Upgrades That Sell

Renovating your home to improve the way it serves you and how your lifestyle has evolved over the years is always a good idea. But when making decisions on what upgrades you'll make, it's important to be mindful of which renovations will ultimately be worth your investment when it comes time to sell. Curb appeal, by and large, has been paying off big-time for homeowners over the last few years. In fact, in Zonda's annual Cost vs. Value report, most of the projects with the highest ROI were exterior improvements. It speaks volumes to the value of "first impressions". A dilapidated Garage door or unkempt siding will set the tone regardless of what the rest of the home looks like. Also on the list, of course, Kitchens and Bathrooms - the gold standard in worthwhile upgrades. New flooring, tile and countertops in what's known as the most expensive rooms in the house won't disappoint. Top 10 projects Rank Remodeling Project Job Cost Value at Sale Cost Recouped 1 HVAC Electrification Conversion $17,747 $18,366 103.5% 2 Garage Door Replacement $4,302 $4,418 102.7% 3 Manufactured Stone Veneer $10,925 $11,177 102.3% 4 Entry Door Replacement | Steel $2,214 $2,235 100.9% 5 Siding Replacement | Vinyl $16,348 $15,485 94.7% 6 Siding Replacement | Fiber-Cement $19,361 #17,129 88.5% 7 Minor Kitchen Remodel | Midrange $26,790 $22,963 85.7% 8 Window Replacement | Vinyl $20,091 $13,766 68.5% 9 Bath Remodel | Midrange $24,606 $16,413 66.7% 10 Window Replacement | Wood $24,376 $14,912 61.2%   And here's a bonus that I like to call, "A Gallon of Magic". The single easiest, most inexpensive, yet most impactful upgrade to your home's interiors has been and will likely always be a fresh coat of paint. It has the ability to make your home look newer, more inviting and give you a whopping 107% ROI...if you get it right. The key is to stick with neutral colors because they go with everything and suit just about everyone's taste. Warm Whites, Beiges, Tans, Grays and "Greige" (a blend of Gray and Beige) are all winners. Don't know where to begin? I'm here to help! It's my pleasure to provide many specialty services that other Realtors® DON'T.  I can tell you what's hot and what's not when it comes to figuring out which renovations will be worth it to you in the end.

Buying A Home In A Seller's Market

If you've been on a home buying journey anytime in the past few years, you know it has been a BEAR!   We typically see a major increase in the number of homes for sale starting in the Spring and Summer months. But if you're a market watcher, you'll know that things haven't been "normal" since before the pandemic.  Home buyers have been parched with little-to-no homes to choose from. And with Millenials, the largest generation since baby boomers, now entering peak home buying age - I think buyers will out amass sellers for years to come - keeping the seller's market strong.  But knowledge is key to home you so desire. So here are my 5 best tips to buying a home in a seller's market.5 tips to buying a home in a Super Seller's Market1. Get Pre-Approved, like yesterday!Getting preapproved for a mortgage is always a must before you go home shopping. But in this super-seller's market, buyers are competing for the limited amount of homes that are available. And the preapproved or cash buyer wins. So doing the legwork ahead of the hunt puts you in the game.2. Pay more, Negotiate less: A good home will have multiple offers. If you're one of them, be prepared to offer asking price, or higher. If you have a higher than typical earnest money deposit that's a plus. But keep your contingencies to yourself. Asking to keep some of the drapes or for the seller to pay closing costs will cost you that home.3. Broaden your search. If the location you really want to move to is too competitive, try searching areas that are a little less popular. You may stumble upon a real gem you never knew existed. To do this, team up with a Realtor (*raises hand*) who knows the area well and can do granular level searches for the home of your dreams within your budget. If you need a realtor outside of the Southern New Jersey area, let me know. I have a nationwide network of amazing agent friends that I'd be happy to refer you to!4. Be flexible on your must-haves. You'll be hard pressed to find the home that has everything on your checklist. Consider refining your “must-haves”, sacrificing your "nice to haves" and then consider the least expensive home in a stellar neighborhood that fits your budget. You can customize it to your lifestyle and taste over time.5. Consider New Construction: You’ll feel like you’re walking the red carpet on your journey to the front door to your dream home if you opt for a new build. You essentially get what you want, where you want with access to modern amenities without having to remodel. Some builders require you to have a real estate agent accompany you on the first visit. But a full-service Realtor will prove to be invaluable in helping with everything from finding the right builder, and assisting with price and negotiations to explaining what upgrades are worth the money and walking you through the purchase contract.

WELCOME HOME

Please, kick off your shoes. I'll get you a drink, a little something to nibble on and a cozy place for us to sit and kee kee. Welcome! My name is Dionne Williams. I am a native New Yorker, a Jersey Girl by marriage. My husband is a true southern (NJ) gentleman - from Gloucester County. I'm also mama to our little miracle baby who is now 6 years old. We live in beautiful Southern New Jersey where I am also Realtor, a creator, and passionate about all things regarding the universal dwelling place we all call home. If we've learned anything over the past few years, our home is sacred. It's our comfort, our healing, and it's our breath of fresh air. And I believe with every fiber of my being, that everyone deserves to experience the warm, enveloping, authentic joy and peace that being home brings.Over the summer of 2020, my husband and I bought a house in Burlington County. And just being together automatically feels like home, but we've been slowly working toward making this house our home. I wish I could say that process is as pretty and effortless as an episode on HGTV. We bought the house in the midst of the pandemic, and unexpectedly had to launch into two bathroom renovations a week after moving in. That delayed our settling process by several months. Not complaining at all. It was just our reality. *Leans in and whispers* And actually, if I'm honest, as someone who's passionate about all things home - the whole process was SO exciting for me! I mean how often does someone get to buy a home, design, renovate, and organize it- all within the span of a year!? Yes, it all came complete with a roller coaster of emotions, but I seriously couldn't get enough! And that's why I'm starting this blog. I have so much to share about selling, and buying a house, the arduous journey of change and transition, and what actually makes a house a home! We'll immerse ourselves in the beautiful communities of South Jersey and find out who are the local heroes and where the hotspots are. Whether you live in a home that has one room or 50, this blog is for you. I hope you'll join me on this journey. It's bound to be a fun ride!