Best Home Renovations to Help Sell Your House Now or in 2018

What are the Best Home Renovations for Maximum ROI?

Home prices may be plateauing but we’re far from a housing crash or stock market crash in 2018. If you think selling your home is the prudent decision, then it’s time to create a plan that includes dressing it up for market.

You can sell your house for more with a blitz marketing strategy and by doing some renovation. You don’t have to advertise it of course. Let buyers be amazed with your upgraded home.

Below are the Top 10 House Renos and links to other helpful resources to assist in your reno decision and sell it for the highest price. You’ll find it does make a difference in your sales results.

Which are the renovations that will bring the biggest return in 2018? You might be intrigued by the numbers from Metrostudy’s renovation index and report for the last quarter. Homeowners and sellers are spending 5% more on renos and they’re likely spending it in bathroom and kitchen upgrades or overhauls.

If you’re strategic, you might be able to get more professional results over several rooms, instead of use one room.

We’ve got the help of Houzz and the HGTV home renovation empire to help us stay on top of trends with a list of your best bets below.

With the real estate markets in some cities cooling (except Vancouver) and with a slight chance of a housing crash in cities such as the SF Bay Area, Toronto, Dallas, Denver and so on, homeowners are having to dress up their property to get a great price. If you can get the financing, and you choose the right renos that buyers like today, and it should be money well spent.

If your house is up for sale, you’ll need to do more in 2018. And why wouldn’t you go for the best return on your investment if you can? If you need some more motivation take a look at what they did to this cottage in Atlanta.

What is the Average Cost of a Home Reno?

Homeadvisor.com conducted a survey of almost 4,000 members of house renovation costs:

And How About that Beach House Reno?

Are you selling your oceanside or country cottage? With the prices Airbnb are charging for vacation rentals, make sure your prospective cottage buyers understand the full possibilities. Build the features that draw buyers and renters into a frenzy.

Photo by kelley gardner – Search exterior home pictures

What Chip and Joanna, and Drew and Jonathan Know

Final Season for Fixer Upper. We’ll miss Chip and Joanna.

The returns house flippers are getting on some houses (40%) suggests it is well worth it. And if the house is earning rental income returns, then it’s a no brainer if you can get the funding to proceed. Apart from tear downs, HGTV has shown that renos can elevate the price of normal homes considerably and help get the house sold fast.

The added beauty of your renovated house will help your Realtor to build a multiple offer, over asking buying frenzy. And that’s still happening now in the fall of 2017.

HGTV’s recent post on the best renovations to help sell a house sell includes these 10 possibilities:

Light Bathroom Reno: 98% ROI: Why only 98? Because a light reno may not remove the stagnancy of a bygone era nor the odor or wood rot! But it does get rid of the worst flooring and fixture issues.

2. Landscaping: 100% ROI: Why? Because value is about perception, especially public perception so anything to do with the exterior and curb appeal is evaluated strongly.

3. Light Kitchen Remodel: 98% ROI. Why? If the layout’s okay and it’s done right, it’s a great way to make the house look new, clean, functional, and inviting. Replace the flooring and fixtures and refinish the cabinets and it might do the trick. Buyers may overrate the importance of the kitchen these days. Something to consider.

4. Exterior Improvement: 95% ROI. Why? New siding adds energy efficiency and gives the house amazing curb appeal. Stone facades are very attractive but expensive. Siding still gets good reviews. Take a good look at the exteriors of new homes and adopt some ideas from them.

5. Attic Bedroom Conversion: 93.5% ROI. Why? An additional bedroom puts your house into a whole class of price, so any addition to code can help. The attic is popular with kids and offers great outside views.

Photo by Bright Common Architecture & Design – Discover bedroom design ideas

6. Major Bathroom Reno: 93% ROI. Why? Prestige. The new bathrooms usually have the latest in glass walls, high tech fixtures, soaking tubs, ceramic floors, recessed lighting, and big picture windows to make buyers believe they have their own soothing spa. Stress is a big negative in people’s lives.

Photo by Bubbles Bathrooms – Look for bathroom design inspiration

7. Major kitchen remodel: 91% ROI. Why? When Chip and Joanna, or the Property Brothers show the completed new kitchen reno, it’s modern, open concept, and gives buyers exactly what they want. Not just a kitchen, it’s more like a lifestyle command center with the best appliances and Chi possible.

Photo by Bloomsbury Kitchens and Fine Cabinetry – Look for kitchen design inspiration

8. Deck, Patio or Porch Addition: 90% ROI. Why? Well, you’ve watched enough Disaster Deck shows to know they create a whole new living space which makes the buyer think they’re getting a big bonus with a great view.

Photo by Greene & Grey Design – Look for deck pictures

9. Basement Remodel: 90% ROI. Why? This one’s a little dicey. Basements are typically not well used even when they’re halfway above ground. If a house has limited room upstairs then the basement reno makes a lot of sense and that’s where the return will be high.

Photo by Meadowlark Design+Build – Browse basement photos

10. Replacement Windows. 89% ROI. Why? If the old windows are shoddy and leaky, then you have no choice. Big picture windows, and casement windows that swing open for air movement are very functional. Can’t compare to a kitchen or bathroom reno, but with lower value houses, it could be the upgrade to go with.

Photo by – Browse exterior home ideas

Should you reno one room at a time?

How will costs factor into your reno decision?

5 Best design software tools to visualize your renovation.

Home design Trends from Architectural Digest.

Property Brothers discuss top 10 home renovation errors.

July 31, 2017March 25, 2018

How to Choose the Best Marketing Consultant

Are You Finding the Right Consultant/Agency for Your Business?

Has the deluge of noise in digital marketing become too much for you to bear? Well, hang in there because all you might need is a few pointers and some enouragement to get some clarity. Since marketing is pivotal to success now, picking the right consultant or agency is particularly important.

The right agency or consultant or agency will stand out through their plentiful questions that show they understand your business. They may be thought leaders.

They’ll also be more helpful and generous with insight, and they’ll show a willingness to learn and adapt to the actual needs/challenges you describe. On their website, you’ll understand their value proposition quickly and they will stand out as unique and capable.

Right off the bat, you’ve got some good indications, but you need to dig deeper.

The Key Business Asset – Your Agency or Consultant

The best won’t often be the wealthiest ones you speak with, however if they have a wealth of talented staff, good software, and other assets, it can make a difference. Besides brains, energy, drive, and experience, what is it about them that will make them the most important business asset you’ll have? Let’s take a look.

Does your current marketing agency listen to you? Do they encourage you? Do they find the right solution, or just the ones they sell? Is their focus short term? Do you think they’re ready for the future?

Every Executive’s Challenge: How to Achieve Clarity

Your mind is frazzled and you’ve become entrenched in a losing position, so I thought I’d give you a simple, focused list of marketing services provider attributes, and a plan of action.

Expert Opinions: “Instead of understanding the buyer, and presenting a solution from a buyer’s perspective, too much emphasis is placed on the features and details of the product/service that’s being sold and on the credentials of the provider themselves.” — Richard Young of Pipeliner Sales

Having the Right Questions

do they have real expertise in the key areas you’re failing in?
can they provide a complete assessment so you know they understand your business, what is failing, and how they will fit in?
what is the cost vs revenue of their solution?
is their content marketing good enough?
are they an actual expert in their digital marketing field?
are they creative geniuses?
are they an expert in your field?
have they become a master in other client industries?
are they offering temporary or long term results?
what does their website/social activity indicate about them?
how will they add value?
are they up on the latest strategies and software?

Certainly, a track record of success, decades of experience and client testimonials can help. And complete money back guarantees are quite an incentive for cash strapped, nervous SMB owners. However, these would come after you’ve answered the basic “can do” abilities in the list above.

As a digital marketing services provider, it’s easy for me to see through the promotional tactics used to lure client prospects. The top ones involve hiding behind cool trendy web design, buzzwords, and “staff party photos.”

Perhaps the key is finding a modest provider with multiple skills/services who is willing to dedicate to your business. Most agencies can’t do that because of their massive overhead and a staff with a limited range of expertise. Yet, keeping up isn’t easy and agencies have a difficult time finding good people.

It’s wise to find a marketing provider with impressive skills and a willingness to become an expert in your field. Industry expertise is a saleable benefit for marketers. Technological expertise, thought leadership, and the ability to write persuasively and in an engaging manner can make a big difference in content strategy results for instance. Ask yourself whether this provider is going anywhere.

Your New 5 Point Plan of Action

1. find a digital marketer with demonstrated skills and ask them to do a thorough digital marketing assessment
2. assess their skill and knowledge of your industry
3. listen to their questions – it tells you whether they understand your business and your needs
4. build a digital marketing strategy and prioritize which channels will make a difference
5. hire a digital marketer who is eager to dedicate themselves to your company

I hope this list of attributes of a dedicated, digital marketing provider helps you focus on what you need to do. Right now you’re probably feeling good so use this moment to move ahead, investigate and make a decision.

That’s the gist of good decision making. Slow down, be calm, find the essentials, and buy the services that match your actual needs.

If you have me conduct your digital marketing audit, I can explore and discover those missing gaps and what the causes are. Your assessment is one great way to quieten all the noise.

Get focused and feeling good then contact me when you’re ready at 416 998 6246.

I’m looking forward to seeing you smile.

June 20, 2017February 4, 2018

Best US Cities Rated 2017

Which Are the Best US Cities to Live in?

Dreaming of a better place in US to live in 2018? You’re not alone. Millions of people think about moving to another city, but aren’t sure of which US cities hold the most promise for enjoyment, lifestyle, housing, health care, education for kids, and future job prospects.

If you were going to move anywhere in the US, which cities would you choose? Are you ready to sell your home for the best price, use a system to find the best house, search for a great job, and finally enjoy a new lifestyle? Check out the list of best cities to live in below.

Americans are more mobile than ever, and migration has been strong to some states such as California. The Millennial generation in particular are more open to moving to another city to launch their careers. And too, baby boomer retirees are looking for places to raise the quality of their lives.

It’s wise to know if your state is a dead end in terms of employment and economies. Ask Michigan Millennials and Gen Xers if opportunity in a state can dry up. And ask Californians if high tech fortunes can draw Millennials. The answer is a resounding yes, and people will migrate to capture those jobs and other opportunity. Check the US job forecast for US Cities and the US housing market too.

However, it’s not always about an affordable retirement or great jobs. Sometimes what people want are better communities, nicer weather, and a higher quality of life. But which cities are best for combining all of these benefits?

Whatever version of a better life draws your attention, you’ll find the best cities to live in ranked below by three different organizations. If on different lists you find one city keeps popping up, you might want to drill down to find out more about it. Find out why it’s sending out good vibes and what it is that makes it so special.

And for retirees, which cities offer affordability, safety and health care?

Which are the best States to Live?

Some states have zero income tax, such as Florida and Texas, but other than that big incentive, is the attraction of a state important enough to draw you to one of its cities?

Best Cities Lists from Niche.com, BusinessInsider, and US News.

Here are the ratings of the Best US cities to live, as taken from 3 different surveys. It appears the city of Austin Texas draws a lot of votes as the best place to call home. Why they choose Austin might be a good cue for your own rankings.

Why is Austin considered the best city in the US? It could be job prospects, climate, low cost of housing or renting, low unemployment, and short commute times. Austin is also considered somewhat of a boomtown, despite the lower price of oil which has driven the Texas economy. Texas has no state income tax which could be a big incentive for many start-ups and workers considering relocating there. The more you check out the lifestyle in Austin, the more you’ll agree, that overall, this place is perhaps the best city in the US.

City Rank	Niche.com	Business Insider	US News

1	Ann Arbor, MI	Denver, CO	Austin, TX
2	Naperville, IL	Austin, TX	Denver, CO
3	Arlington, VA	Fayetteville, AK	San Jose, CA
4	Columbia, MA	Raleigh-Durham, NC	Washington, DC
5	Berkeley, CA	Colorado Springs, CO	Fayetteville, AK
6	The Woodlands, TX	Boise, Idaho	Seattle, WA
7	Plano, TX	Seattle, WA	Raleigh and Durham, NC
8	Overland Park, KS	Washington, DC	Boston, MA
9	Boulder, CO	San Francisco, CA	Des Moines, IO
10	Irvine, CA	San Jose, CA	Colorado Springs, CO
11	Cambridge, MA	Des Moines, IA	Boise, ID
12	Richardson, TX	Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN	Nashville, TN
13	Bellevue, WA	Grand Rapids, MI	Charlotte, NC
14	Alexandria, VA	Sarasota, FL	Dallas Fort-Worth, TX
15	Sunnyvale, CA	Charlotte, NC	San Francisco, CA
16	Round Rock, TX	San Diego, CA	Minneapolis, MN
17	Madison, WI	Houston, TX	Madison, WI
18	Rochester, MN	Omaha, NB	Grand Rapids, MI
19	Raleigh, NC	Charleston, SC	Houston, TX
20	Fort Collins, CO	Portland, OR	Sarasota, FL
21	Columbia, MO	Dallas-Fort Worth, TX	San Diego, CA
22	Austin, TX	Nashville, TN	San Antonio, TX
23	Sandy Springs, GA	San Antonio, TX	Richmond, VA
24	San Francisco, CA	Madison, WI	Omaha, NB
25	Seattle, WA	Harrisburg, PA
26	Scottsdale, AZ	Honolulu, HA
27	Carlsbad,CA	Salt Lake City, UT
28	College Station, TX	Richmond, VA
29	Santa Clara, CA	Portland, ME
30	Thousand Oaks, CA	Boston MA
31	Charlotte, NC	Oklahoma City, OK
32	Torrance, CA	Little Rock, AK
33	Tempe, AZ	Tulsa, OK
34	Charleston, SC	Jacksonville, FL
35	Lincoln, NB	Greenville, SC
36	Minneapolis, MN	Albany, NY
37	Boise, ID	Cincinnati, OH
38	Huntsville, AL	Fort Myers, FL
39	San Diego, CA	Winston Salem, NC
40	Lexington, KY	Melbourne, FL
41	Denver, CO	Albuquerque, NM
42	Omaha, NB	Tampa, FL
43	St Paul, MN	Indianapolis, IN
44	Provo, UT	Orlando, FL
45	Pasadena, CA	Louisville, KY
46	Durham, NC	Columbia, SC
47	Virginia Beach, VA	Pittsburgh, PA
48	Gainesville, FL	Phoenix, AZ
49	Fargo, ND	Kansas City, MO
50	Kansas City, KS	Columbus, OH

Best Cities to Retire in the US

If you’re retiring in the next few years, you might come to a different conclusion. In that case, Albuquerque, San Diego, Sarasota, or Fayetteville NC might be to your liking. It

seems many of the favorite retirement towns are college towns in the US southeast. Check out AARP’s list of best cities to retire in the US.

Best Cities for Graduates to Move To

The preference for college graduates to move to might be significantly different than retirees. Look for cities with the best jobs forecast for the next 5 years. Also a factor is the rental market and property investment in those locations.

There you have it, a full resource list and a ranking of the best cities in the US to live. If you’re a graduate or retiree, good luck choosing the city that will host the next phase of your life. Have fun and live well!