The truth is, the impact solar panels have on resale value depends on a variety of factors, including your local market and the specifics of your home. While adding solar panels might be the right choice for some homeowners, it’s important to understand how they can affect the future saleability of your property from a real estate perspective.

Before moving forward with installing solar panels, here are six important things to consider that could impact your home’s resale potential:

1) Know Your Market

In some areas, solar panels are seen as a major plus for buyers, especially in places with high energy costs or strong eco-conscious communities. In these markets, solar panels could potentially add value to your home or even make it more saleable. However, in other areas where energy costs are lower or buyers aren’t as focused on sustainability, solar panels may not carry the same weight.

Understanding your market and its view on solar energy is essential before installing a system on your house. An easy way to do that is to simply ask your local real estate agent for their insight into the local buyer pool.

2) Some Buyers Won’t Be Interested in Your Home

No matter how receptive the market is overall in your area, there are going to be buyers who won’t be interested in buying your home if it has solar panels. It’s like swimming pools… Some people absolutely want a house with one, some are indifferent, and others won’t even consider homes with one.

Does that mean nobody should install a pool or solar panels in order to appeal to every potential buyer when the time comes to sell? Of course not! Just be aware that it might impact the demand for your house when it comes time to sell, especially if you plan on selling in the near future.

3) Focus on Curb Appeal

When installing solar panels, it’s ideal if they’re relatively out of sight. But no matter where they are, make sure they look as visually appealing as possible. Poorly placed panels or visible wiring can detract from your home’s exterior and hurt its overall curb appeal.

Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to place solar panels where they can’t be seen, depending upon the direction of the house and sunlight. So make sure your installer shows you a layout of the panels before installing, and try to have them arranged in a way that won’t be distracting or unsightly.

4) Own, Don’t Lease (If Possible)

One of the most significant considerations when installing solar panels is whether to buy or lease the system. Buyers are generally more interested in homes with fully owned solar panels, as they offer greater long-term value. Leased systems, on the other hand, can complicate the sale process. A potential buyer might not want to take on the lease payments, or worse, may not be able to legally remove the system if the terms of the contract are restrictive.

If you do choose to lease, make sure your contract allows for an easy transition for future owners.

5) Check for Transferability

If you’ve taken advantage of local incentives, rebates, or net metering, it’s important to ensure that these benefits are transferable to the next homeowner. Without this transferability, the new owner may not enjoy the same savings or financial incentives that you did.

Be clear about how the benefits of your solar system can be passed on during the sale, as this can be a key selling point for potential buyers.

6) Be Realistic About the ROI

Although solar panels can offer savings on energy bills and may increase your home’s value, they don’t always provide a full return on investment.

Research comparable homes in your area to determine how much value solar panels have actually added to those properties. In most cases, the increase in resale value is only a portion of the cost of installation, so it’s important to manage your expectations regarding the return on investment.

The post Solar Panels and Selling Your Home—What You Need to Know Before Installing appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

But before you pick up a sledgehammer and go full HGTV, it’s worth asking yourself a few questions. After all, the road to a Pinterest-perfect home can be a bumpy one, and sometimes, it’s paved with unexpected costs, and a few “Why did we think this was a good idea?” moments.

So before you dive into a major project with a hefty price tag, ask yourself these four important questions to make sure it’s a wise decision:

1) “How long will we be here?”

Before ripping out cabinets or adding a second story, consider how long you plan on living in your home. If the answer is “forever,” go wild!

But if you’re thinking more along the lines of “five years, maybe less,” you might want to scale down those renovation dreams. The last thing you want is to sink a fortune into it, and go through the stress and mess of it all, and only enjoy it for a short time.

Especially if it doesn’t make you more money on the sale of your home…

2) “Will it improve the value of the home more than the cost of renovations?”

Many homeowners believe that no matter what improvement they do to their home, or how much they spend, it will make their home worth more money. Well, it usually does make it worth more money, but not necessarily as much as homeowners expect it will.

A lot of home improvements will add some value to a home, but don’t actually produce a positive return on investment. For instance, according to a recent HGTV article, there are only three projects that typically have a positive return on investment, and they’re not sexy projects, unless you consider new garage doors and front doors sexy…

No matter what project you plan on doing, go into it knowing that it won’t necessarily add a healthy profit onto the value of your home when you sell it.

3) “Do I care if it doesn’t net me a profit?”

It’s not a big deal that a project won’t turn you a profit, if you’re planning on living in the home for some time and it’ll bring you enjoyment! Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself, even if that means your renovation doesn’t pay off in dollar signs.

Maybe your newly minted home theater won’t add much to your property value, but if it adds endless movie nights with friends and family, who’s counting? Just make sure you’re comfortable with enjoying the upgrade for yourself and not relying on it to pad your wallet when it’s time to sell.

4) “Does it make more sense to just move?”

Sometimes it’s easier (and cheaper) to pack up and find a house that already has the features you’re after. If your dream kitchen or bigger backyard is going to cost as much as a down payment on a new place, it might be worth asking if it’s time to start house hunting instead of hammer swinging. Moving may seem like a hassle, but so does living in a construction zone for the next six months!

The post 4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Doing Major Renovations to Your House appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study, almost half of the respondents claim that they prioritize their pets when making home improvement decisions. So if you find yourself feeling like one of the main reasons you go to work every day is to provide a nice home for your furry friend, you’re not alone.

Check out these 5 ways pets are influencing what work gets done around the house for pet-loving homeowners:

1) Making Sure They’re Comfy and Safe

Whether it’s blocking off the construction zone for their pup’s safety, adding a temporary escape plan for their cat, or entirely relocating them to a relative’s home or pet spa, a majority of homeowners make sure that their pet has a way to get out of the fray while work is in progress.

2) Choosing Pet-Friendly Products and Materials

When it comes to materials, it’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about durability, scratch resistance, and avoiding disasters.

While pets may not be walking up and down the aisles of Home Depot picking out paint samples, 34% of pet owners said they consider their pets while choosing products. Investing in stain-proof fabrics and hardwood floors that stand up to claws help to ensure home improvements last through at least a few hundred rounds of zoomies.

3) Sometimes They Influence Projects on Small Levels…

Sometimes it’s the little things that count, like ensuring your pet has their own special nook in your home.

Nearly a quarter of renovating pet owners (22%) design their spaces with their pet’s needs in mind. Whether it’s a feeding station tucked away in the kitchen, or a cozy corner just for napping, pets are getting their own personal space integrated into reno plans.

4) …but Sometimes the Project Is Entirely for Them!

Forget about updating kitchens and bathrooms, some renovation projects are entirely pet-focused!

Nearly 10% of pet owners went all out with custom pet installations, like stylish feeding stations, luxurious “catios”, built-in grooming stations, personal play structures, and even litter box hideaways.

5) And Sometimes It’s Because of Them…

Pets leave their mark in life… sometimes a little too literally. Whether it’s scratches, slobber, or that one chewed-up baseboard, pet owners are making home upgrades to accommodate their furry companions — because in a pet’s world, it’s their home and we just live in it. And if you want to live in it, you better be prepared to replace carpeting, floors, touch up paint, replace doors…

…but the pure joy of having them in your life is worth every penny each home improvement (and vet bill) costs, isn’t it?!

The post A New Meaning to the Term “Pet Project”: 5 Ways Pets Are Influencing Home Improvements appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Some people are scared off by homes that need a lot of work, while others are brave enough to take on the challenge. And whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a general contractor to manage the process, you’ll still have to go through the all-too-common stages of home remodeling.

So if you’re in the thick of a project (and a whole bunch of dust), just remember that you’re not alone. Here are the ten stages you should expect to go through when remodeling a home that needs a lot of work:

1. The optimism stage

“This won’t be so bad. Just a simple, one-month project. Out with the old, in with the new.”

2. The demolition/loud noises stage

It sounds (and smells) like a helicopter crashing through a Home Depot. And that’s before you try to rip out old flooring.

3. The finding out-it’s-worse than you thought stage

Good rule of thumb: there’s always gonna be something messed up behind a wall, or under the carpet, or above the ceiling, or…

4. The having-serious-doubts stage

Why didn’t I just go for the smaller, updated house…

5. The finally-completing-one-section-and-taking-photos-of-it stage

Progress! Snap a photo and post it to the ‘gram with the caption: “Still a lot of work to get done, but the new place is coming along! #homeremodel”

6. The realizing-you’re-way-over-budget-and-past-deadline stage

Just add twenty percent and two months to any estimate right off the bat.

7. The consider-selling-it-and-buying-an-updated-home stage

This is rock bottom, when you consider selling the half-finished home ‘as-is’, just to get out of it.

8. The week-when-there-finally-seems-to-be-a-lot-of-progress stage

Ahhhh, there’s an end in sight!

9. The last-hiccup-which-takes-forever-to-fix stage

It wouldn’t be a remodeling project if there wasn’t one nagging (but visually striking) piece that had to be custom ordered from Morocco.

10. The everything-is-done-and-it-was-totally-worth-it stage

But in the end, it’s always worth it. Everything is brand new and exactly how you wanted it.

The post The 10 Stages of Remodeling a Home That Needs a Lot of Work appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

An extra shower in the house can sound (and feel) like a luxury—especially when you’re hosting overnight guests or have a growing family.

But all showers are not created equal. While corner, stall, and walk-in showers save space, they may require that you make some sacrifices.

Whether you’re considering installing one in an entirely new bathroom, or just thinking about adding one to an existing half bathroom, consider some of the compromises you may have to make to get clean in tight quarters.

Space is at a premium

Even the trimmest bathers can feel as if the glass walls are closing in on them in a corner shower. A general rule of thumb for walk-in showers is that they should offer at least 36×36 inches of space. Anything less and you may feel a bit claustrophobic.

Standard prefab shower kits are popular because they’re affordable and don’t require a ton of space. They typically range in size from 31×31 inches up to 36×48 inches.

Before you commit, find a showroom with models that you can step inside, and see if there’s enough area for you to feel comfortable while you shower. But don’t just step in, pretend you’re showering…
Will you be able to reach…everything?

Consider if you can bend and stretch comfortably.

• Will you be able to shampoo your hair without your elbows banging into the sides?
• Can you lather up all of your body parts the way you’re used to?
• Who doesn’t drop the soap from time to time? If you bobble a bar in your bathtub, it’s an easy retrieval. In a tight stall? Not so much.
• Will you be able to shave your legs or your face if that’s part of your daily ritual?

If not, you may want to reevaluate.

What about resale value?

It seems like having an extra shower would boost your resale value, right? Maybe so…maybe not.

Many homeowners feel like adding an extra shower will certainly add value. But it depends upon whether buyers will see it as useful. If you add a shower that isn’t going to be used by anyone, then the cost of adding one isn’t a sure bet for adding value.

So, for instance, if you are adding a totally new stall shower to a master bedroom that had no master bath at all, and the competing homes in the price range do not have one, then there is a good chance you’ll be adding value.

However, if you add a stall shower to a powder room off of the kitchen, or in the basement, it may not be something buyers envision themselves using all that much, and they may not see the value of having it.

As with any home improvement, do give thought to whether or not the amount you are spending will produce a return on your investment, and seek the advice of a trusted real estate agent for his or her insight.

But it doesn’t always boil down to making money on a home improvement. Sometimes the improvement is simply for your enjoyment of the home. So, if a stall shower is something that will improve your life, then go right ahead! Install and enjoy…after you’ve considered if it’s the right fit (literally and figuratively) for you and your home!

The post Should You Add A Stall Shower To Your Home? appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Even if you don’t think you need the room in the near future, it’s nice to know that looming, just above your head, is an area beckoning to be transformed.

Don’t be put off by the vaulted ceilings, there are plenty of clever work-arounds.

Wondering how you can make the most of your walk-up attic? Take a look and get inspired.

1. Home office

Whether you work from home or just want a quiet spot to return emails or take a call, your attic can become the private office you need to be productive.

2. Bedroom

A bedroom on a separate floor can feel like a stunning retreat. A sanctuary, if you will. If there’s room for a bathroom, even better.

Adults aren’t the only ones who like an attic retreat! Kids can also love having a room that’s got some quirky angles!

3. Walk-in closet

Attics are known for their storage capabilities, but why not enhance this area so it feels like a boutique? Getting dressed in an elegant space may quickly become your favorite part of the day.

4. Playroom

If stuffed animals and toys have taken over the other rooms of your home, why not relegate them to one out-of-the-way space? Consider putting safety bars on the windows for peace of mind, and a video monitor for those moments when you need to leave the room.

5. Home theater

Grab a bowl of popcorn and queue up your favorite film in your home theater.

6. Music studio

Instead of the traditional garage band, lay down those tracks or create a symphony of sound in your attic music studio.

7. Game room

Pool, ping-pong, pinball? The possibilities for your attic game room are endless.

8. Gym

You can’t beat the convenience of a home gym. From cardio and weight training to your very own yoga studio, find the fitness routine you enjoy and build it out.

9. Workshop

Have a hobby that’s outgrown your lower levels? An attic workshop lets you enjoy your craft with room to spare.

The post 9 Inspiring Ways to Make the Most of a Walk-Up Attic appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

If you find yourself at home with a little extra free time, put it to good use by giving your place a facelift. There’s never been a better time to transform your home into a sanctuary. Who doesn’t want to dwell inside a cozy oasis where you’re safe from the stressors of the outside world?

Many of these home improvement projects may already be on your to-do list. Thanks to online retailers, the tools you need can be ordered easily and delivered right to your door.

Ready to get started? The following tasks will take your spaces from blah to beautiful and make your time indoors a lot more pleasant.

Paint

Whether you paint an entire room, moldings and trim, or even just the doors, a fresh coat of color brings new energy to your space.

Or, head outside for some fresh air and give your front door a coat or two of a new hue. Switching up the shade of your front door can boost your curb appeal and change your home’s appearance.

And, if you’re thinking of selling your home in the near future, fresh paint can go a long way in helping you get your house sold for the best price. But before you pick up that paint brush, you may want to take a look at Zillow’s guide to paint colors that’ll boost (or hurt) your sale price.

Wallpaper

Not ready to make a long-term commitment? Afraid you won’t be able to put wallpaper up on your own? Consider removable, peel and stick wallpaper (all available online) to add a little fun and flair to your space.

Deep clean

When you’re trapped indoors for a while, you may begin to notice some areas aren’t looking as fresh as they could. We’re not talking about just a surface clean. When you’re cooped up it’s the time to go deeper and focus on those important but often-overlooked spots.

Pull out your fridge and clean those coils, which will make your appliance function more efficiently. Give the inside shelves a good scrubbing with soapy water.

You may also want to take a look at your dryer vent and do a deep cleaning, which can reduce the risk of fire.

Don’t forget everyone’s least favorite—windows. Though they’re a notorious pain to clean, there’s no substitute for sparkling, smudge-free glass.

Declutter

It’s hard to imagine a home that couldn’t benefit from a little decluttering. Even if you’re well-organized, you may have a pile of junk mail. Go through it, and if you find yourself buried in catalogs, stop them before they have a chance to flood your mailbox by visiting Catalog Choice.org, which allows you to unsubscribe from catalogs and other unwanted mail.

As you’re making space in your drawers and closets, you’re bound to find some items you no longer need or want. Consider donating them. You don’t even need to leave the house to do so, thanks to websites like DonationTown.org and PickUpPlease.org. Few things feel as cathartic as giving your items to a good cause. But if you could use an influx of cash, consider selling items through an online marketplace.

Update your hardware

Give your doors and kitchen and bathroom cabinets a makeover simply by switching out the hardware. Don’t underestimate the way door knobs, drawer pulls, and hinges contribute to the overall look and feel of a space. This is a simple project that elevates a room without breaking the bank or requiring too much effort.

Install a new thermostat

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change isn’t cheap. To cut down on your energy costs and save on your utility bills, consider installing a
programmable thermostat. Or, better yet, a smart thermostat learns your preferences and adjusts accordingly, ensuring you’re cozy without wasting energy.

Landscape

Sick of being inside? Head outside and get some fresh air while working those muscles and sprucing up your property. Depending on the season, you can cut back any dead limbs, weed, rake leaves, or plant a garden. If you don’t have much outdoor space, you can always start with an indoor herb garden. A pop of green enhances your environment whether you’re inside or out.

So, whenever you find yourself with some extra time at home, you have plenty of little improvement projects you can tackle. Just prioritize your tasks and get going. Then, sit back and enjoy your newly-improved space.

The post Home Improvements You Can Tackle When You’re Stuck At Home appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Real estate agents see pet doors all the time. But more often than not they’re put into doors that go outside, or maybe to the basement. So, Tampa agent Kristen Brown and her buyer clients were pretty surprised when they saw one that looked like it went into a closet in the middle of a house they were touring…

Where in the world did this lead to? The basement? Only one way to find out…

When they opened up the bottom part of the door they found a purrfectly private place for a litter box. Not only does it give the cat a little privacy, but it hides the litter box from sight. And the vinyl tiles on the floor and wall help make keeping it clean a cinch.

But the real brilliance is the exhaust fan installed on the back wall. What a great way to help keep the smell down in the house!

So, whether you’re selling or not, you might want to treat your kitty to its own closet.

The post “Kitty Closets”: A Unique Way To Conceal Your Cat’s Litter Box appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Even if you have little time, or don’t have a green thumb, you can still have beautiful, lush greenery in your home. You just need to know what plants to look for.

Here are 8 easy-care houseplants you (probably) can’t kill.

1. Maidenhair Ferns

Pretty, frilly, and hard to kill, Maidenhair Ferns are pretty much the ideal indoor plant. Add a couple in your living room or dot them around a bookshelf for a bold-yet-boho look.

2. Air Plants

These are SO hard to kill, you might even wonder if they’re alive to begin with. They have a spiky, weird, otherworldly look that adds a nice sci-fi feel when in a funky planter, or a nautical vibe when grown on driftwood.

3. Aloe Vera

Ahhh, every home medicine advocate’s favorite. Not only is this plant easy to care for, it’s super useful, too. Got a sunburn? Aloe vera. Upset stomach? Aloe vera. IRS is after you? Aloe vera. OK, maybe not so much on the last one, but you get the point. You need this cool plant in your life.

4. Basil

Speaking of useful, basil is a great plant to have around the house. You can add basil to your sauces, or bruise a leaf and drop it into your cocktails. Trying to impress someone? Put a basil leaf on top of their food! (Just not on, like, Cheerios. That’s weird.) Best of all, you can forget it’s around for a couple days and water it when you remember. It’ll come back again and again.

5. Snake Plant

Snake plants are durable and thrive in a pot, so you won’t ever have to worry about it when you’re leaving on a trip. Important note: This plant is toxic to pets, so keep it far out of their reach.

6. Monstera

Forget about the trendy plant du jour fiddle-leaf figs; they’re expensive and hard to care for. Instead, double down on Monstera. This easy care plant is also having a trendy moment and it gives your whole pad a Palm Springs kinda vibe. (Who doesn’t want that?)

7. Devil’s Ivy

Even the worst gardener in the world can keep this plant alive! Just water it once in awhile and it will reward you by cleaning toxic carbon monoxide out of your air.

8. Rubber Plant

Talk about handy! This little guy (who can grow up to 10 feet, actually) is one of the best plants for removing toxins from the air AND you still can’t kill it — even if you live in a colder climate or like to keep your house at a brisk 68 degrees. Give your rubber plant a name and voila, you’ve got a new best friend that you barely have to do anything for.

Now that you’re armed with this info, you can head down to your local nursery and get an armload of greenery to spruce up your place.

Don’t forget to share this article with your plant-killing friends. They’ll appreciate you every time they inhale their fresh, plant-cleansed air!

The post 8 Houseplants You (Probably) Can’t Kill appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

It’s not quite your style. But with all the money you just dropped on closing and moving and new furniture, you don’t have a lot of cash to spruce it up.

Or, maybe you’re just about to sell your house and you wish you could spruce it up a bit before putting it on the market, but you don’t want to spend a ton.

Basically, you need a lot of look for not a lot of dough, right?

Don’t worry! These quick and usually DIY upgrades will make your home look and feel like a million bucks (for just a tiny chunk of change).

You can upgrade your home’s style with these easy projects.

1. Remove The 90’s Ducks

Maybe your home doesn’t have literal country blue ducks all over the kitchen, but if you have an older home, chances are good there’s some equally cheesy decor hanging around. Just taking out the cheesy badness of decades past — by removing the wallpaper or covering up the hokey paint — will make your home look and feel much fresher.

2. Get Rid of Grime

Take a close look at the surfaces that often get ignored. Places like the base molding and window sills often have a layer of grime that needs to be removed or even repainted. Get your elbow grease on and try a Magic Eraser on these surfaces. If that doesn’t work, fresh caulk and a new coat of bright white paint will go SO FAR to making your place look bright and clean again.

3. Paint!

A new coat of a light, neutral paint will make any room look and feel invigorated.

Not sure what to choose? Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige works just about anywhere if you like neutrals. Not into beige? That’s ok. Agreeable Gray is a great cooler neutral, and Alabaster is the perfect white-but-not-TOO-white.

4. Highlight One Wall

If you’re already working with a neutral palette, you can add in some personality and pizazz. Add an accent wall in a fun spot like your breakfast nook or powder bath and really go all out.

You can use wall stickers or removable wallpaper for a low commitment look, or go simple and slap on the paint. Just this one simple addition will make you smile whenever you walk in the room.

5. Add Art

Adding art to your home is a great way to add style. But not just any art…

Add some large scale art that you LOVE.

What does large scale mean? Well, think of the biggest piece you have, and then find something bigger. If you LOVE it, it belongs on the wall, and a big piece will set the tone for an entire room. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. You can get great pieces at Living Spaces or IKEA for around $100.

Want to spend a little more? Scroll around Instagram. You can find fantastic original art there AND you’ll be supporting small business owners. Win / Win.

6. Show The Ones You Love

When you’re moving into a new place, it can be a little unsettling. Nothing will bring a sense of home like the faces of your loved ones. You can add professional portraits if you like, or you can share your happy memories of more candid moments in a big ol’ grid like the one below.

Again, this doesn’t have to break the bank. Mixtiles will ship you ready to hang photos for $12 apiece (sometimes even less)! Best of all, these babies don’t damage your walls, and they can be moved again and again.

7. Change Out The Faucets

Now that we’ve fully addressed the walls, let’s turn our attention to other areas. Those “crystal” faucets? They’ve got to go.

Luckily, replacing them is a pretty easy project AND you can get some much better looking alternatives at your local Home Depot. This super simple faucet is a huge upgrade… and it’s less than fifty bucks! Watch a couple of YouTube videos, break out the wrenches, and kiss those acrylic cheapies goodbye.

8. Swap Out Light Fixtures

Now we’re getting a little more technical. if you don’t have a ton of knowledge in this area, you might want to bring in a pro. Don’t worry, though. You can find an electrician who will give you a reasonable rate for this task, and if you’ve got a couple lights to replace, they can help you with all of them at once.

No matter who does the installation, you can find great looking lights to replace the brass builder basics. This alone will make a huge transformation in your space!

9. Change Your Light Switches, Too.

While you’ve got the electrician there… (or if you’ve decided you can DIY), change out your switches and outlet covers.

There are so many options nowadays; there’s no reason to have yellowed, cracked switches. Also, the sky’s the limit on this. You can stick with simple new plates or you can add dimmer switches or switches with smart features.

10. Bring The Outdoors IN!

Adding plants brings a vibrant, happy energy to any room, and they can be super cheap, too.

So, head on down to your local nursery and stock up on succulents and shade lovers.

There you have it — some great ways to spruce up a house on the cheap. Which one will you try first? Fair warning: Once you get started, it’s kind of addictive. You might wind up the next Bob Vila yet.

The post 10 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Style…Without Breaking The Bank appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.