With the poor housing market in the past and a rise in home prices ahead, home buyers are faced with the challenge of slim pickings and paying more to get a home that may not fit all of their needs.

SO, what is a buyer to do?! Many of these people are working with real estate agents who have renovation backgrounds to help them point out creative solutions and renovation potential to transform a home into something that will fit the buyers needs and wants. Making a home “work” by doing some changes is now the way to go when buyer’s options are limited.

Clients come to me as a NKBA professional & licensed realtor in need of both a real estate agent as well as a renovation pro. Our long history of working in investment properties and with client’s home renovations fits the bill for many people. I help people find the diamond in the rough!

Not everyone is looking for a 5000+ sq foot home with all of the luxury amenities there is to offer but everyone wants functionality and comfort. Luxury does not only exist in high price ranges, it is achieved by blending comfort, functionality and beauty. This is put perfectly into words in this quote, “Luxury has to be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” ~ Coco Chanel. If you can blend the best of both worlds then you are able to open doors to many different home options rather than just the few that match your criteria exactly, as is, with no changes. You will be able to find potential in homes that other people are overlooking.

When looking at homes it is important to pin point the features that can be changed and features that can not be changed. If it can’t be changed and it is something you can’t live without then move on to the next one! Some examples of these include:

“Changeables”:

• Does the home have walls/adjacent rooms that can be opened up to create a different space?
• Can bathrooms be added?
• Can bedrooms be added?
• Paint Colors
• Finishes such as countertops, cabinets, flooring, lighting

“Non-changeables”:

• Is the location right?
• Is the School District where you want to be?
• Is the sq footage optimal without additions?
• Does the cost of the renovations needed fit your budget?
• Age of the home?
• City restrictions on improvements/changes?

The flip side to all of this is deciding if you need to move or staying put and making changes to your current home to transform it into what you need. Hiring a professional can help you visualize the potential and make the decision on if it is possible to create a better home within your current space. Many companies offer consultations at a low fee which generally entails a walk through of your home and discussing ideas and potential. There are many organizations to refer to for professionals; NKBA, REALTOR, BATC, ASID…to name a few. Hiring someone with good credentials is going to give you the best outlook on what to expect from them.

This conservatively sized rambler, 1600 sq ft, in the highly sought after city of Shoreview, Mn and Moundsview school district is a prime example of creating a beautiful retreat from a home in need of repair. It met all of the criteria of the “non-changeables” but lacked in layout and finishes. I was able to pinpoint the “changeables” to make this a desirable home after the renovations were complete. The initial low price of the home made this an affordable choice, not only, for the purchase price but also for the renovation costs. A “coastal” theme was done which blended the traditional white, wood shake siding of the exterior with the interior decor. Neutral colors brought light into the space while functional furnishings made this fit in with real life living and comfort.

Removing a row of cabinets and repositioning appliances, was a low cost improvement with big impact in this galley kitchen. Whitewashed cabinets, beadboard and trendy barnwood shelves make this kitchen unique! 

Custom built-ins were added to the nook next the fireplace adding ample amounts of storage and aesthetic appeal to the living room. The white woodwork and gray walls keep the home light and bright cohesive with the coastal vibe.

A small home that was overlooked by many buyers now boasts a big impact on functionality and style with simple renovations and really good design. A great way to go for the budget conscious client!