Randy Mack | Realtor | 707.696.6272

    Heidi Faulkner | Realtor | 707.480.4098

Artisan Sotheby's International RealtyArtisan Sotheby's International Realty

Sonoma County's Leading Real Estate Agency

  • Home
  • Featured Listings
    • Sold Listings
  • Sonoma County
    • Forestville
    • Healdsburg
    • Petaluma
    • Santa Rosa
    • Sebastopol
    • Windsor
  • Search Listings
    • Listing Alerts
  • Real Estate Explained
    • Real Estate Explained For Buyers
      • Why Work With A Realtor?
      • When Choosing A Realtor
      • Understanding The Term Agency
      • How to Prepare for House Hunting
      • Prepare to Buy A Home
      • Find Your Dream Home
      • About Credit Scores
      • Improving Your Credit Score
      • Track Your Budget
      • Preparing to Finance a Home
      • Loans and Lending Terms
      • When Choosing a Lender
      • Financing a Home Creatively
      • Define Your Dream Home
      • About the Neighborhood
      • Home Finance
      • Your Home’s Value
      • Loan Analysis
      • When Considering a Condo or HOA
      • The Condo Board
      • When Choosing a Home Inspector
      • About the Home Inspection
      • About Home Hazards
      • Green Home Terms
      • About the Appraisal Process
      • About Property Tax
      • Your Mortgage Application
      • Before Making a Short Sale Offer
      • Your Short Sale Purchase Team
      • Buying in a Tight Market
      • About Homeowners Insurance
      • Lower Homeowners Insurance Costs
      • About Title Insurance
      • Track Closing Costs
      • Transaction Documents
      • Your Final Walk-Through
      • Prepare for Your Move
      • Pack Like a Pro
      • How to Move With Pets
    • Real Estate Explained For Sellers
      • 7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®
      • When Choosing a Realtor
      • Agency & Agency Relationships
      • When Considering Selling
      • Home Value
      • Home Staging Success
      • Calculate Capital Gains
      • Checklist Before Putting Your Home up for Sale
      • How to Hire a Remodeling Contractor
      • How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale
      • Add Curb Appeal
      • Clean When Your Home is For Sale
      • How to Prepare for the Photoshoot
      • How to Attract More Buyers
      • Checklist for a Better Home Showing
      • How to Use Feng Shui Concepts in Staging
      • What to Know About the Appraisal Process
      • How to Prepare for a Short Sale
      • How to Navigate a Short Sale
      • How to Improve the Odds of an Offer
      • How to Recognize a Qualified Buyer
      • Track Closing Costs
      • Transaction Documents
      • Prepare for Your Move
      • Pack Like a Pro
      • For the New Owners
  • Blog
  • About Us
    • Book of Services
    • Sebastopol By Design
    • Testimonials
  • Links
    • Disaster Prep Tips from professional organizations
      • Wildfire Preparation
      • Wildfire Preparation – FEMA
      • Power Outage Preparation
      • Earthquake Preparation
    • Wounded Warriors Partnership Project
    • Recommended Links
      • Recomended Service Providers

Home Improvement Projects to Increase Resale Value

Are you considering selling your home and looking to maximise its resale value? Home improvements can be a powerful tool for increasing the appeal and marketability of your property.

Whether you’re preparing to sell soon or want to enhance your home’s value with a return on investment (ROI) in mind, this is a smart financial move.

Home Improvements with the Best ROI

1. HVAC Conversion (Electrification)

According to the 2023 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodelling by JLC for the Pacific Region, converting a fossil-fuel-burning furnace to an electric heat pump and installing new lines and wall units has the highest ROI.

The conversion project is costly, but the ROI is outstanding at over 100%.

  • Average cost: $18,873
  • Average resale value: $19,770
  • Cost recouped: 104.8%

2. Focus on Curb Appeal

Make a positive first impression when selling your house. Since the exterior is what potential buyers see first, update the exterior of your home with landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or spruce up your entryway.

As per the report, these curb appeal enhancers have the highest returns:

    • Garage Door Replacement

  • Average cost: $4,756
  • Average resale value: $4,604
  • Cost recouped: 96.8%
    • Entry Door Replacement (Steel)

  • Average cost: $3,839
  • Average resale value: $3,406
  • Cost recouped: 88.7%
    • Manufactured Stone Veneer

  • Average cost: $11,785
  • Average resale value: $9,973
  • Cost recouped: 84.6%

3. Siding Replacement

The siding of a house is one of the most prominent features of its exterior. If it appears worn out or shabby, it can ruin the overall appearance of the whole property. It might be worth contemplating replacing the old siding with newer, better-quality materials.

There are two durable materials to consider for your home’s exterior: fibre-cement and vinyl, offering a modern and fresh look while providing long-lasting protection from the elements.

Vinyl

  • Average cost: $18,228
  • Average resale value: $17,922
  • Cost recouped: 98.3%

Fibre-cement

  • Average cost: $19,765
  • Average resale value: $17,172
  • Cost recouped: 86.9%

4. Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange)

The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home and can significantly impact a buyer’s decision.

Upgrade old appliances, install modern countertops, or refresh cabinets with a new coat of paint or updated hardware. Even small changes can make a big difference.

  • Average cost: $28,057
  • Average resale value: $22,221
  • Cost recouped: 79.2%

5. Window Replacement

This home improvement project enhances the interior look and also has practical benefits. You can reduce energy bills and boost comfort with energy-efficient windows.

It’s a worthy investment that can pay off in the long run.

Vinyl

  • Average cost: $22,299
  • Average resale value: $15,215
  • Cost recouped: 68.2%

Wood

  • Average cost: $26,528
  • Average resale value: $15,336
  • Cost recouped: 57.8%

6. Bathroom Remodel (Midrange)

Bathrooms are another area that buyers pay close attention to. Consider upgrading fixtures, replacing old tiles, or adding energy-efficient features.

  • Average cost: $27,024
  • Average resale value: $16,893
  • Cost recouped: 62.5%

7. Roofing Replacement

A new roof boosts the home’s overall appearance and signals potential buyers that the property has been well-maintained, potentially justifying a higher selling price. 

Additionally, modern roofing materials often come with energy-efficient features, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to save on energy costs.

Reduced maintenance requirements and the assurance of a well-kept roof make the home more attractive on the market.

Asphalt Shingles

  • Average cost: $33,541
  • Average resale value: $20,561
  • Cost recouped: 61.3%

Metal

  • Average cost: $55,619
  • Average resale value: $24,127
  • Cost recouped: 43.4%

Other Valuable Home Improvement Projects

1. Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular. There are numerous ways to transform your backyard into a functional outdoor living space. You can add a deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen.

Read our blog post about the best outdoor living ideas to find the right beautiful extension of your home.

Additionally, remodeling outdoor features can financially benefit homeowners who plan to sell their property. NAR, Most REALTORS® Recommend Improving Curb Appeal, and Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features, NAR-NALP Report Finds: Most REALTORS® (92%) suggest that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale.

2. Address Structural Issues

Before focusing on cosmetic upgrades, ensure that the structure of your home is sound. Address any issues such as roof leaks, foundation cracks, or plumbing problems. 

Hire a home inspector to find and fix problems before you sell your home. Then, you can demonstrate your detailed care for the buyer’s future home by providing them with receipts.

3. Install Hardwood Floors

Beyond the timeless elegance they bring to any room, hardwood floors are durable and easy to maintain. They are versatile and can work effectively in almost any room while also increasing the value of your home.

NAR, Remodeling Impact, for interior projects, the highest percentage cost recovered was from refinishing hardwood floors at 147%, new wood flooring at 118%, and insulation upgrade at 100%.

In conclusion, remember to prioritise upgrades that offer the best ROI and appeal to a broad range of tastes. By strategically investing in your home, you can maximise your property’s value and ensure a successful sale.

Finally, as your real estate agent, we are happy to further extend our services by offering our list of local, trusted service providers. Call us about your particular needs, and we will connect you with a qualified service provider in our area who can assist you.

Posted in: General, Home Selling, Real Estate Resources, Renovation + Build to Suit Tagged: #agent, #artisansothebys, #buildtosuit, #forestville, #healdsburg, #homemaintenance, #homeownership, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mackfaulkner, #petaluma, #realestate, #realestateagent, #realtor, #remodel, #renovation, #sebastopol, #sonomacounty, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, HeidiFaulkner, RandyMack, santarosa, Sellingyourhome

Elevate Your Home: Interior Design Trends 2024

As we approach the start of a new year, you’re probably wondering what the year 2024 holds for home design. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a home renovation or simply curious about the direction design is heading, let’s explore the top interior design trends that will redefine our living spaces in 2024.

 

Blue Centered

Known for its calming and tranquil properties, blue effortlessly fits into various design styles, from modern to traditional. Experiment with paint, furniture, and accessories.

 

Moreover, blue cabinetry or tiles provide a refreshing touch in functional areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

You can complement blue with neutral tones like white, gray, and natural wood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artisanal Touches

There is a growing appreciation for handmade and artisanal elements in home design, as they contribute to the character of a home and create a space that reflects individual tastes.

Custom furniture, handcrafted ceramics, and unique textiles add an authentic touch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warm Neutrals

Warm neutrals, such as beige, tan, taupe, cream, and soft whites, are a timeless choice for interior design.

It’s versatile and easy to complement; warm neutrals work well with cool and warm color schemes. It also offers easy maintenance and allows for personalization through textures and accessories.

 

Maximalism

Maximalist interior design is a vibrant and eclectic style that revels in excess. It features a bold mix of colors, patterns, and textures.

This design often showcases a diverse range of art, collectibles, and furnishings, with a fearless approach to combining elements that may seem unconventional. Unlike minimalism, where less is more, maximalism encourages that sometimes more is just right.

 

Timeless

Timeless interior design is a captivating approach that defies the transient nature of trends. To achieve this, focus on these principles:

  1. Neutral Palette:

    Stick to timeless colors like whites, grays, and earth tones.

  2. Classic Furniture and Quality Materials:

    Invest in high-quality, classic pieces with clean lines. Choose durable materials like hardwood and natural fabrics.

  3. Balanced Proportion:

    Arrange the space symmetrically. You can start with two elements. For example, bring two couches opposite each other or two chairs opposite a couch. Maintain a functional layout with well-proportioned furniture. It’s all about bringing balance to both sides of a room.

  4. Lighting:

    Find well-designed lighting fixtures that complement the overall aesthetic. Classic chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces can add a touch of elegance and timelessness.

 

Organic-shaped Furniture

Unlike traditional furniture with straight lines and rigid angles, organic-shaped furniture embraces curves, flowing lines, and irregular contours reminiscent of natural elements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swivel chairs, loveseats, or couches with rounded corners are all examples of it that can help soften contemporary rooms.

These pieces can be bright, particularly when they stand alone. They add a touch of color and become a focal point in a black-and-white room.

 

Backsplash Blending

Mitchell Parker from Houzz: Some designers are now installing a slab of stone or quartz behind the range or cooktop while keeping the surrounding backsplash areas tiled.

“The slab is often the same material as the countertops, giving the kitchen graphic veining and interesting details—it creates a striking focal point, plus, it’s easy to wipe clean,” he says.

Ultimately, the home design trends of 2024 encourage us to think beyond the conventional, inviting us to explore creativity and authenticism. These ideas will hopefully help if you’re looking to remodel your living spaces.

And for more interior design content, check out 10 Major Interior Design Styles Explained.

Finally, we wish you a happy new year! May it be filled with new adventures and good fortune. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2024. Give us a call!

Posted in: General, Renovation + Build to Suit Tagged: #artisansothebys, #buildtosuit, #buyersagent, #designtrends, #forestville, #healdsburg, #homedesign, #homeownership, #interiordesign, #luxuryhome, #luxuryrealestate, #mackfaulkner, #petaluma, #realestate, #realestateagent, #remodel, #renovation, #sebastopol, #sonomacounty, #sothebysrealestate, #windsor, HeidiFaulkner, RandyMack

Ultimate Rainy Day Home Décor Inspiration Generator

n

Even if you don’t pride yourself on your artistic flair, you probably have developed fairly firm ideas about what makes some Sebastopol homes come across better than others. Without even consciously thinking about it, you know as soon as you walk through a front door whether that immediate impression is strongly positive, just so-so, or sub-so-so.

A home’s agreeable first impression can usually be laid to a combination of pleasing architecture, diligent maintenance, and appealing décor. Not every home in Sebastopol has all that going for it, but there can also be a saving note: sometimes the most important impression comes from just a few minor touches—clever accents that just seem perfect.

Now that we’re wading deeper into the (very welcomed) rainy months when the weather causes us to stay indoors, we are more likely to find ourselves with some spare time—the commodity that was so hard to find when the sun was shining. That makes it an ideal time to browse through the web (or home decorating magazines, if any of those are around) to fire your creative decorating juices. There are websites galore that feature photos displaying imaginative design touches that other homeowners have come up with. Today, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel—when it’s being reinvented by thousands of others.

All by itself, Pinterest is a single source of boundless do-it-yourself design ideas. The virtual pin board site is the source of billions of images its users are proud enough to want to share with the world (and a surprisingly large percentage live up to that appraisal!). Since there are more than 100 million active users every month, the images and ideas are constantly changing. If you’re open to new ideas, this is boundlessly rich territory.

If you enter ‘decorating’ in the search bar at the top of the Pinterest screen, you’ll summon up dozens of tabs (they look like color swatches) that lead to all sorts of classifications. There are Apartment, Home, Bedroom, Cabin, DIY, Room, Fall, Rustic, Kitchen, Bathroom, Wall, Ideas, House, Vintage, Country, Table, Dorm, Cookies (this leads to dessert-type cookies—so here ‘decorating’ means ideas for icing them), On A Budget, Farmhouse, Cottage, Bohemian (a suitable alternate title for that one might be ‘clutter’ or ‘gypsy wagon’) Beach, Nautical, Modern…you get the idea: just about everything.

Alternatively, once you are in the greater ‘decorating’ section, you can also just key in a more specific description of the area you’re exploring. For instance, if you put in ‘spring,’ you’ll see hundreds (perhaps thousands—the pages just keep expanding) of colorful ideas for springtime everything: bunnies, door hangings (a great idea showed an umbrella hanging from a front door knocker with a terrifically colorful springtime floral display bursting up out of the inside of the umbrella)… Then, once you click on any image, you are taken to the creator’s page…and that’s likely to show hundreds of other ideas. A lot of them turn out to be commercial sites, but those have often cooked up some of the most creative ideas.

In case you’ve never visited Pinterest, We would like to apologize in advance to the amount of time it’s likely to devour. Still, when the weather turns foul, and you’re looking for ways to enhance your Sebastopol home, that’s probably a reasonable price to pay. We have a number of other resources if you are thinking of maximizing your property’s appeal for sale (or for you!). Give us a call anytime!   

n

Posted in: General Tagged: #decorating2016, #homedecor, #pinterest, #remodel, #Sebastopolrealestate

Share This Page

           

Sonoma Real Estate Blog

First-Time Buyer Myths Debunked: What’s True in 2025

Design a Stylish Outdoor Living Space for 2025

Spring 2025 Market Trends: Key Insights for Buyers & Sellers

10 Essential Steps to Buying Your Dream Home

Contact Information

Randy Mack and Heidi Faulkner
Artisan Sotheby's International Realty
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol CA 95472
(707) 696-6272
(707) 480-4098
Fax: (707) 824-0587
Send an Email
 Logo For Randy Mack and Heidi Faulkner  Real Estate

About Us

We are proud to have aligned ourselves with Artisan Sotheby’s International Realty an inspirational brand based on heritage, tradition and expertise. We are setting new standards by refining the art of residential brokerage with a practiced eye of identifying the unique value of a property. We offer a deep commitment to excellent service and have a passion for unparalleled quality. Unique homes require skillful marketing through our local expertise and Sotheby’s International Realty interconnected global network of offices that are dedicated to the extraordinary.

Testimonials

I wish to express my satisfaction and confidence in your ability to find an ideal home for anyone that I would refer to you. My own experience in purchasing and selling a home with you allowed me to witness the fact that you are truly an expert in your field, handling all aspects of residential real estate transactions. From the beginning, your market analysis to the final stages of negotiations, your calm manner and clear explanation kept me knowing I was in the best of hands.

Mr. Mitchler
More Testimonials

Contact Us

Randy Mack - Realtor CA BRE#01252462
randy@mack-faulkner.com

(707) 696-6272
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472



Heidi Faulkner - Realtor CA BRE#01227446
Heidi@mack-faulkner.com

(707) 480-4098
6984 McKinley Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472



© 2025 · Equity Framework
© MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated, except offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated. All information herein is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
 

Listings Sitemap · Log in