When you looked at your email today, you no doubt received a post indicating a new article was out entitled “How Remaining Economic Life Works”. So, funny story… I just started working on that article. Whilst attempting to set the publish date, I accidentally hit the publish now button. Awkward! I do hope it whets your appetite for this future article.
Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy a bonus article from my returning guest blogger, Seth Murphey. He originally wrote an article for the Cleveland Appraisal Blog, back in July, entitled “4 Home Repairs You Need to Hand Over to a Professional”.
I hope you find his new article to be helpful!
High-Impact Home Upgrades for Any Budget

You don’t need a bottomless home improvement budget to transform your home into the property of your dreams. Making a few upgrades around the home can be surprisingly affordable! Whether you’re dreaming of beautiful outdoor living space, a bright and modern kitchen, or a luxurious bathroom, you can make it happen on any budget! What’s more, these inexpensive projects are bound to pay off when you sell your home. Here are some ideas to inspire you, brought to you courtesy of the Cleveland Appraisal Blog.
System Upgrades
A home that has good bones is worth a lot to potential buyers, even if the building could use a few cosmetic upgrades. Make sure all your electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems are running smoothly!
- Simple electrical upgrades — like adding outlets with USB ports — can improve the functionality of your home.
- Have your HVAC system serviced regularly to increase its longevity.
- If you don’t have the money set aside for these upgrades, consider refinancing your mortgage to help free up cash.
Cosmetic Fixes
Some paint and wallpaper can do a lot to add personality and intrigue to your home. This is your chance to get creative!
- Hang some peel-and-stick wallpaper to create an accent wall or add elegance to a bathroom.
- Repaint your cabinets to brighten up your kitchen without a major renovation.
- Have fun with some creative paint techniques instead of sticking with a single solid color.
Simple DIY Repairs
You don’t need to call in a pro for every home repair. With the right tools and research, you should be able to tackle these repair projects on your own.
- Replace your toilet with a newer model to conserve water.
- Refinish your hardwood floors to remove scratches and restore shine.
- Fix a jammed or clogged garbage disposal.
- Learn how to repair small holes in your drywall from accidental punctures.
- Make all of your cabinets and drawers slow closing.
Tackling affordable home repairs and upgrades can be very rewarding. Whether you’re hanging some bold wallpaper or refinishing your hardwood floors, your home improvement projects are going to leave you with an incredible sense of accomplishment — and your wallet will thank you too!
Photo via Pexels
Thanks so much Seth, for sharing your insights with us on some home improvements that won’t break the bank!
And thank you for being here to read articles at the Cleveland Appraisal Blog! I hope you’ll join me for my next article, which will very likely be discussing how remaining economic life works.
I leave you this week with a video of some very interesting homes! Could you live in one of these?
Have a great weekend!
Season 4 is here! I hope you enjoy this new season!
If you enjoy listening to podcasts, check out my latest episode. I hope you enjoy it! You can find me on Apple Podcast, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Google Play Music, Sound Cloud, Radio.com, RadioPublic, Deezer, Breaker, Stitcher as well as other feeds.
You can also listen right here at Cleveland Appraisal Blog!
www.homevaluestories.libsyn.com
I am a member of the National Association of Appraisers. If you’re an appraiser, and you’re looking to join an appraisal organization, please check them out. The NAA is made up of fantastic appraisers from across the country who are working hard to keep their fellow appraisers up to date on what’s happening.
Click here to visit their website.
Here are some links to other articles I’ve enjoyed recently! I hope you will also…
Changing The Housing Soundtrack – Housing Notes by Jonathan Miller
The Immersion Method – The Brian Buffini Show (PODCAST)
Three USPAP Secrets of an Extraordinary Assumption and a Hypothetical Condition Revealed for the First Time! – The Appraiser’s Advocate (PODCAST)
Will appraisers use Zillow purchases as comps? – Sacramento Appraisal Blog
Palo Pinto County, Taxes – Did you know? – DW Slater Company Blog
What! No report? – George Dell’s Analogue Blog
Is the Housing Market Back to Normal? – Birmingham Appraisal Blog
Appraising Fixer-Uppers – APPRAISAL TODAY
The Bookstore Analogy – The Appraiser Coach (PODCAST)
Yes, keeping the HVAC system is essential. Not only does this ensure the long lifespan of the systems but also reduces utility bills. Well-maintained HVAC consumes less energy to function.
Excellent point!