Owning a Home

Short-term moves can be stressful, and making a temporary space feel like home is important. But before you start knocking out walls and upgrading bathrooms, it’s wise to consider your return on investment—especially if you’re going to be reselling. “The decision to make improvements to a home intended for short-term use should be based on time, money, and immediate gratification,” says Dot Frank, a realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance Group. “Since your stay is limited, limit improvements to those you can tackle in short order. Personally, if more than 10% of my stay is spent renovating, it would be a no-go.” Read on for expert tips on the kinds of investments and upgrades to a temporary space that make sense in the long term.  Credit: Jay Wilde Smart Investments for Short-Term Upgrades If you’re having trouble deciding what to invest in for your temporary home, consider your budget and timeline first. “Some upgrades can be very cost effective and can be done quickly, while others can leave you gasping for air and asking yourself ‘are we there yet?” says Devin Juarez, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite. “Analyzing your budget and how long the project will take will help you prioritize your projects.” Next, decide whether the project you’re considering is a want or a need. “A beautiful bathroom might be a great improvement and make your day great when unwinding at the end of a long day, but if your house needs a new roof due to leaks or a new front porch because you’re afraid you might fall through the floor with every step you take, then it might make more sense to put off the new bathroom,” Juarez says.  Finally, consider the return on investment. If you’re only living in a home for a short time, it doesn’t make sense to sink tons of cash into an upgrade unless you can make the money back when you go to sell.  “Some upgrades such as new windows, new front door, new heater, or even an upgraded water heater to provide more hot water might be aesthetically pleasing, provide more efficiency with utilities, or an added comfort, but their cost does not provide a large return when selling the property,” Juarez says. “There are other investments in your home that could provide a better return with the same investment.” Frank says the ideal investment is a cost-effective improvement you’ll be able to appreciate while you reside in the residence, that also boosts your resale value. “Remember the end game is to resell, so make sure to keep it neutral and appealing to prospective buyers,” she says. “Remember the end game is to resell, so make sure to keep it neutral and appealing to prospective buyers.” — Dot Frank Here are a few projects the experts say are often good investments. 1. Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels Kitchens and bathrooms that have been remodeled or updated almost always yield the highest return on investments. “Many buyers go straight to the kitchen when searching for a new home. And many home seekers are paying more attention to the details in the bathroom, as many want that spa-like feel when entering the bathroom,” Juarez says. “We gather around the kitchen when having reunions or unwinding at the end of the day or at the beginning of our days to get the morning boost. An updated kitchen and bathroom can make all the difference between selling your home or it receiving any attention at all.” As you make your updates, try to keep them neutral and pleasing for the widest range of buyers. “Avoid trends that are permanent. You don’t want a permanent trend like your kitchen cabinets. That’s permanent,” says Tammy Doss, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central. Doss also cautions against making cheap upgrades like painting countertops, which won’t last long. Don’t have the time or budget for a major overhaul? Consider a small update. “Kitchens and bathrooms might be the heart of the home, but they can also feel daunting to renovate,” says Marjorie Adam, broker and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Pathways. “The good news is that minor upgrades like swapping out cabinet hardware, replacing faucets, and updating light fixtures can be done on a budget and deliver impressive results. These changes elevate the look of the space without requiring a major remodel.” 2. Curb Appeal Updates Doss says curb appeal is one of the best ways to get eyes on your property when you go to sell. “I always tell my buyers, it’s like going on a dating app,” Doss says. “You swipe left or you swipe right. If you see a house that is cluttered with dirty dishes in the sink and it’s just a wreck, you’re going to swipe left. You’re not going to date that house.”  Doss says a well-manicured lawn and facade on your home will draw the most buyers and showings. “Once they’re in the door, they can decide if they want a second date or making an offer,” she says. “They want to see the lawn has been taken care of—no oversized shrub,” Doss says. “They want to make sure the gutters have been taken care of, the porch has been swept off.” If you want to go above and beyond, try adding to your beds. New buyers will be drawn to