Okanagan Real Estate Blog

MAXIMIZE YOUR OKANAGAN HOME VALUE

If you're looking to sell your home in the Okanagan, you want to get the absolute best possible price for it. 

Thankfully, there are many budget-friendly renovation projects that you can undertake to enhance the look and functionality of your Okanagan home.

The Power of Paint

When it comes to giving your home a fresh, updated look, painting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to do it. A new coat of paint can transform a room from being outdated and tired to modern and refreshed. So roll up your sleeves, grab a brush, and get ready to transform your space!

Choosing the right colour is crucial. Neutral, light tones are most popular amongst potential buyers. It creates a clean and bright canvas that allows people to easily envision themselves living in the space. Soft greys, creamy whites and light beige are all effective neutral choices. If you are unsure about which colour to choose, a professional painter or home stager can offer guidance and advice. If you work with Gillian Krol at RE/MAX Kelowna, she provides this staging appointment at no cost to her Sellers. 

In addition to choosing the right colour, it’s equally as important to use high-quality paint and materials. Investing in quality paint will not only ensure a more professional-looking finish, but it will also last much longer, saving you money in the long run. It's essential to properly prep the surfaces that will be painted. This includes cleaning and sanding the walls, filling in any holes or cracks, and applying a primer. Proper preparation ensures that the paint adheres to the walls and looks its best. To get the most value from this renovation, it may be wise to hire a professional. We have several Kelowna / West Kelowna painters we can recommend for quotes.

Elevate Your Lighting

Lighting; It’s the first thing potential buyers notice when they walk into a room, and it can make or break their first impression of the space. If you’re planning on selling your Kelowna or West Kelowna home, lighting should be top of your renovation to-do list. We always recommend you shop local Kelowna lighting stores, but if you’re budget conscious, Rona, Home Depot or Wayfair.com work great as well. 

To modernize your home, start by replacing any outdated fixtures. Old-fashioned lighting can be gorgeous when well-maintained, however it can quickly look dated when worn down or clashing with modern design. Consider something more contemporary. There are plenty of affordable options out there, from sleek and minimalistic to more ornate and eye-catching lighting.

Another idea would be to add some statement lighting to your home. A beautiful pendant light over the dining room table, or a unique floor lamp can add personality and character to a room. These types of fixtures can also serve as focal points, drawing the eye to certain areas of the room and highlighting your home’s best features.

Don’t forget about energy efficiency! Installing LED or CFL bulbs can save you money on your energy bills, and they last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can also search for fixtures that are built to be energy-efficient, such as ones with motion sensors or timers that turn off when you leave the room. Unique lightbulbs can be found at Robinson Lighting or Lights on Banks in Kelowna. 

Transform your Bathroom

I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have a well-maintained and updated bathroom in a home. It can truly make or break a buyer’s decision when it comes to making an offer. One easy way to upgrade your bathroom is by replacing outdated plumbing fixtures. This can include your faucets, shower head, towel racks, even the toilet. You don’t have to go all out and buy the most expensive fixtures, but investing in new pieces can make a big difference. To appeal to as many potential buyers as possible, consider finishes such as stainless steel or brushed nickel. Splashes Bath & Kitchen as well as Baths By Design carry many great options locally here in Kelowna. 

We’ve already mentioned the importance of good lighting. When it comes to the bathroom, consider installing dimmer switches, which allow you to adjust the lighting to your desired level of brightness.  These are great for creating ambience for showings.

To update your bathroom vanity without breaking the bank, try something simple such as adding new hardware or replacing the countertop with a more modern material, like quartz or granite. As a more affordable option, you could refinish the vanity or give it a fresh coat of paint. 

If you have a bit more of a budget to work with, consider upgrading your shower or bathtub. Adding a new shower head or installing a glass shower door can easily create a more spa-like feel. Also, a new bathtub is a great selling point, especially if you opt for a freestanding tub. 

Finally, don’t forget the finishing details. If all of the above is out of your budget, adding new towels or decorative accents like plants or artwork could be exactly what your bathroom needs to feel more welcoming. Check out Lakehouse Home Store in downtown Kelowna for high-quality yet affordable decor!

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial, that’s why enhancing your home’s curb appeal can go a long way in increasing your home’s value and attracting potential buyers. 

One of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your curb appeal is to add new flowers and plants to your front yard. Not only will this add colour and life to your garden, it creates a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers. Choose flowers and plants that are easy to maintain and complement the style of your home. In addition, It’s important to keep your lawn and landscaping well-maintained and tidy. Mow the lawn regularly, trim any overgrown bushes or shrubs and remove any dead plants. A well-manicured lawn can make a big difference in creating a positive impression.

Your front door is the centerpiece of your home’s exterior. Consider giving it a fresh coat of paint, perhaps even in a bold colour that will make it stand out. You can also replace the door handle or add a new knocker for an extra touch of style.

While you’re replacing fixtures, see if your mailbox is outdated or in disrepair. A new mailbox that matches the style of your Okanagan home is a small touch that can have a big impact on curb appeal. Your house numbers should be easy to read and add to the overall aesthetic of your home. Old, faded numbers could be replaced with larger, modern numbers that can easily be read from the street. 

Focus on the Kitchen

A modern and updated kitchen can be a key selling point. However, a full kitchen renovation can be expensive and time-consuming. I’ve come up with some  budget-friendly ways to elevate your kitchen.

Start with the cabinets. A fresh coat of paint or a new finish can completely transform the look of your kitchen. You can also replace the cabinet doors or add new hardware for a fresh look.

A new kitchen backsplash can add colour and texture, helping the space appear more modern. There are many affordable options for backsplash materials. Peel-and-stick tiles can be easily installed without the need for professional help. 

This point is not exactly budget-friendly, however it’s worth mentioning how much of an impact updated kitchen appliances have on the value of your home. It can be a significant investment, however it makes a big difference in the overall look and feel of the space. If it’s in your budget, consider finding discounted appliances at stores or look for second-hand options in good condition. Eric's Refrigeration & Appliances is a locally owned and operated shop that offers sales, delivery and installation of refurbished appliances in Kelowna and surrounding areas for much less than you would pay at a big box store. 

Open shelving is a popular trend in kitchen design. It can be an affordable way to add style and functionality to your space. You can create your own using inexpensive brackets and wooden planks, or look up pre-made options at local home decor stores. 

Lastly, if you have outdated or damaged countertops, updating them with affordable options such as laminate or butcher block would make a world of difference. These options are much cheaper than granite or quartz and still give your kitchen a modern, updated look. 

Make the Most of Your Space

If your home feels cramped or cluttered, it can be a turnoff for potential buyers. Consider decluttering your home and rearranging furniture to make the most of your space. Storage solutions would help make your home feel more organized. Go through each room and get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. You can donate, sell or throw away any items that are taking up valuable space. If you need a place to temporarily store your items, renting a storage unit would be wise.

Once you’ve decluttered your home, it’s time to focus on furniture placement. Making the best use of your space is a matter of trial and error, so try different configurations to see what works best. If space is an issue, investing in multi-functional furniture may be the best option; for example, an ottoman can be a great place for storage. 

In a home with limited space, adding shelves, cabinets or baskets to store items would be useful. Don’t forget about vertical space, add shelves above your furniture to create extra storage space. You can also add hooks or racks to walls for items such as coats or hats. 

These are just a few of the many ways you can increase the value of your Okanagan home while honouring your budget and supporting local shops. By focusing on practical renovations, you can make your home more appealing and increase your chances of selling quickly for the optimal price.