Real Estate Blog - Home Improvement Blogs

Top 10 Home Upgrades with the Best Return on Investment

Whether you're a homeowner looking to increase your property value, planning to sell in the near future, or a savvy investor seeking to maximize your profits, upgrading your home is a smart move. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That's why we've done the research for you and compiled this comprehensive guide to help you make informed decisions.

In this blog, we'll explore various home improvement projects that not only enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your living space but also provide an excellent return on investment (ROI). From kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovations to energy-efficient windows and doors, outdoor spaces, roof replacements, and even smart home technology – we'll…

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Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Austin Home

Ever feel like your house is just waiting to surprise you with the next repair job? Welcome to the club! Owning a home can often feel like an endless cycle of repairs and fixes. What if we said there was a way to stay ahead of those pesky home repairs?

Imagine this: A calm Saturday morning without any surprises - no unexpected leaks or sudden malfunctions. Sounds good, right? It’s possible when we treat our homes as living, breathing entities that need regular check-ups and tune-ups.

Welcome aboard homeowners' favorite journey - creating and following a Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist. By breaking down maintenance tasks by season, we make them more manageable while preventing potential breakdowns.

Intrigued yet? Hang tight, it's about to get…

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Small Home Improvement Projects for Your Austin Home

Ever stare at your Austin home, and think it could use a little sprucing up? Not a total overhaul, just some small touches to give it that extra sparkle.

Your home's exterior is the first impression for potential buyers, and it can be significantly improved by a few key upgrades. A well-painted front door not only enhances curb appeal but also gives your Austin home an inviting look.

According to research, painting the front door provides a high return on investment while improving curb appeal. Beyond that, garage doors are another aspect often overlooked in house makeovers. Replacing worn-out garage doors can greatly enhance your property’s visual appeal and functionality.

All these changes work together to give prospective buyers a great first…

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What To Expect From a Home Inspection? 7 Huge Things Inspectors Look For

When purchasing your Austin home, getting it inspected is crucial. It not only ensures your safety but also provides useful information about maintenance for both short and long-term ownership.

For instance, checking electrical wires or essential systems such as air conditioning can help prepare you ahead of time in case any repairs need to be made. Inspecting all aspects of the house provides insight into its condition during those critical moments leading up to making an offer.

In this blog post, we'll identify the major items that inspectors pay attention to when examining a potential dream home buy. Here's what you can expect from a home inspection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Check for Safety Issues
• Look for Foundation and Structural…

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Benefits & Costs of a Custom-Built Outdoor Kitchen in Austin

Have you ever dreamed of hosting summer BBQs with friends and family without having to leave the comfort of your backyard? Enjoying the outdoors is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and there’s no better way to do it in Austin than with a custom-built outdoor kitchen. With a built-in grill, firepit, and more, you can make your outdoor patio space an extension of your home. Not only will you enjoy the aesthetic benefits associated with an outdoor kitchen, but you’ll also increase your home’s value. Let’s look at what it costs to build an outdoor kitchen in Austin and all of the benefits that come along with it. 

What Are The Benefits of An Outdoor Kitchen in Austin? 

There are numerous benefits associated with having an outdoor kitchen in…

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9 Best Luxury Condominiums in Downtown Austin (High Rises Compared)

Downtown Austin has become a popular place to live and work. There are many reasons why downtown Austin is growing at such a rapid pace. Its incredible music scene, friendly locals, close proximity to great shopping and dining options, easy access to public transportation, and scenic outdoor spaces all makeup part of what makes it so appealing. But did you know that it also boasts some of the best high-rise luxury condos in the nation? From stylish interiors to breathtaking skyline views, these condos are an investment opportunity you can’t afford to pass up. 

There are over 30 residential buildings in downtown Austin. Upcoming condominium developments on the rise include 44 East, Vesper, The Travis, and The Modern. An estimate of more than 20 towers…

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How to Test for Asbestos in Popcorn Ceilings | Spyglass Realty

Asbestos can often be found in popcorn ceilings and other textured ceilings. This naturally-occurring material that was commonly used as an industrial insulator has also been identified as a hazardous substance. Over 39,000 American lives are lost due to asbestos-related diseases every year. 

Testing for asbestos is important if you are worried about the presence of asbestos in your home. In over thousands of real estate transactions I’ve had, I never had an issue with a property that had asbestos in it until this occurred. I had a client call me and ask if a home had asbestos in the popcorn ceiling, I brought it up to my contractor who shrugged it off, put on a mask, and scraped it right off.

In this blog post, I'll explain and share with you…

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High-ROI Upgrades For An Energy Efficient Home | Spyglass Realty

Making home improvements is a worthwhile investment if planned strategically. Not all embellishments, remodels, or builds will yield a good return on investment (ROI). Fortunately, homeowners seeking to integrate green and energy-efficient features into their houses will find these 8 upgrades bring a great ROI.

Energy-STAR Appliances

Traditionally, appliances were designed for convenience, not energy efficiency. Unfortunately, they were a huge draw on both electricity and water. Today, homeowners can enjoy convenience while simultaneously enjoying a greener lifestyle. Energy-efficient appliances yielding a strong ROI include clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and standalone freezers for those with space. Homeowners should…

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How to Address the Safety Hazards At Home | Spyglass Realty

It may come as a surprise to many homeowners that, even with the greatest precautions taken when constructing or remodeling a home, many hidden dangers can still hide. Here, we'll discuss some of the most common home risks and safety hazards.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Statistics estimate that every year, emergency rooms see an average of 50,000 Americans suffering accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Because it's silent, colorless, and odorless, CO inhalation can—and does—go undetected by homeowners who aren't prepared.

The risk of CO poisoning increases in colder temperatures, as home heating runs longer, cars may be turned on before leaving a garage, and fireplaces start being used. When a CO source such as a gas stove or…

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Smart Gadgets That Boost Your Home's Value | Spyglass Realty

More of today's home buyers have grown up around technology, so smart homes are more desirable than ever. The inclusion of smart technology in the home is likely to attract more buyers and improve a home's marketability.

A large percentage of buyers are more amenable to buying a home with smart solutions already installed. Smart features are a convenience becoming more normalized in modern life. By installing the following desirable tech upgrades in your home, you can increase your return on investment and the home's appeal when it comes time to sell.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are in high demand. In fact, 63% of buyers want a smart thermostat when they move in. It's no surprise; a smart thermostat offers benefits such as:

• …

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