reason for renovating, you’re not alone. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, more than $400 billion a year is spent on home remodels, renovations and repairs in the U.S.

Whatever your reasons for renovating, it’s essential to think strategically about which rooms or attributes you’re going to renovate. Depending on when your house was built or when it was last renovated, you may consider major structural updates. But you can even make small home improvements to increase the value of your home if you simply want to make it stand out.

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