Educational insights

When it comes to increasing a home's resale value, flooring choices play a big role. Think about it… the last time you toured a house? Your eyes probably scanned the flooring the moment your foot stepped through the front door. The value, or sometimes just perceived value, that flooring brings to a home is massive, and guests and future buyers will notice it.

Even professionals can benefit from a little extra guidance time to time. Since we consider ourselves a partner to contractors, we thought it might help to have an easy, ready-to-implement renovation checklist for the next home renovation project you take on. We know everything that comes along with the job can be overwhelming, but – we've got your back.

No one likes going in on something blind, especially when it comes to something as important as decisions affecting your home and finances. If you’ve been considering updating an area of your home, like a bathroom stuck in the past, choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you can make. To help you navigate the hiring process, we've compiled a list of 17 tips to ensure you find a qualified, reliable contractor who will bring your bathroom vision to life.

A galley kitchen is a space known for its narrow footprint, but don’t let that fool you—this layout is packed with potential. Often found in apartments, historic homes, and urban dwellings, galley kitchens embrace efficiency. They’re designed for movement, functionality, and smart use of space. But beyond being practical, they can also be beautiful.

A new category has emerged called Concierge Services. It's driven by savvy startups, including Revive Real Estate. Companies like Revive have taken this old dog and taught it some new tricks.The result is a better way for sellers to hire and pay for renovations. Today, most homeowners miss out on 15% to 20% of the value of their homes when they sell. Presale renovations prevent that from happening.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) has become a hot topic in recent years due to its durability, versatility, and affordability. LVF comes in two main types: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which mimics the look of hardwood, and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which replicates the appearance of stone or ceramic tile. Both offer a wide range of designs and styles, making them popular among a variety of tastes.

When homeowners think about remodeling their homes, the kitchen often takes center stage. Kitchens are often the center of activity of most households, and they need to have the right balance of form and function. But the reality is that many houses, whether old or new, fall short in terms of an ideal kitchen layout. Common reasons can include limited counter space, not enough storage, or simply outdated designs that can't accommodate newer appliances.

Staging a home for sale may require some extra pre-sale prep, but the time and money reap plenty of rewards. The majority of buyers’ agents (82%) said that staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home, according to a survey by the National Association of Realtors. Nearly a quarter (23%) of buyers’ and sellers’ agents said that a staged home received an offer 1% to 5% higher than a similar home that hadn’t been staged and 18% of sellers’ agents said the value of a staged home was 6% to 10% higher. In addition, 31% of agents said that staging decreased the days a home spent on the market.

Home renovation has many barriers. These are reasons why seeking help from professionals can enhance your outcome.