REAL ESTATE REALITY: STAYING PUT; EXPERIENCING CONTENTMENT

By Maryanne Jackson 

Photo: Creative Commons

October 14, 2019 (San Diego’s East County)

Dear Maryanne,

My husband and I own a home in La Mesa. We really do not plan on selling or moving any time soon.

However, we are planning on fixing up the place just for us.

I am curious what type of improvements tend to induce homeowners to stay put?

Lesley M.

Dear Lesley,

Here are the top 10 improvements that will carry you on through the long haul. Think of things that last a while and will not need to be changed often.

1. A new roof. (Life expectancy can be up to 30 years depending on the quality and materials used.)
2. Adding a solar system. (Saves on electricity as soon as it is installed. But it could take years to pay for the initial investment.)
3. Updating the bathrooms. If you love baths than consider a whirlpool spa tub. 
4. Modernizing the kitchen. If you’re a gourmet cook, put in a stove that you can really enjoy using.
5. Replacing the old cracked, chipped driveway. Concrete, brick trim and stamped concrete normally hold up well under most weather conditions, just to give you a few ideas.
6. Landscaping, such s adding low maintenance plants and drought tolerant shrubbery that bloom and provide shade.
7. Upgrade that old carpet with hardwoods, stone and tile.
8. Customize those doors; consider a new front door that makes a statement, such as solid woods with specialty glass designs.
9. New window treatments, such as custom blinds that open with ease. Remote control blinds make it simple to control the lighting in any room, even those hard to reach blinds.
10. Lastly, Upgrade your fireplace mantel. Think about creating a place to put your photos and books. After all you are not moving, so focus on making your house a permanent home.

Questions answered on a first come, first serve basis. E-mail westcoastproperties@yahoo.com

Or call 858-740-7858

Maryanne Jackson, real estate broker, CNE, CPRES.