by Rose Sklar, The Sklar Team
As a Realtor, one of my biggest pieces of advice to homeowners is this: don’t wait until you’re ready to sell to improve your home. If you know you may move someday, choose renovations you can enjoy while you live there that will also make your home more appealing when it is time to sell. You get to enjoy the improvements, and you won’t be scrambling to update the house right before putting it on the market. And remember, maintenance is key. When something breaks, fix it. Keep your home clean and organized. Purge regularly. Donate what you don’t need and throw away what is broken. These simple habits make a home feel better today and much easier to sell tomorrow.
In Florida, the exterior is especially important because buyers are looking at curb appeal, insurance and storm protection. If your roof is nearing the end of its life, replace it before selling. An older roof can create inspection and insurance issues. Flat tile is a popular choice today, with Key West-style roofs also gaining attention. S tile remains another option. For hurricane protection, impact windows and doors are preferred. Accordion shutters are a good second choice. If your existing shutters are in good condition but don’t coordinate with the house, consider painting them to blend with the exterior. Don’t overlook the patio and pool. Florida buyers want attractive outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of the home.
Wood is beautiful, but in Florida, moisture protection is extremely important. Make sure a proper moisture barrier is installed. Tile and marble remain excellent choices, and rectified porcelain tile that looks like wood is especially popular. Larger format porcelain with minimal grout lines creates a clean, high-end look. For flooring colors, stick with natural tones such as sand, beige, taupe, warm stone and concrete-inspired neutrals. My rule for carpet? Bedrooms only.
Large islands are still highly desirable, but skip the raised bar. It can immediately make a kitchen feel dated. Clean, streamlined cabinetry is trending, including flat panel cabinets and integrated pulls. Built-in appliances that disappear into the cabinetry create a sophisticated, high-end look. White kitchens are still popular, especially Shaker style, but wood is making a strong comeback. Two-tone combinations such as white and wood or warm beige and wood are especially appealing. Quartz and Silestone remain practical countertop choices. For hardware, brushed gold and black are more current than chrome.
Bathrooms are becoming more spa-like. Think oversized showers, floating vanities, beautiful stone, warm wood tones and natural textures. Freestanding tubs can make a great statement when the space allows. Warm whites, beige, greens, browns and tans create a calming, natural feeling. The goal is to bring the outdoors in.
Stark white is taking a back seat to warmer whites, beige and soft taupes. Accent walls in deeper greens, browns and earthy tones are also making a comeback. And please look at your light fixtures. Nothing dates a home faster than a fixture that screams 2009. Update dated fixtures and add LED lighting to brighten the home and give it a cleaner, more current feel.
Replace dated interior doors and trim. It is a relatively simple update that can completely elevate a home. Pay attention to your air conditioning system, water heater, plumbing, electrical systems and garage storage. These aren’t necessarily glamorous renovations, but buyers notice them, especially during inspections. A clean, organized garage with good storage is a definite plus.
Don’t renovate simply to follow every trend. Choose improvements that are beautiful, functional and likely to have staying power. Natural materials, warm neutrals, clean lines, good lighting, thoughtful storage and well-maintained outdoor spaces are all smart choices. Most importantly, take care of your home while you live there. Maintain it. Clean it. Organize it. Purge it. Fix what breaks. When the time comes to sell, you’ll have a home you enjoyed living in and one that is much easier for the next owner to fall in love with.
Rose Sklar
954.298.3626
Rose@sklarteam.com
