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So Last Season

By
Real Estate Agent with TCP Real Estate 616319

The cost of remodeling is pricey and you want to get the biggest return should you eventually sell the home.  Most everyone has heard that kitchen and bathroom projects will give you the biggest return in equity.  But there is no silver bullet.  Be cautious, as not all remodels jobs will be well received.

There are many great articles about remodeling and how to save money.  I just want to dig into one very specific decision you will make.  Are you remodeling to last season, or this season?

Sounds strange right?  We aren’t buying the latest jeans; we are talking about the latest counter tops, appliances, flooring, etc.  But consider that in 1992 having white washed cabinetry in your home may have been stylish.  Today it’s dated and highly undesirable.  If you move into a home in 2014 and replace all your hardware you surely would not choose brass, right? 

This year the style is very simple, crisp and sparkly clean.  Last week I toured ten model homes amongst various builders in Cedar Park and the North West neighborhood of Avery Ranch.  Not one of these model homes had gold, swirly patterned granite.  Not long ago that’s all I would have seen.  Each of these homes had various shades of white or grey quartz. 

 

If you are updating a home consider the latest trends.  Your home is yours and your choices should always be one YOU will enjoy.  I personally try to stay away from trendy items, but focus more on classic, yet current, choices. For many of us our home is also our greatest investment.  When investing you should always be sure your choices make sense for the future.  Remodeling a home is no different.

If you, or someone you know, is moving in Central Texas, I would appreciate the opportunity to put my knowledge and experience to work for them.  Call me, Ranee Bray, 512-270-9750.  www.RaneeBray.com

Jack O'Neal
HomeSmart Elite Group - Gilbert, AZ

Great post! That is very true. Everyone wants the newest latest trends to show off to their family and friends.

Nov 03, 2014 02:35 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Ranee, I agree.  Projects should always be enjoyed by homeowners.  Trends seem to come and go more quickly these days.  The Internet no doubt plays a role in that phenomenon.

Nov 03, 2014 03:38 PM
Ranee Bray
TCP Real Estate - Cedar Park, TX
North of Austin Homes

Thanks Jack O'Neal, you are right, we all like to show off :)  

Thank you Sharon Parisi.  The internet and all these reality TV shows have everyone wanting to remodel... home improvement marketing is strong these days!    

Nov 03, 2014 09:17 PM
Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

Ranee, you are so right about using current materials when remodeling a home. However, we must also consider using a more common materials so the home is not so unique it limits the number of buyers when it comes time to sell.

An example was an off-white polished travertine floor in a listing recently. Very classic look, but the color and how shiny it was would have been a real turnoff for 80% of potential buyers here in Arizona.

Nov 04, 2014 08:52 AM
Ranee Bray
TCP Real Estate - Cedar Park, TX
North of Austin Homes

Oh yes, Troy Erickson, I agree.  I was an agent in the East Valley and had a blue formica countertops & white carpet.  I like to advise people to look at what's current, and then find your style within that range.  Of course they all laugh and tell me they aren't doing realtor beige or staging their home any more.  But I think this kind of advise will help in 5 to 10 years when they want to sell it.  Some clients needs help in this department more than others!  

Nov 04, 2014 09:34 AM