Ask Lyn: Orange County Kitchen Remodel

Dear Lyn,

I am a resident of Orange County considering remodeling my home for future resale. I wondered what improvements I should make to benefit the new home owners, and give myself the best return upon resale.

Sincerely,
Ms. Profitable Turnover

Dear Ms. P.T.,

One of the greatest things about living in Orange County is its terrific blend of tradition and modernization. You must capitalize off of these two very ideal and economical traits. First thing to do, based on your neighborhood in Orange County is visit your neighbors. See what improvements they have made or would like to make. Talk to the people who live near the property, and find out what they value most about their homes. Of course you should also include the things that drew you to your home.

Next use your research and look through the Orange County Register or other local newspapers for bargains on big ticket items like dishwashers, washer and dryers, gardeners, or landscape artists and even contractors to aid you in rejuvenating your home. You may also look into energy efficient products; specifically for central air/heating.

If you are single, and selling to a family, adding on rooms can help, but be wary about going into debt over adding on rooms. Don'’t do it if you don'’t absolutely have to.

Some other very simple and easy ideas for updating an older looking home is with a fresh coat of paint, adding accent walls, "sconces", making sure the home is thoroughly cleaned. Many people may not recommend it but I believe that if you'’ve lived in a home for more then 5 years, you should replace the carpet before resale. A clean carpet and newly painted walls on the inside are like breathing a breathe of fresh air into the home. On the outside sniff around, make sure there are no overwhelming odors before entering the home. Any worn wall paper or chipped paint should be reapplied. If its feasible to do adding a few potted plants or trees can make the area more appealing, and overcome a neighborhood stench. Visit your local Orange County nursery for more information about that. Whether you are in Huntington Beach or the city of Orange, the options for great improvement are countless.

The best improvement recommendations will always be evident in the heart of the homes owner. Since that is you Ms. P.T., ask yourself, What can I do to make this space more functional, livable, and comfortable? Soundproofing? Heated floors? Adding a deck or patio? These are all terrific ideas as well, and though they are a bit costly, you should be able to reap the returns upon resale. Excellent question, Ms. Profitable Turnover. Let me know how things go with the sale of your property. I’ll be looking ot hear from you.

Sincerely,
Lyn