By Jaime Silveira

Spring is a time for optimism, in addition to cleaning! Whether it is making way for a large relocation move, downsizing for current conditions, or deciding to take on a home improvement project that will provide a solid return on your investment, having the confidence to make things happen is very motivating.

A recent report from the National Association of Realtors measured a REALTOR® Confidence Index that saw an increase in optimism in the market outlook for both buyers and sellers, increasing to the highest levels since March 2023 and April 2023, respectively. Without delving too much into the numbers, the just of it is that about a quarter of the REALTORS® polled were optimistic in the buyer traffic increasing over the next few months. Likewise, seller traffic is also expected to increase. This doesn’t sound too different from what I have seen year over year in our local market. Spring is a very good time to sell! 

If selling is a part of your plan for 2025, what projects do you think will provide the highest return on your investment? Talk to your Realtor about what makes sense given the parameters of your situation. As we saw locally in 2024, and early January 2025, we did see price reductions increase, which, for buyers, is good news.

With that said, Atascadero sellers still received 96 percent of their asking price in 2024. Presenting your individual property under the best light is key. For example, in the November 2024, national survey, 37% of respondents had buyers looking for a work-from-home feature. Do you have an office set up? Is there a flex room available? Certainly, not every home has that, but your home has features that attracted you when you purchased it. Was it the stunning views, natural light, updated kitchen, open floorplan layout or beautiful property? No matter what made you fall in love with your home, you’ll want to find ways to highlight those features.

Now, there are some investments or regular maintenance items that can’t be avoided and don’t provide a huge amount of immediate return on your efforts.  However, do not underestimate the power of tidying up, decluttering and depersonalizing inside the home and outside to improve the curb appeal! Some of these items can carry a hefty price tag and are less flashy, yet practical depending on the age of the home.  Items such as new roof, windows, a septic system or heating ventilation and air conditioning system are all items that oftentimes need regular maintenance or replacement.  These necessary investments are great for the pragmatic buyer, but they don’t add as much value nor bring as much attention to your home like the newly remodeled kitchen or bathroom. It’s not to say that they add no value, just not as high as others. Buyers have certain expectations when it comes to looking for their new home. Most buyers expect a solid foundation, water tight roof, working heating and cooling, a functioning sewer system, all items necessary for comfortably living in a home. Unless you’re selling a major fixer-upper, where the buyer plans to handle all the repairs and updates, most buyers want the reassurance that the home is move-in ready and livable.

I have mentioned this before, I encourage you to balance the many factors that come into play when determining your next home improvement project. Most of all, enjoy the process and your space. It is important to remember that you can never truly measure your total cost recovery until you sell your home. The true market value is what a buyer is willing to pay for it. So, until then, have fun customizing your home to your tastes but always be aware of your investments and what type of value they bring to your home.

For the survey, see nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index

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