Quick Fixes To Improve A Santa Cruz Fixer Upper

Buying a fixer upper is a great way to cash in on the demand for Santa Cruz real estate. Many investors will overlook properties with cosmetic flaws in favor of properties needing less work. By buying a fixer upper, you can save a lot of money on the initial investment. There are some quick things you can do to get that home ready to sell or rent quickly, so you can see a profit without sitting on the property too long.

Update the Appliances

One of the biggest selling points of any home is an updated kitchen. Swap out those old appliances in favor of new ones. While you are at it, consider making the new appliances energy efficient. Your home's new occupants will appreciate the break they will get on their utility bills!

Spruce up the Garden

Increasing the curb appeal will increase the amount of interest in the property. Trim the grass, pull the weeds, and cut back overgrown shrubs. Consider adding a fresh layer of mulch to any flowerbeds or areas where the grass is dying. You can do most of this work in a weekend, and it will make a huge difference in how the house looks from the street.

Add a Fresh Coat

Whether it is inside or outside, a fresh coat of paint can make a home look new and inviting. Choose neutral colors that any potential buyer or renter will feel comfortable with, because you want the home to feel as though it is ready for the new occupant to move in immediately. Make sure the exterior color blends in well with the surrounding homes. No one wants to live in a home that stands out like the proverbial "sore thumb."

Replace the Windows

Replacing windows is fairly quick, albeit somewhat pricey. If the windows are in poor shape, they must be replaced. Choose an affordable window, but consider an energy efficient one, as this can be a big selling point.

Fix Pluming Problems

Does the home have a drippy sink? Does the toilet look like it came from three decades ago when pastel bathrooms were in? Updating and fixing plumbing is another quick fix. No one wants to purchase a home that has a dripping sink or pink toilet. They may assume that the drip indicates a bigger problem that they can't see, and a pink toilet definitely shows outdated plumbing. Add some new accessories or hardware to the kitchen and the bathroom for a fresh, new look.

Replace a Few Doors and Trim Pieces

Interior and exterior doors are fairly easy to replace. Replacing exterior doors will increase curb appeal, and the right type of door can make the home more energy efficient. Interior doors tend to take a beating, so rather than painting the doors, simply replace them to give the home a more modern look. Trim, both inside and out, is usually suffering on a fixer upper. To make your home more appealing, replace the trim along with the doors.

These changes do not take much time, but they make a huge difference in the marketability of your home. Be sure to consider the cost carefully before you make any changes, however. You need to make sure that you can get your money's worth out of the home after the changes are complete.