#renovation – Artisan Sotheby's International Realty

Tap into Solar Power

As energy costs rise and concerns about environmental sustainability grow, more homeowners are turning to solar energy as a viable solution. Going solar is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on energy bills, and increase your property’s value.

Understanding the Benefits of Solar Energy

Cost Savings: Solar energy provides substantial long-term cost savings. Your potential savings depend on electricity rates and the cost of your solar system. On average, it takes about 8 years to recover the money spent on installing solar panels. After that, the electricity generated by your solar panels is free.
Environmental Impact: Switching to solar energy helps reduce fossil fuel use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and fight climate change. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource.
Increased Property Value: Homes with solar panels typically increase in value. Prospective buyers often pay a premium for a house with lower energy costs and sustainable features.

Assessing Your Home’s Solar Potential

Before investing in solar panels, determine if your home is suitable for solar energy. Consider the following factors:

Roof Condition and Orientation: Solar panels work best on roofs in good condition and face south, but they can also be effective on east- and west-facing roofs. While south-facing roofs or ground arrays will generate energy most efficiently, you can still harness solar energy regardless of the direction your panels face.
Sunlight Exposure: To maximize electricity production, assess how much sunlight your roof gets. Factors such as trees, chimneys, or nearby buildings can cast shadows that reduce the efficiency of your solar panels. Although solar panels can generate electricity in different weather conditions, areas with more sunny days generally yield higher energy output. It’s advisable to research the average solar insolation levels in your area to estimate potential energy production. Discover your solar savings potential with Google Project Sunroof.

Choosing the Right Solar System

Monocrystalline: Monocrystalline panels are usually the most expensive solar panel type but are known for being highly efficient in producing energy. They require less space and have great heat tolerance.
Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels require more space and have lower efficiency and performance. However, they are typically cheaper and have a lifespan comparable to monocrystalline panels.

How much does Solar cost in California?

Federal Incentive

With the federal solar tax credit, or the investment tax credit (ITC), those who install eligible solar energy systems between 2022 and 2032 will get a tax credit worth 30%.

Selecting a Solar Installer

Research and Reviews: Look for installers with positive customer reviews and a solid reputation in the industry. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have gone solar.
Certifications and Experience: Ensure the installer is certified by recognised organisations, such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Experienced installers are more likely to handle challenges effectively and provide quality workmanship.
Quotes and Financing: Obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and services. Discuss financing options, including loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs), to find the best fit for your budget.

We proudly announce that we have earned the NAR’s Green Designation. This certification highlights our dedication to energy efficiency and sustainable real estate practices. Contact us today for more information on how we can assist with your real estate needs while prioritising sustainability.

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.

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:

Neutral Palette:

Stick to timeless colors like whites, grays, and earth tones.
Classic Furniture and Quality Materials:

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

Home Design Trends You Need to Know in 2023

The new year is upon us, signifying a time of change and new beginnings. Home design trends come in waves and now feels like the perfect time for a change.

If you are looking to buy a new home or make changes to your current one, you are probably curious about the design trends that will be popular in 2023.

Color of the year

According to The Psychology of Color in Spaces by Stoneside, color psychology focuses on color to create a specific atmosphere and mood. Hues are carefully chosen to invoke a certain emotional response in people and set a particular mood.

Furthermore, research into color theory has ascribed defined emotions to each hue, and it also takes into account various factors such as tint, saturation, and tone.

Moreover, if you have been thinking of repainting your walls, colors that bring warmth and coziness to the room are relevant in the year 2023.

However, this does not mean that you should avoid the darker hues entirely, as they will help you create a sleek and sophisticated space, so keep this in mind when designing your interior.

Warm White

This color is neutral and has always been the safest pick. As a result, it allows you to use richer, brighter furniture or even go with the classic beige, which is the most versatile tone to create that warmth and calming effect.

Desert Carnation

If you want to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, use earth-tone colors because they promote a nature-friendly atmosphere that creates a sense of tranquility.

Blue Arrow

“A shade that promotes balance within the home, merging cool tones of blue with a warm undertone.”

– Sue Kim, Valspar®

Dark Countertops

Dark countertops add character to your kitchen, giving it a dramatic look and strong appeal. This design can result in a refreshing, luxurious, and moody appearance.

Organized Space

Gena Kirk, Design expert in KB Home Design Studio says, “we’re seeing a lot less desire for open shelving—a very big trend for a long time—and glass front doors. We’re seeing customers who want to close things up and organize them well.”

Additionally, if you want to keep clutter at bay, invest in some furniture with hidden compartments to help you store your belongings without taking up any additional space in a room.

Minimalism

Minimalism has been a thing for some time and is here to stay. This interior design creates a simple and clean space that usually uses a monochromatic color scheme.

Kristin Hohenadel, Interior Design Expert, says that “minimalist design is about prioritizing the essentials. A minimalist building, object, or interior design is stripped to its core function, realized using limited materials, neutral colors, simple forms, and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance.

Additionally, while the final expression of a minimalist design might appear effortlessly simple, as spare as a poem, and as clear as a bell, achieving this kind of powerful simplicity is anything but easy.”

In line with this, the overall takeaway from what design experts anticipate will emerge in 2023 is a functional, inviting, natural, and comfortable space.

If you are looking for ideas for a new kitchen, bedroom, living room, or other home space to remodel, this will hopefully help.

Finally, we wish you a happy new year! May it be filled with new adventures and good fortunes. We look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs in 2023. Give us a call!

Bottom 10 Listings Features Could Surprise Sebastopol Readers

You don’t have to be planning to add your own home to the Sebastopol listings to be curious about how it would do if it were up for sale. If you are considering a change of residences, it’s twice as likely that you have been checking out the latest listings in Sebastopol to see what comparable properties are asking, which are already under contract, and which have been listed for the longest times…

Most important in the interest any listing elicits is the photography—combined with the Big Three: Asking Price; Number of Bedrooms; and Number of Bathrooms. But there is also the list of possible amenities—and how each stacks up with buyers across the nation. Some of them seem to attract the most eager buyers, while others seem to draw the most yawns. We’ve done an informal (and definitely unscientific) audit of what the leading commentators have come up with as “least popular” home amenities. We were quite surprised by several of them, especially number 5!

Here’s a sampling of the 10 top least exciting contenders:

1. Elevator. Almost every source mentioned this. People don’t want elevators in their homes, except for a small percentage of seniors. This is fortunate, because very few Sebastopol listings ever include them.

2. Two toilets in the master bath. Not terribly surprising, but not to be confused with two sinks in the master bath, which (at least here in Sebastopol) is a definite plus.

3. Cork flooring. Cork has excellent thermal and acoustical qualities. It’s lightweight, warm to the touch, hypoallergenic…but, alas! None of that seems to matter. Unpopular, apparently.

4. Wet bar. This could have some connection to the next:

Wine cellar. The vintage wine storage problem is, apparently, not high on most folks’ gotta-have-it lists.

Daycare center nearby. This is a surprise—you’d think it would be a strong positive for professionals with little ones. Perhaps this is a reaction to negative news stories about daycare centers in places other than our area…or perhaps, since other properties are within the same “nearby” radius, it’s just not enough of a differentiator to make it a listings winner.

Two story family room. Although this can be a delightful architectural feature, to some buyers it might hint at would-be grandeur that could make a family room less cozy.

Two-story foyer. Ditto.

Laminate countertop. Not surprising: stone seems to rule the roost in countertop mentions (as it has for years). One commentator found that Gen Xers “hold laminate countertops in the same disregard” that their elders hold for next-door baseball or soccer fields.

Pet washing station. Sorry Fido; looks like it’s off to the groomer for you.

There they are—but if your own Sebastopol home has one or more of these attributes, never fear…we’re experts at coming up with creative approaches for marketing them in new and exciting ways. Give us a call when it’s time to start creating your listing!

Financial Fitness in 2015

Fitness takes many forms: physical, emotional and, yes, financial. We encourage you to take the beginning of 2015 and approach your financial fitness with as much rigor as you would to any other part of your overall health and well-being. To achieve your goals, make it a habit to start each New Year with a clear understanding of your financial fitness.

What are your financial goals, both long and short term? Have they changed? Your goals can range from buying a home or remodeling a current property, saving for your child’s education, planning for retirement, or leaving a legacy. By annually re-defining your near-term (1 year), short-term (3-5 years), and long-term goals, you ground your financial decisions in your current goals, not old or outdated ones.

Having defined and confirmed your goals, are your finances working in support of them? Are your assets producing the financial returns needed to achieve your goals? Even assets that aren’t financially motivated produce a return; evaluate these as well. Do they provide the quality of life you desire?

What needs your attention immediately and what may need attention in a few years? Are your real estate investments performing as expected? Are there actions to take this year? Upgrade? Remodel? Liquidate? Are there any deferred maintenance items that should be attended to in 2015? Are your investments performing? How do your holdings perform against the national average? Will you be able to achieve your financial goals both now and in the future?

Once you have analyzed your current status, assets and resources available to you, and changes to make, formulate your final financial plan. We are happy to help you with any stage of your financial assessment and planning. We have developed strong relationships with some of the best local, trusted, and experienced, CPAs, financial planners and wealth managers in Sonoma County. Please contact us; we would be honored to pass along their contact information to you.

There is a lot to be said for a yearly fitness assessment, especially a financial one. We feel that the best New Year’s resolution you can make is to look at all of your investments, not just your real estate holdings, to make sure they are working together in service of your financial goals and dreams.

Love it or List it

We are often asked if remolding a home will not only increase the value of a property but pay for itself upon resale. It is tough to say definitively, but for the most part, any renovation you embark on should hold the greatest value in your enjoyment and quality of life. Remodeling a home with the sole intention of increasing its resale value is likely to fall short of expectations.

Why? There are many factors that come into play when determining a value of a property, including what buyers might be willing to pay. The trick in real estate is to find that balance between the two.

Sometimes even cosmetic decisions can affect the resale value of your property. If you remodel your kitchen and select a countertop that you enjoy but is unique in its color and texture, the likelihood of multiple buyers enjoying the same style is small. This creates a much more narrow pool of people you can sell your home to. Selecting furnishings, appliances, colors and flooring that accent the architectural integrity of your home, as a focus, can prove to be a much safer investment if resale is your focus.

Consider your neighbors, location of your home and its current value. Some homeowners remodel their homes right out of a profit. If your home was already at the top threshold in market value, adding additional pressure to gain any remodeling costs at resale can end badly. You can over spend and over value your home.

Not all remodels provide the same bang for their buck. Kitchens and bathrooms typically steal the spotlight in a home remodel, but they aren’t necessarily the ones that have the highest return on investment when you sell your home. Smaller, less sexy renovations give you the bigger bang for your buck such as: a new front door, replacing the siding, new windows, deck addition or a minor remodel to a kitchen. One of the lowest returns on investment has shown to be a home office.

Fundamentally, your home is your castle. You have worked hard to purchase it, you take pride in maintaining it, and you have enjoyed living in it. If there are some things that you would like to do to spruce it up and make it more functional, esthetically pleasing, or bring it into the modern world, do it for your enjoyment. This way if you do recoup your initial cost of the remodel it is a win-win situation.

Still considering taking the “hammer and nail plunge”? Consider these questions posed by Realtor.com in a recent article on home remodeling. They might help you clarify your decision to remodel or give you pause and allow you to adjust the scope of the project.

http://www.realtor.com/advice/is-remodeling-your-home-worth-the-cost/

How long do you plan to live in your current home?
Will you get to enjoy the results of your remodeling project?
Will the remodel meet an immediate but temporary need? Or be an investment in your lifestyle?
How old are you? What kind of income do you anticipate in the years ahead?
If you are close to retirement, is now the time to invest in home improvements?
How much chaos can you live with during the renovation process?
Does your house—the floor plan, the garden, the bathrooms, everything—work for you?
Will your home need a lot of updates? Will there be simple ways to update things like energy usage?

Once you have taken a deeper look into this journey and you are still game, call us. We are happy to come out to your property and give you an obligation-free assessment of your plans from a real estate perspective, as well as access to our vast list of experienced and trust-worthy service providers that can assist you with your improvements. A professional perspective from a realtor, home appraiser, or interior designer could save you a lot of money in the long run.

My wife and I have had many of these conversations over the years and we still chose to remodel our home, consciously disregarding any resale value it may or may not bring us in later years. We are committed to living in our home for an infinite number of years and decided what we would gain in personal enjoyment would far exceed the money spent.

We have designed and created a living space that is ideal for our lifestyle, tastes and wallet, and are immensely pleased with the results – regardless if everyone likes our choice of bathroom tile!