Strategic Home Renovations

to Increase Your Home Value

Improving your home’s value through strategic renovations can be a smart investment, often yielding significant returns when it’s time to sell. The majority of homeowners see the most return from upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, and heating/cooling systems. In 2024, homeowners are spending more than $25,000 on home renovations and repairs. But, the big question always remains, what will I get or see out of a renovation when it comes time to sell my home?

Interior
Focus on areas where you spend the most time. Interior renovations, like the kitchen and bathroom will see a massive return on investment.
Exterior
Selling a home starts at the curb. Exterior improvements can significantly enhance your home’s attractiveness from the street. Energy-efficient upgrades are equally as vital for the cold Kansas City winter and extreme heat summers. Consider installing smart security systems, programmable lighting, and automated climate control to appeal to modern buyers.

Before you decide to pick up a hammer, read the latest blog post.

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Interior Remodeling ROI
Exterior Renovations ROI

Tips of the Trade

Without proper preparation, your sprinkler system and pool might be damaged by freezing temperatures. Preparing your irrigation system especially for Kansas City winters where it tends to freeze!

In-ground Pool Tips

To make this winterization process as easy as possible, make sure you have all necessary tools and cleaning products, such as: 

  • Blower or shop vac
  • Expansion plugs
  • Filter cleaner
  • Pool brush
  • Pool cover
  • Pool vacuum
  • Skimmer net
  • Submersible pump (for lowering water level)
  • Water testing kit

These supplies are needed for the winterization process:

  • Algaecide
  • Alkalinity increaser
  • pH increaser or decreaser
  • Pool shock
  • Winterizing chemical kit


By removing all pool accessories (like ladders and skimmer baskets), you can easily deep clean the pool. Once the pool is drained, you’ll want to clear the water from lines using a blower. Use expansion plugs to seal. Add necessary shock and algaecide to kill bacteria. Ensure a tight fitting, safety cover is anchored to protect the pool during the winter months as well as preventing any accidental falls.

Irrigation Tips

First, shut off the main water supply. Make sure to insulate valves and above-ground piping with foam insulation tape and a plastic bag to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing. An automatic system will have a “shut down” feature on the controller to prevent activating the pump, which could overheat. Now you will need to remove excess water from your pipes, either by an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow-out method. Your irrigation specialist will help remove the remaining water, while also protecting above-ground valves and backflow preventers for the winter.

Winterizing your pool and irrigation system includes more than cleaning and flushing out the pipes. Experts and specialists will assist in closing these water-filled features to reduce the risk of damage from freezing temperatures during the winter months. Most homeowners can complete some of these checklist items, but consider hiring a professional if you’re inexperienced or notice a problem with your pool or irrigation system.

Our preferred vendor page has experts to help prep for the winter!

What are the Benefits of Selling in the Fall?

The fall season in Kansas City is once upon us and while spring and summer are far more desirable to sell a home, fall creates an exciting atmosphere that you shouldn’t pass up.

Selling your home in fall

Cozy Vibes

A warming color palette and scent experience helps buyers visualize holidays and family get-togethers. Don’t be afraid to run wild with fall accents, décor, and fragrances.

Flexibility

With the kids being in school, distractions and messy households are no longer an issue. (We see you shoving things in a closet or drawer!) Fuller family schedules mean more time for showings!

Weather

The best thing about cooler temperatures means checking projects off the list to sell your home. Buyers are also more inclined to take advantage of the cooler weather to see homes before it’s time to hunker down.

The Gutters come before the Fall
Kansas City is known for its swings in weather, and we are no stranger to rain! Cleaning and keeping your gutters free from leaves allows water to flow freely. Preparing your gutters for fall is the best thing you can do right now, before the end of summer. Leaves and their build-up add weight to gutters, causing foundation issues and water damage. Ensuring regular gutter maintenance happens routinely will allow your gutters to be free of debris all year long.
Clear Your Gutters

A New Strategy to Hit the Market

While the market is hot to sell, buyers are still concerned about rates and extra expenses. Recently, sellers are including additional money for practical line items, such as closing costs, rate buydown, or renovation allowance. Contributing to potential buyers’ wallets will make your home more attractive against other homes in your area. With the right incentives, this could also reduce the time your home is on the market. Keep in mind, an incentive strategy might help your chances of a quick, successful home sale in this current market.

Labor Day in Kansas City
Events for Labor Day Weekend

Keep a Touch of Summer All Year Long

With PSL hitting the Starbucks menu in August, the fall season seems to creep in even earlier and the summer wind is all of sudden … gone?  If you’re singing a little Frank Sinatra with us, we understand you’re longing for it. There’s something about the summer wind that makes us want to keep a little touch of it in the home for longer. Whether it be a total mood booster for the cold winter months ahead or just a pop of color, here are a few color palettes that pair well with fall seasonal decor and accents.

Beachy Casual with Cool Tones
Cozy with a Sunrise Twist
Vibrant with Bright Sunset Hues
Real Estate Market Update

Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® shows us with Average Days on the Market going down and Average Sales Prices going up – things are looking really good for sellers!

Selling Your Home is an Stress-Free Process with The Gresham Group.  Let’s get your home on the market.

Take a Road Trip with Us

All your favorites for the perfect playlist to hit the road.

Head to Spotify and search The Graham Group.

WORK WITH US

Buying and selling a house is an emotional process. Our agents are here to be your trusted advisor and lifelong friend. We’re dedicated to the people of Kansas and Missouri and believe everyone should be able to find home.
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