Real Estate

Practical Home Renovations Balance cosmetic and essential maintenance upgrades

Home renovations have continually gained popularity, indicated by the hundreds of remodeling and fixer-upper shows that have families dreaming and planning for changes they’d love to make to their own homes. Updating, upgrading, remodeling and renovations are words thrown around endlessly in the real estate industry. However, each of these are specific to what the work consists of.

There are light cosmetic upgrades, such as interior painting, a beautiful kitchen backsplash or pop of color on the front door, to the unseen, but important utilitarian upkeep like burying a french drain around the perimeter of the home to draw water away from the structure. Some certain, more costly maintenance items are easy to ignore and may seem inconsequential. While they definitely lack the same sort of visual appeal and gratification of some projects, replacing a roof or HVAC system will provide a sense of security and assurance that your home is well cared for.

To prepare for home projects, start by making a list of project goals, wants and needs. There’s a different approach to planning, whether a homeowner is simply wanting to add cosmetic touches to a home or preparing it for sale. If the intention is to create a more personalized home that will be lived in for years, then use of colors, finishes and making spaces specific to the homeowner’s needs is most important. If the goal is to sell the home and see the highest return on investment, the best approach is to appeal to the broader masses.

Enhance Curb Appeal - This is the first view everyone sees and a buyer’s first impression. Tidy up landscaping, touch up paint, add a new front door with an exciting color or install new garage doors.

Upgrades in Important Rooms

- If doing a minor remodel, it’s OK to spend less when possible, but don’t cut corners. Instead of installing fancy steam showers or high-end appliances while skimping in another area, balance it out and complete all necessary tasks with reasonably priced materials.

Reduce Maintenance Hassles -

Replacing essential items that are past their average lifespan like roofing, siding, HVAC and water heaters will have a great return on investment and set the home apart from other less-maintained homes.

Efficiency Upgrades - Install lowwater-use toilets and plumbing fixtures. Adding insulation to walls, attics and floors can help the home feel more comfortable, while using less energy and reducing outside noise pollution. Highly efficient Energy Star-certified appliances, a Smart thermostat and wifi-controlled home devices can all help reduce energy consumption.

Touring many homes with buyers offers great insight into the mind of the buyer. Curb appeal, beautiful and functional kitchens, bathrooms and master bedrooms are where to put the money. These items will help a homebuyer fall in love with the home. A new HVAC system, roof, siding and fresh paint will tell the buyer that this home will help protect their investment and offer worry-free ownership.

HOME PRICE ROUNDUP Photos and listing info from Central Oregon Multiple Listing Service

<< LOW 63632 Hunters Circle, Bend OR 97701 3 beds, 2 bath, 1,120 square feet, .32 acres lot Built in 1978 $399,900 Listed by Signet Realty.

MID >> 21079 Denning Drive, Bend, OR 97702 3 beds, 2 bath, 1,516 square feet, .46 acres lot Built in 1973 $525,000 Listed by John L Scott Bend.

<< HIGH 20960 Avery Lane, Bend, OR 97702 3 beds, 2 baths, 2,005 square feet, .46 acres lot Built in 2011 $774,900 Listed by eXp Realty, LLC.

WEST SIDE HOME & ADU 1443 NW 7th Street Craftsman home with 4 beds, 3 baths & vaulted family room plus charming ADU, private courtyard and 2 car garage in an unbelievable central West Side location! OFFERED AT $1,039,000

VERSATILE COMMERCIAL BUILDING 1929 NE Neff Road Single story building located in the Opportunity Zone & Medical District Overlay. Great exposure, excellent parking, close to St. Charles. Triplex & commercial/ office remodel drawings included. OFFERED AT $1,350,000

PENDING

TETHEROW VIEW LOT 61558 Hardin Martin Court Magnificent, level building lot in Tetherow’s desirable Heath neighborhood. Incredible Cascade views, easy access to endless outdoor recreation. Club membership required. OFFERED AT $400,000

Terry Skjersaa Principal Broker, CRS

Jason Boone Principal Broker, CRIS Mollie Hogan Principal Broker, CRS Cole Billings Broker

Skjersaa Group | Duke Warner Realty 1033 NW Newport Ave. Bend, OR 97703 541.383.1426 www.SkjersaaGroup.com

56950 Peppermill Circle, Sunriver • $68,500

20% Deeded Co-Ownership Fully furnished 3 Bedroom 3-1/2 bath townhome. Enjoy all the amenities StoneRidge has to offer, including swimming pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, workout room, clubhouse, 2 tennis courts, basketball court, play structure & bikes. Weeks can be traded with RCI exchange program. Townhome is a rental option home. Townhome updated in March 2016 with Granite counter tops and all new furnishings. Professional management team onsite to assist with owner’s needs.

20890 89th Street, Bend • $499,000

Nicely updated home with a rustic feel located in Whispering Pines on a large 1.03 acres lot. This PRICE REDUCED 4 bedroom 2 bath home features master on main floor, upgraded master bathroom with tile shower. Large open and bright kitchen with wood floors. Over-sized back deck that overlooks property with Mountain Views. Fully fenced backyard with green house. Gravel round about driveway. Home has been recently painted. Minutes away from downtown Bend and minutes away from the Redmond airport.

Dustin Hamlet

Broker 541.915.5977 DustinH@windermere.com

Jamie Garza

Broker 541.788.0860 JamieGarza@windermere.com

Tony Levison

Broker 541.977.1852 alevison@me.com