George L. Duarte

Mortgage Loans Fremont California Horizon Financial Associates

  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • Awards
    • Privacy Policy
    • California Privacy Notice
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Reverse Mortgage Library
  • Resources
    • Real Estate Corner Radio Show
    • VA Loans
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Mortgage FAQ
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Closing Costs
    • Loan Programs
    • Living Trusts
  • Reviews
    • Video Testimonials
    • Reviews
    • Write a Review
  • Apply Now
  • Contact

Inexpensive Updates That Will Appeal To Buyers

February 21, 2019 by George Duarte

Inexpensive Updates That Will Appeal To BuyersWhile you could spend tens of thousands of dollars or more completing a home makeover, there are more than a few budget-minded ideas that you may consider.

Add Color To Molding And Trim

One cool idea in home décor and interior design is to get rid of the standard white trim and molding and to add color to these areas. Neutral hues like grays and browns have universal appeal, or you can give your space a more contemporary look by adding black to these areas. Generally, you will want a more neutral color like a creamy beige on the walls when executing a look with colored trim.

Another idea is utilizing a color consistent with your wall color as opposed to a contrasting or complimentary color. This helps the trim blend in and almost disappear. This is an especially effective concept when used in small rooms, narrow halls with several doorways or in rooms with low ceilings.

Update Light Fixtures

If you have a little more money to spend, you may consider updating your light fixtures. There are rather affordable yet stylish fixtures available in a wide range of finishes. When your rooms are empty or staged to perfection, the light fixtures can easily set the tone of the room and may be focal points. Outdated fixtures may have limited appeal to buyers who are looking for a home that is modern and current with today’s trends.

When thinking about lighting, don’t forget to consider updating your outdoor lighting. The right fixtures may add an additional element of curb appeal that many buyers appreciate.

Redefine Outdated Spaces

In some older homes, some of the rooms may have originally been built with outdated uses in mind. Today’s savvy buyers may be looking for a home with an exercise room, a media room or a study rather than a formal living or dining area. With this in mind, you may consider how you can stage your home to show that it can be used for modern purposes.

This may simply mean moving your formal dining room set into storage, adding French doors and investing in an affordable desk and side chairs for staging purposes. Murphy beds that offer space for guests that can be hidden away when not in use are a clever way to show dual purpose. Turning a closet or the area under the stairs into a small office is also a clever use of space. 

Whether you are interested in refinancing your current property or purchasing a new property, be sure to contact your trusted home mortgage professional for the most current financing options.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Improvement, Home Sales, Marketing

5 Home Renovations That Really Raise Values

January 25, 2019 by George Duarte

5 Home Renovations That Really Raise ValuesThere are many home renovation projects that can increase the comfort and visual appeal of a dwelling. Owners who plan to sell their home in the future, however, prefer to focus on projects that will return a healthy profit at closing.

Here are 5 renovation projects that positively impact a home’s resale value.

Conversions

It’s easy for real estate agents to convince buyers to bid higher on properties with more bedrooms. Redesign the attic to easily add an extra bedroom without committing to a major construction project. This strategy works well for smaller homes or those in neighborhoods with multiple homes for sale. Converting a basement into a bonus room or den is another way to use extra storage spaces to increase property value.

Floors

Outdated, stained, or damaged flooring repels potential buyers. High-quality, stain-resistant carpets in neutral colors are the best options for those looking to sell. Other alternatives include hardwood floors and easy-to-clean laminates. Avoid shag carpets, bright colors, or unusual patterns so the property appeals to a wide variety of potential buyers.

Kitchens

For real estate agents, kitchens rank high on the list of value-building remodeling projects. Most home shoppers base their decision on the condition of the kitchen. Update stale or out-of-fashion paint, install new cabinet doors, refresh countertops, and replace old appliances to encourage a higher sale price. Renovators with limited funds should focus the majority of their dollars on kitchen projects.

Bathrooms

After the kitchen, bathrooms have the greatest impact on home values. As long as the plumbing is in working condition, bathroom renovations don’t require a large investment to add value to the home. Refurbish dingy sinks and bathtubs, refresh existing grout, and update fixtures for a quick boost before putting a home up for sale.

Landscape

The exterior of a home is just as important as the inside. Investing in landscaping increases curb appeal and can make a home more interesting to certain buyers. For example, adding a dog run in the backyard is an excellent perk for pet parents. In neighborhoods with older residents, a small deck or hot tub can be an eye-catching extra.

Strategic use of home renovations can improve living conditions and increase property values. Your trusted mortgage professional is ready to help you if you want to access some of the equity in your home for more costly home improvements.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Improvement, Real Estate, Renovations

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Sidebar

George L. Duarte

MBA, CMC, CMHS
Call 510.377.9059
Fremont, CA

California DRE Corp Lic no. 01032295
DRE Personal Brokers Lic. No. 00943635
NMLS Corporate Lic. No. 302358
Personal Lic. No. 302219

Horizon Financial Associates LogoView Lending CertificateNAMB Member Certificate

Get a Rate Quote
Mortgage Refinance Companies
NAMB
Proud Supporter Of Our Military
CMC Logo

Stay up to date with the latest news to your inbox!

No spam ever and you can unsubscribe anytime.





Horizon Financial Associates BBB Business Review

Connect with Me

Browse Articles by Category

Mortgage Pros2019 Best of Fremont2017 Best of Fremont2016 Best of Fremont

See More Awards →

Recent Articles

  • Millennials and the Pursuit of Homeownership
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – January 29th, 2024
  • Are You Ready for Home Ownership? Find Out by Answering These 4 Questions
  • Maximizing Your Mortgage: Unveiling Strategies for Faster Payoff and Interest Savings
Horizon Financial Associates is a BBB Accredited Mortgage Broker in Fremont, CA
Equal Housing Opp
crb logo REALTOR Logo


39488 Stevenson Pl Ste. 100
Fremont, CA 94539

Copyright © 2026 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2026 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in