$15,000 IS ALL IT TAKES TO RENOVATE YOUR HOME TO BE READY TO SELL
Are you planning to sell your home in the near future? Take the time to prepare your home now in order to get the best possible price. Although you might need to address some minor repairs first, these simple cosmetic improvements from our experienced Houston buyers and sellers agents can improve the appearance of your home and make it more attractive for potential buyers.
Be prepared to imagine yourself as a buyer when you renovate your home in Houston, TX, and put it up for sale. Take a critical look at your space and consider what could be improved, cleared out, or cleaned up. Our Houston, TX sellers agents have seen simple fixes make all the difference. These tips and tricks can help you give your home a polished look for under 15 grand.
Counters for under $15K:
For a person who expects to live in their house for less than three consecutive years, a minor house remodel for your Houston home can go a long way. Although kitchen remodeling can add value to your home, experts say that you will recoup between 90-102 percent of your investment. A minor house remodel in Houston, TX however is more likely to yield a full return.
Janice Anne Costa, author, and editor of Kitchen and Bath Design News says small changes can have big results. “We are not talking about triple glazing cabinets or baroque-carvings on the cabinets. We’re just talking about replacing countertops with a fresh coat or painting. These items can instantly transform the most important room in your house. These are just a few of the best ways to get more bang for your buck when you renovate a home in Houston, TX.
These surfaces are subject to wear and tear. When you remodel a home in Houston, TX, new kitchen countertops can make it look brand new. It is likely that precious marble or stones will be expensive at this price, but there are cheaper options that are virtually indestructible. Janice Anne says CaesarStone, a combination of crushed quartz and polymer resins, creates a hard-working, nonporous surface.
With open chrome shelving, you can save money while maintaining a trendy look.
Cabinets from $15K to $15K
Our Houston, TX sellers agents often don’t recommend getting new kitchen cabinets, as they are often the most expensive item in a kitchen. New cabinets won’t be affordable at this price when you renovate a home in Houston, TX. You may want to repaint your kitchen cabinets. They are most likely made of wood. Janice Anne notes that it will cost half the price of new wood cabinets, and be cheaper than upgrading to particleboard to suit your budget. Consider ripping out all your cabinets and choosing a more modern open-shelving style, such as this Pottery Barn design. Although this is an economical option, it’s important that shelves are clear and uncluttered in order to maintain an elegant, airy appearance.
It’s easy to make simple, inexpensive improvements that will instantly transform your kitchen.
Hardware for under $15K:
When you remodel a home in Houston, TX, new cabinet hardware is the easiest and cheapest way of updating a kitchen. There are many styles available, so it is easy and affordable to give your kitchen a personality boost. These vintage-inspired bin pulls will instantly give your kitchen a new look.
You can transform old appliances by adding replacement panels.
Appliances for under $15K:
You can save money on expensive new replacements if your current appliances are working well. Janice Anne suggests considering putting a new panel on top of your existing refrigerator door. She cautions that it is not a good idea to sacrifice the ability to make the kitchen more functional for the sake of cost. Make your life easier with a Maytag triple rack dishwasher or convection oven.
$15K TIP
Our Houston, TX buyers agents know what buyers are looking for and that the kitchen focal point is key. Replace your chrome-finished faucet with an old-fashioned farmhouse style. Personalize your shelf by adding a few Depression-era glass vessels to it.
Zero-Interest Home Improvement Loans
Looking to finance some home improvements, but don’t want to pay any interest? A zero-interest loan could be the answer you’re looking for. This particular type of loan is typically offered by credit card companies as a way to entice new customers. But if you have good credit, you may be able to qualify for a zero-interest loan from a bank or other lender.
Here’s what you need to know about these unique loans so you can decide if one is right for you.
What Is a Zero-Interest Loan?
A zero-interest loan is exactly what it sounds like: a loan in which the borrower pays no interest. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no cost to take out the loan. There may be fees associated with the loan, and you’ll still be responsible for repaying the full amount of the loan.
These loans are typically offered as promotional offers from credit card companies. They’ll offer a 0% interest rate for a set period of time, usually 12 to 18 months. This can be an attractive option if you’re planning relatively small home improvement projects and can pay off the loan within the promotional period.
It’s important to read the fine print before taking out a zero-interest loan. Zero-interest loans often come with strict requirements, and if you don’t meet them, you may be hit with high-interest rates and fees. Make sure you understand the terms of the loan before signing on the dotted line.
How is a Zero-Interest Loan Different?
There are many types of loans to consider, whether from a bank, credit unions, or online lenders. For example, home equity loans. These are a type of loan in which you use the equity in your home as collateral. Home equity loans typically have lower interest rates than an unsecured loan, but they also come with the risk of losing your home if you can’t make your monthly payments.
A home improvement loan is a personal loan that’s specifically for the purpose of funding home renovations or repairs. Home improvement loans usually have higher interest rates than other types of loans, but they can be easier to qualify for because they’re secured by your home equity.
A zero-interest loan is different from both of these types of loans in that it doesn’t require collateral and the interest rate is typically lower than that of a home improvement loan.
What Are the Benefits of a Zero-Interest Loan?
There are several benefits of taking out a zero-interest loan as opposed to a home improvement loan or a home equity loan, including:
No interest payments
Since you’ll have zero pay interest on the loan, you can use the money you would have spent on interest to pay off the loan balance more quickly.
Fixed payments
Zero-interest loans typically come with fixed monthly payments, so you’ll know exactly how much you need for your monthly payments. This can make budgeting and planning for the loan easier.
Potentially lower interest rates
If you have a good credit history, you may be able to qualify for a zero-interest loan with a bank or other lender. This could save you money on interest payments, as well as decrease the monthly payment, over the life of the loan.
Should You Take Out a Zero-Interest Loan?
A zero-interest loan can be a good option if you’re planning small home improvement projects and can pay off the loan within the promotional period. However, these loans often come with strict requirements and can be costly if you don’t meet them. Make sure you understand the terms of the personal loans during credit approval before taking one out.