Did you know that San Diego homes that have been upgraded/renovated sell for 15-25% higher than homes in their original condition? In today’s high price marker, buyers do not have the appetite to carry out costly renovations.
Don’t let this scare you however! You don’t need a whole house renovation to be attractive to buyers. Even small changes like repainting cabinets, updating backsplashes, and repainting interiors or exteriors go a long way.
Our team includes Heather & Michelle, two experienced realtors with over 100 sales in 92127,as well as a team of project managers, designers, expert contractors, stagers, photographers and a dedicated in-house marketing manager.
WE ARE EXPERTS WHO KNOW HOW TO SELL HOMES QUICKLY AND AT RECORD PRICES. Let our team handle your upgrades, hassle free, so you are ready to sell quickly for top dollar. Find out more on a recent Santaluz case study here.
Key Insights for Sellers
Average Costs
- Painting (Interior): Average cost is $3,500 -$6,500. Most homes use Swiss Coffee for walls, trim, and ceilings, which creates a neutral and clean aesthetic appealing to buyers.
- Countertops: Quartz installations including product and labor average $4,000-$6,500, a consistent preference due to durability and modern appeal.
- Staging: Sellers spend $2,500-$5,000 on staging, emphasizing key areas (living room, kitchen, master bedroom). Staging is often deferred to escrow, reducing upfront costs.
- Kitchen Cabinets: Refinishing costs average $2,000- $3,000, with Chantilly Lace as the go-to color, offering a contemporary yet neutral style.
- Lighting Updates: Replacing fixtures averages $1,500- $2,600, focusing on recessed lights, pendant lights, and chandeliers. Farmhouse and modern black matte designs are recurring trends.
- Bathroom Renovations: Costs average $1,500-$3,900, including vanities, mirrors, and faucets. Sellers often opt for matte black hardware and neutral finishes.
- Window Washing & Deep Cleaning: Average $1,000- $1,500 combined. This step is critical to make the property feel fresh and well-maintained.
- Minor Repairs: Includes outlets, doorknobs, and touch-ups, averaging $300-$500 per task.
- Supplies: Grout, knobs, and minor materials typically cost $100-$300.
Timeline Analysis
- Prepping for Market: Timelines span 3-6 weeks, with key tasks including painting, cleaning, staging, and minor repairs.
- Major Projects: Kitchen and bathroom updates can extend timelines by an additional 2-3 weeks, depending on the complexity of installations.
- Quick-Impact Updates: Simple cosmetic upgrades (paint, light fixtures, deep cleaning) can be completed in 1-2 weeks.
Design Choices
- Consistency: Neutral tones dominate design schemes, such as Swiss Coffee and Chantilly Lace. These appeal broadly to buyers and provide a move-in-ready feel.
- Modern Fixtures: Black matte finishes for knobs, faucets, and lights create a modern touch.
- Trendy Tiles: Subway tiles or unique patterned backsplashes (e.g., Seaside Polished Blue Ceramic Tile) are popular for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Open Spaces: Staging highlights open and bright spaces, often with a focus on natural light and clean lines.
Trends Over Time
- Evolving Aesthetics: While farmhouse elements remain popular, modern minimalism is gaining traction, evidenced by clean lines, black accents, and lighter color palettes.
- Luxury Features: Quartz countertops and upscale backsplashes are becoming standard in competitive markets.
Cost vs. Return On Investment
High-ROI Tasks:
- Painting: Improves marketability significantly with minimal cost.
- Kitchen Updates: Countertops, cabinets, and lighting yield high returns as kitchens are a key focus for buyers.
- Staging: Boosts perceived value and helps potential buyers visualize the space.
Lower ROI:
- Exterior Painting: Unless the exterior is severely weathered, sellers prioritize interior improvements for better Return On Investment.
- Extensive Landscaping: Basic yard clean-up and mulching suffice to make a positive impression.
If you have questions on any of this or would like to find out more on how we can help you sell your home for top dollar with minimal hassle, please reach out today.