Real Estate Appraisal Blog

Your home's exterior can say a lot about you and your family while also making a first impression on guests (and potential buyers). Because of the impact curb appeal has on the amount prospective buyers are willing to spend on a home, it's important for homeowners to look beyond simply choosing the right siding color and consider different siding materials and profiles, adding accents like stone veneer and researching other exterior upgrades that can both increase beauty and deliver performance over time.

In fact, exterior remodeling projects typically top the list of projects that add the most resale value to homes. According to Remodeling's 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, nine of the top 10 projects delivering the best return on cost were exterior renovations. 

If you're looking to sell or just want to increase the overall value of your home, consider these high-ROI exterior upgrades from the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products that can improve aesthetics and increase resale value.

Front Door
If replacing the front door isn't necessary, adding a fresh coat of paint is a simple way to refresh your home's exterior. You can take your "dated" door and make it modern again with a bold, on-trend color. Take it one step further by adding artistic house numbers, a new light fixture or a door knocker in an unexpected shape for inexpensive pops of style.

Vinyl Siding
Updating your home's exterior with vinyl siding yields a 67.2% return upon sale, according to the report. When considering new siding, look for high-quality, low-maintenance materials. Depending on where you live, insulated vinyl siding can add additional protection against the elements, as well as increased energy efficiency. While function is important, don't be afraid to make bold choices with color, texture, different profiles and contrasting trim to make a true statement with your home's exterior.

For example, Westlake Royal Building Products offers a wide range of vinyl siding options in the latest shades, including adding five on-trend colors to its Royal Siding and Exterior Portfolio lines. Inspired by colors found in nature, the gray, blue-gray, brown and green tones reflect the latest trends in modern exterior home design. Both lines feature patented color protection technology to resist fading, which is especially important for darker shades.

Shutters
Adding or replacing shutters is another easy way to add a bit of flair and can be a key finishing touch in creating the perfect exterior. With the potential to play beautifully alongside windows and siding as well architectural style and surrounding landscaping, it's important to make thoughtful choices and install them properly to ensure they look and function as designed.

Composite Decking
Another exterior remodeling project with a high ROI (62.1%), according to the report, is replacing your home's existing wood deck with composite decking. An option like Zuri Premium Decking combines the natural beauty and warmth of exotic hardwood with the durability and low-maintenance requirements of PVC (cellular polyvinyl chloride), which resists stains, scratches, fading and moisture, for a deck that will last for years with minimal upkeep.

Column Wraps
Give your front porch an instant facelift by wrapping your existing columns with PVC wraps. This is an easy way to achieve a cleaner and more modern, updated look. Resistant to moisture, PVC column wraps prevent issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting and insect damage. Available in a variety of ready-to-install styles, they can also be painted to complement your home's exterior color palette.

Find more ideas to increase your home's beauty and resale values at westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com.
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Source: Westlake Royal Building Products

Write down what you want, why you want it, and how you can achieve it. 
The importance of writing down goals is often overlooked.

It's one thing to have a goal in your head, but it's another thing entirely to have it down on paper (or digitally, as the case may be).

There are a few key reasons why writing your goals down is so important. For one, it makes them more concrete and real. It's one thing to think about what you want to achieve, but it's another thing to actually see it in front of you.

Writing your goals down also allows you to track your progress. When you have a goal that's just floating around in your head, it's hard to tell how far you've come or how close you are to achieving it. But when you write it down, you can physically see your progress and how close you are to your goal.

Wellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone's mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind. 

A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle. These cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being. 

Switch Up Surfaces
The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water. Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option. 

Clean Green  
Bathrooms are often hot and steamy places, and water vapors in the air can carry potentially harmful chemicals from cleaning products. Green cleaning products are made to control the spread of bacteria and viruses using safe and effective means. Not only are they helpful in preventing asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, but they are a low-cost way to improve overall indoor air quality.  

What you use to clean yourself is just as important. Using green or organic personal care items can help reduce toxin exposure and lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction.


Reduce Humidity
All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew, therefore benefitting indoor air quality. 

Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. For modest accommodations, the Radiant Small is a space-saving choice, and freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, they'll stay mildew-free longer and don't need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources. 

Enhance Air Quality
Creating a green, spa-like oasis with plants can bring wellness benefits that don't break the bank.  Indoor plants help rid the environment of pollutants, and the energy and ambiance they add may have mental health benefits, too. Plants like mother-in-law's tongue or peace lily are popular options to incorporate as natural air purifiers.  


Explore Color
A bathroom's color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming. 

Begin planning bathroom upgrades that improve your health and well-being with more tips and ideas at ambaproducts.com.
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Source: Amba Products

 A new year brings opportunities to refresh your living space and add colors into your life. These four trends are all about incorporating more of yourself and your lifestyle into your home, whether it's answering your need for a serene escape or dialing up the energy with vibrant surroundings.

Bring in Nature
Soothing earthy tones help bring a sense of calm and balance indoors. When designing with nature in mind, use gray-green tones to connect your aesthetic with the serene elements of the outdoors. Incorporate nature's palette with greens in fabrics, accessories and even on the walls. Wood and stone materials naturally complement these shades for a look that's cohesively pleasing and peaceful.

Stylish Sophistication
If you're aiming to infuse some sophistication with an update to a favorite space, opt for a monochromatic look in a dark (almost black) hue. The approach is simultaneously bold and classic, but the secret to this trend is finding a shade that's rich and deep, but not quite black, then complementing it with fabrics and furnishings that let the hint of color shine.

Connect with Your Inner Self
Creating a living space that is uniquely yours requires understanding your inner motivations, traits and talents. One source of personal inspiration may be your zodiac sign, a reflection of the earth's orientation to the sun on your birthday.

The color experts at Valspar partnered with Ophira and Tali Edut of the AstroTwins to make it easy to explore the intersection of your character and style by explaining which 2022 Color of the Year best aligns with each zodiac sign. When you combine your sign with the convenience and advanced one-coat coverage of premium Valspar Reserve Interior Paint + Primer, available at Lowe's, you can create a luxurious space that reflects the real you.

* Aries - Sunset Curtains: A warm and soothing color like this supports a transformational year full of new opportunities.
* Taurus - Gilded Linen: This clean, cozy color makes spaces feel open, perfect for celebrating togetherness.
* Gemini - Grey Suit: This is a color of warmth and versatility, a signature combination for Geminis.
* Cancer - Delightful Moon: A spirited, playful color inspires a year of growth and adventure.
* Leo - Mountain River: A dark and dreamy color invites inspiration for a year filled with abundance.
* Virgo - Subtle Peach: It's the year of partnerships for Virgos; this harmonious color works well alongside others but can also stand on its own.
* Libra - Orchid Ash: A cool and breezy color keeps it simple so Libras can focus on a year of vitality.
* Scorpio - Fired Earth: This warm and approachable color is perfect for Scorpios who plan to bring new people into their lives this year.
* Sagittarius: Rustic Oak: A relaxing and comforting color that welcomes coziness in the new year.
* Capricorn - Blanched Thyme: For Capricorns, this is the year of variety, and this is a refreshing tone to support change.
* Aquarius - Country Charm: This hue provides warmth and stability for a year of productivity.
* Pisces - Lilac Lane: A playful pastel hue that brings softness along with optimism and renewal.

Add Comfort and Warmth
Treating your home like a sanctuary never goes out of style, and one way to create a soothing, inviting space is through the use of cozy neutrals. Whether it's applied to a bedroom retreat or a more bustling space like the living room, a neutral palette can add to the allure of comfort and warmth. Keep the visual interest strong by incorporating subtle patterns, textures and layers of complementary neutral colors.

Find more 2022 color trends and design inspiration at Valspar.com.
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Source: Valspar

Installing or updating a deck can transform your outdoor living area.

Not only is a deck aesthetically appealing, but it also allows you to create additional space for a wide range of uses, whether it's a lively entertainment zone or tranquil, relaxing retreat.

If you're planning a deck build or renovation in 2022, consider incorporating one or more of these design trends identified by Westlake Royal Building Products, a leading manufacturer and distributor of materials for home remodeling, building and construction.


Creativity in Design
While decking design features used to be reserved for luxury upgrades, creative flair is increasingly mainstream. Some options for incorporating greater depth and style into your deck design include mixing and matching boards to create patterns, inlays and focal points or utilizing two-tone designs for more visually interesting aesthetics.

On-Trend Colors
Classic lumber-toned decks never go out of style, but adding some flair with an eye-catching color is a subtle way to elevate your deck's aesthetic appeal. Some designs incorporate color throughout while another way to bring color to your deck is through distinctive inlay design or other design features.

Working with a product like Zuri Premium Decking gives you a selection of six on-trend colors, including Hickory, a true mid-tone brown, as well as Chestnut, Walnut, Pecan, Brazilia and Weathered Gray. The planks feature minimal grain repetition to capture the look of true exotic hardwood with no painting, staining or resealing needed, and all are backed by a 25-year warranty against color shifting.

Multi-Seasonal Spaces
Once you create an incredible outdoor space, you'll likely want to use it as often as possible. That's why many homeowners are designing decks with multiple seasons in mind. Features like retractable walls can help you block cool breezes and trap the warmth of space heaters or a fireplace while roofs provide shade and fans help circulate the breeze during warmer months. Decks built with clean, simple lines can offer a connection to nature as well as convenience for homeowners transitioning from indoor to outdoor spaces.

Popularity of Composite Decking
Weather patterns can cause substantial damage to a home's exterior materials, including a deck where natural wood is prone to drying out. This creates an upkeep cycle that requires ongoing investments of time and money. An alternative to natural wood, such as Zuri Premium Decking by Royal, combines the low-maintenance, high-durability properties of composite decking with the exterior environment-defining presence of exotic wood. The result is an authentic look with zero-maintenance upkeep.

Bringing the Inside Out
A deck's design elements were once limited to predictable furnishings like a picnic table and grill, but those days are gone. Homeowners seeking to create an outdoor oasis are bringing amenities of the indoors outside. You'll find outdoor kitchens and weather-proof TVs, rugs and furniture, allowing homeowners to incorporate the convenience and comfort of indoor living rooms and kitchens into their outdoor spaces despite elements like snow, wind and rain.

Masonry as an Accessory
If you love the look of masonry but have your heart set on a deck, you can take the path of many homeowners and incorporate masonry as an accessory or design element. Mixing building mediums provides texture, which creates an immersive tactile experience through sight and touch. Options like a fireplace or firepit, pillars, skirting, bench seats, planters, water features, kitchen or bar space and walkways can all complement and enhance the decking so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Clean Sightlines
A deck is an ideal vantage point when you have a beautiful view to enjoy and using the right materials can enhance that experience. Creating a clean, sophisticated and unobstructed view is easy when you outfit your deck with the right lighting and use cable or glass railings, which provide safety along with clear views of the landscape beyond.

Find more tips and ideas to spruce up your outdoor living space at liveabode.com.
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Source: Westlake Royal Building Products

(Family Features) When spring arrives, days of enjoying your outdoor living space aren't far away. Getting your yard ready for months of outdoor enjoyment will take a little work, but you'll quickly see and appreciate the results.

These five steps can have you on your way to a lush, healthy lawn and outdoor area in no time.

1. Dethatch
Throughout the winter, dead grass and other debris accumulate on your lawn. This waste, known as thatch, can be quite a hindrance to your spring lawn. It promotes fungi, encourages pests and keeps new grass seed from sprouting. You can use a special dethatching rake or any rake with sturdy tines.

2. Aerate
Before spreading grass seed, you'll want to give the new roots room to spread and grow. Aerating the lawn helps make your soil more welcoming to new growth by allowing moisture, nutrients and air to sink deeper into the soil. Depending on the size of area you need to aerate, two of the easiest options are doing the job by hand or using an attachment on a riding lawn mower.

3. Prune
The lawn isn't the only place debris can pile up. Your flower beds and any other vegetation can become a holding ground for twigs, branches, leaves and other yard waste. Give your plants, shrubs and trees a close look to find broken, damaged or dead material and remove it to make way for new growth.

4. Weed
Even the healthiest lawns are susceptible to weeds, but getting a jump start on weeding early in the season can help you keep control. You can manage weeds by treating with an herbicide before the sprout or, if you prefer, there are chemical-free alternatives like vinegar, salt or cornmeal. Be aware that many alternative products don't distinguish between the vegetation you want (like grass) and weeds, so these remedies are best used along borders and within beds to discourage weed growth.

5. Seed
Winter weather and wear can cause uneven patches in the lawn. Seeding in the spring requires more work than the fall (especially if you tend to have hot, dry summers), but with enough nurturing and regular water, you can fill those spots in for a more uniform lawn.

Visit eLivingtoday.com for more advice to make your outdoor living space spectacular.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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Source: Family Features

6 high-ROI ideas to increase the value of your house

(Family Features) Home upgrades happen for different reasons but enhancing your home's curb appeal and value are often at the top of the list. These projects can make it easier to enjoy your home knowing they carry a return on investment of up to 92%, according to the Remodeling 2021 Cost vs. Value Report published in "Remodeling Magazine." Plus, you'll have the added benefit of knowing you're making a sound investment should you decide to sell down the road.

Stone VeneerStone veneer is an upgrade that adds warmth and texture with the look of natural stone, but without the expense. It's also a durable product that is low maintenance, so you don't have to worry about sealing or painting.With the variety of styles and colors available, it's easy for homeowners to mix and match to create a custom look. Mortarless options like ClipStone are designed to be installed with screws and common tools, making them accessible options for both professionals and DIYers. With a built-in water management system, overlapping edges to minimize gaps, reversible outside corners and a variety of accessories, mortarless options allow homeowners to achieve the look of traditional masonry without the hassle.

Garage Doors

Exterior features often bring a big return on investment because a home with strong curb appeal can make a great first impression on potential buyers. The garage doors are no exception. If you think of your garage doors as a purely functional element of your home, you may be surprised to learn garage door replacement is actually the best home upgrade you can make, according to the report.

Garage doors aren't just functional; they can be a focal point of your home's exterior design, completely transforming the exterior. Depending on the style and features you choose, an updated garage door is also a smart strategy for managing climate and adding security to your home.

Windows

Windows are another smart investment for numerous reasons. Not only do they provide a sophisticated presence that can greatly enhance curb appeal, upgraded windows play a major role in energy conservation. Homeowners also rely on windows to make a bold statement. For example, Simonton black exterior windows and patio doors can help perfect a wide range of architectural styles including farmhouse, modern, industrial and contemporary designs.

This award-winning line of vinyl windows offers homeowners a variety of styles and colors to customize both their home's interior and exterior spaces. The windows are AAMA Gold Certified, passing some of the industry's most stringent quality assurance testing for air leakage, water penetration and wind pressure - resulting in low-maintenance windows with lasting durability, weather resistance and energy efficiency.

Deck Additions

Adding a deck is an easy way to improve your home's exterior appeal and increase your livable space. Wooden decks rank in the top 10 for ROI, according to the report. An attractive deck situated off the living room or kitchen can make those rooms feel larger, especially when you're entertaining, and guests can circulate freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. A well-constructed deck also serves as a transition point from the home to the backyard, where you may invest in even more outdoor living features.



Deck Additions

Adding a deck is an easy way to improve your home's exterior appeal and increase your livable space. Wooden decks rank in the top 10 for ROI, according to the report. An attractive deck situated off the living room or kitchen can make those rooms feel larger, especially when you're entertaining, and guests can circulate freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. A well-constructed deck also serves as a transition point from the home to the backyard, where you may invest in even more outdoor living features.

You'll achieve the greatest ROI by designing your deck to integrate seamlessly with your home and landscaping and even stone accents. Also take functional features into consideration, including privacy and protection from the wind and sun. Depending on your climate, it may be beneficial to design a deck for maximum shade during the warm months or to make the most of sunlight during the cool seasons. Features like built-in kitchens, stone accents, TV mounts and access to water features all lend high-end custom touches that also boost ROI.

Siding

If you're considering updating your home's color and trim, re-siding is a great way to transform its curb appeal while also earning a hefty return on the investment and giving yourself (or a future owner) the gift of lower maintenance living.

With 15 different collections, Ply Gem Mastic has an array of solutions to help homeowners transform their living spaces such as board and batten, hand-split shake shingles, traditional Dutch lap siding and more. Each is available with detailed wood grain texture in a variety of rich, on-trend colors, including increasingly popular dark options.

Entry Doors

One of the simplest projects in the report, a new entry door can also make a big impact because it's one of the first things potential buyers see. Not only can a steel door help make a good first impression, it also serves as an updated security feature and can offer additional insulation, which makes for a good investment if you live in an area that experiences extreme weather.

Explore more high-ROI ideas and products for upgrading your home and its value at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com/residential.
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Source: Cornerstone Building Brands

 

 

Venturing into the wonderful world of homeownership is exciting and fills you with an inspired new vision for your future. However, it may also bring you some unwelcome surprises if you're not well-prepared. 

 

Simply knowing what to expect in the way of costs will enable you to leap through this hurdle with ease.

 

To this end, here are some expenses you can expect to encounter when you buy a home:

 

 1. Closing costs. These can add up to $5,000 or $10,000. Negotiate 

may even be willing to pay most or all of these fees. The Title Company will give you a detailed estimate of these fees prior to closing.

 

Examples include:

• Loan application fees

• Legal fees

• Fees to the Title Company for their services

• Title Insurance

• Filing fees

• Paperwork copying fees

• Courier fees

• Property taxes

• Homeowner association dues

• Daily pro-ration for rent depending on the actual closing date

• Home inspection fees

• Termite inspection fee

• Home warranty

• Appraisal fee

• Home insurance

• Possible loan insurance

• "Points" - optional. You may want to pay some of the interest on your loan to reduce your monthly rate.

• Other fees as required by your situation

 

2. Initial expenses for your home. When you move from renting to owning a home, you may need to purchase them yourself unless the seller puts in the contract that they're leaving these items.

 

• Appliances – such as a washer, dryer, and refrigerator – may or may not be included in the purchase price. Appliances like the water heater and dishwasher are considered built-in and stay with the home.

• Curtains, window treatments, and blinds will usually stay if they're already there.

• Furniture and rugs

• Lawn maintenance tools - lawn mower, edger or weed-wacker, tree and bush trimmers

• Deposits for electricity and water service

 

3. Property taxes. These taxes are paid yearly to your local government. Your lender may set up an escrow account for you and include 1/12 of the estimated property taxes with each monthly payment; then, they pay them when they come due. These taxes include:

 

• School district taxes

• County taxes

• City taxes, if you live within the city limits

 

4. Homeowners' association dues. These, too, are paid once each year if you live in an area that has a homeowners' association. Depending on your association, these can be as little as $25 per year or as much as several thousand, depending on your community's amenities.

 

5. Home Insurance. Your mortgage company will require that you maintain insurance on your home. The first year's fee is collected at closing, and then they usually collect the fee for this insurance monthly and include it in your escrow account, so it will be there when the next year's fee comes due.

 

6. Home maintenance and repairs. Home emergencies, like appliances breaking down, plumbing leaks, electrical panels going out, or roof damage from a hailstorm can occur suddenly. It's easier to maintain a fund for these expenses that you add to each month, so the money will be available when needed. Keep these regular expenses in mind:

 

•   Roof. You'll need a new roof every 15-20 years or so, depending on the local weather and your roof's warranty.

•   Lawn. Do it yourself or hire a lawn maintenance service.

•   Pool. If you have a pool, weekly maintenance is a must. You can also hire a pool service.

•   Paint. Painting can be expensive. A fresh coat of paint every 5 years will help maintain your home's value.

• Also, you may need to replace and repaint damaged walls or ceilings if you have a plumbing leak, roof damage, termite damage, rot, or holes in your wall.

 

Although owning your own home can be expensive, there's nothing like the pride of ownership and knowing that you're increasing the value of your investment with each monthly payment. In addition, maintaining your home's beauty brings you a joy that you just can't get with renting.

 

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