There’s something about fall that gets us thinking about home again.

Maybe you’re picking up a few things to decorate for the season, finally starting that project you talked about all summer, or thinking about a bigger renovation.And sometimes those little changes lead to bigger conversations.Do we still love this house?Is it worth renovating?Would we rather find something that already has what we’re looking for?A new season can bring new ideas, even when you weren’t looking for them.

When a renovation might be the answer

If you love your neighbourhood, your street and the way your home fits into your life, renovating can make a lot of sense.Sometimes the problem really is the kitchen.Or the bathrooms. Or the flooring. Or a main floor that could function much better with a few thoughtful changes.We’ve seen homes transformed by relatively simple improvements, and we’ve also seen larger renovations give homeowners exactly what they were missing without having to leave a neighbourhood they love.But before beginning a major renovation, it’s worth looking beyond what you want to change and asking what the home can realistically become.

When it might be more than the kitchen

Sometimes the renovation conversation starts with finishes, but the things homeowners really want are much harder to change.More natural light.A larger yard.Fewer stairs.A different school catchment.A quieter street.A view.More space — or considerably less of it.A location that makes everyday life easier.Those are the moments when it can be worthwhile to look at what else is available before committing to a substantial renovation.You may still decide to renovate. But at least you’ll be making that decision knowing what the alternative looks like.

Will you get the renovation cost back?

This is another question we hear often, and there isn't one answer that applies to every home.Not every dollar spent on a renovation comes back dollar-for-dollar when you sell. And not every renovation needs to.If you plan to stay for another ten years and a new kitchen will make you happy every day, its value isn't measured only by what a future buyer might pay for it.The calculation can be different if you think you may sell within the next few years.Before investing significantly in a home, it can be helpful to understand how renovated and unrenovated properties are currently being received by buyers in your particular neighbourhood.

Sometimes the best decision is to do very little

There can also be a temptation to renovate because you assume you need to before selling.That isn't always the case.Depending on the property, its condition, its location and the likely buyer, a major renovation immediately before selling may not make financial sense.A future buyer may want to renovate differently anyway.Sometimes thoughtful maintenance, painting, repairs, landscaping and presentation are enough. Sometimes more substantial work is worthwhile.The important part is knowing the difference before you start spending.

You don't need to be ready to move

One of the best times to talk about your home can actually be when you're not planning to sell it.There’s no deadline and no pressure to make a decision.You can understand what your home is worth today, what buyers are responding to, which improvements may make sense and what your options might look like if you ever decided to make a move.Maybe you’ll realize you already have exactly what you want.Maybe you’ll finally start that renovation.Or maybe you'll find yourself looking at a completely different house and thinking, I could live there.Sometimes a new season simply gives us a new way of looking at home.Ann Green & Leslie MacGregor
Ann & Leslie Real Estate Group
Oakwyn Realty
West Vancouver • North Vancouver • Vancouver Real Estate