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Redwood City

4 Home Improvement Tips to Increase Your ROI

08/24/22  |  Stephanie Nash

Repairs and upgrades that bring in the highest return on investment when your home is listed for sale.


Are you planning to do some home improvements to your Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale? If so, you're definitely not alone. Home improvement projects are a great way to increase the value of your home – and they can also be a lot of fun! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help you improve your ROI on home improvement projects. So whether you're planning to paint your walls or install a new roof, read on for some helpful advice!

1: Replace appliances


If your appliances are reaching the end of their life, which is usually around the 10 to 15-year mark, it may be time to replace them. New appliances will not only improve the look of your kitchen or laundry room, but they will also increase the value of your home. And if you're planning to sell in the near future, new appliances can be a selling point for potential buyers.

In the kitchen and laundry room of Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale, you can upgrade to energy-efficient models. This is a great way to help you increase the value of your home. When modern buyers, who are increasingly in favor of sustainable upgrades, see that you've made an effort to reduce your carbon footprint, they'll be more interested in your property.

If you're not planning to sell anytime soon, you can still upgrade your appliances for your own enjoyment. Newer models usually come with improved features and greater energy efficiency. So if your current fridge is on its last legs, consider replacing it with a newer model!


Kitchen



2022 is the year of "double the features, double the fun" when it comes to kitchen upgrades. In addition to upgrading your dishwasher, oven, stovetop, range hood, refrigerator, and freezer, you may want to consider adding a second of each if your kitchen has the room for it! You should also consider installing a wine fridge or temperature-controlled wine pantry in Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale if you have the space for it.


Laundry



In the laundry area, be sure your washer and dryer are functioning well. You may also want to consider a vacuum-based automated laundry chute, which can ferry clothing from up to 200 feet away, even on the same floor!


Heating and Cooling



When updating appliances for Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale, don't forget about the ones that control your home's heating and cooling. The furnace, water heater, and air conditioning unit are all important pieces of equipment that can impact your home's value. If any of these appliances are more than 10 years old, you should definitely consider an upgrade!

2: Curb appeal


Curb appeal is all about making a good first impression. And when it comes to Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale, you want potential buyers to be impressed from the get-go! There are a few easy ways to boost curb appeal, but the two you should definitely invest in are landscaping and creating an outdoor living space.


Landscaping



A well-landscaped yard will make Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale look more inviting. You don't need to go overboard – just some simple landscaping can make a big difference. Start by trimming the shrubs, mowing the lawn, and planting some flowers that are currently showcasing their pretty blooms. Then, if you have the time for it, you can add some more elaborate features like a water feature or a stone path.


Outdoor living space



Outdoor living spaces are a great way to impress buyers of Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale. It's also a great way to add value to your property! If you have the space, consider adding a deck, patio, or pergola. If you're short on space, a simple potted plant near the front door can make a big difference.

3: Fresh paint


One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your home's value is to give it a fresh coat of paint. This is an easy project that you can do yourself, or you can hire a professional. If you're planning to sell in the near future, opt for neutral colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers interested in Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale. If you're not planning to sell, you can choose any color you like!

If you want to use color theory to help with setting the mood for each room, here are a few tips:
 
  • For bedrooms and bathrooms, soft colors like pale blue or green can create a calming atmosphere.
  • For kitchens and dining rooms, you may want to use warm colors like yellow or red to stimulate the appetite.
  • For living rooms and offices, you may want to use cool colors like blue, purple, or gray to create a sense of relaxation.
No matter what colors you choose, be sure to use high-quality paint that will last for years to come.

4: Larger upgrades


Finally, if you want to drastically increase your home's return on investment, consider making larger upgrades like improvements to the bathrooms, a full kitchen remodel or replacing exterior elements like the front door, garage door, roof, and windows.


Bathroom improvements



Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in the house, so it's no surprise that improving them can lead to a big return on investment for Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale. Some simple upgrades you can make include replacing old fixtures and adding new tile or countertops. For a more extravagant upgrade, consider a frameless shower with a steam feature and a showerhead with aromatherapy or a Bluetooth sound system. You could also add heated floors, towel rack, and robe hooks for a luxurious spa-like experience. Deep standalone tubs are a 2022 trend as well.


Kitchen remodel



A kitchen remodel is a big project, but it's also one that can lead to a big return on investment for Redwood City real estate or Woodside homes for sale. If you're planning to sell your home in the near future, a kitchen remodel is a great way to increase its value. Some things you may want to consider include new countertops, cabinets, appliances, and flooring. You could also add a kitchen island (or two!) or breakfast nook to make the space more functional and inviting. A popular trend in 2022 interior design is to install a custom range hood to help elevate the room's style.


Replacing exterior elements


While not the most glamorous of upgrades, it is absolutely worth the investment to upgrade exterior elements like the front door, garage door, roof, and windows. Not only will this improve your home's curb appeal, but it will also help protect your home from the elements and reduce energy costs. Since many of the exterior elements are expensive and a hassle to replace, having this handled before listing can be a big selling point for potential buyers, so if you're planning to sell in the near future, this is a great way to increase your home's value.

If you’re looking to increase the value of your home before you put it on the market, consider making some of these home improvements Not only will they improve your home’s appearance and comfort, but they’ll also give you a better return on investment. For help navigating the listing and sale process, reach out to a local real estate agent like Stephanie Nash.



Stephanie Nash

Stephanie Nash

About The Author

For more than three decades, Stephanie Nash has been one of the Peninsula’s most trusted and proven real estate advisors, serving Woodside, Portola Valley, Atherton, Redwood City, Emerald Hills, San Carlos, Half Moon Bay, and the surrounding communities from Burlingame to Los Gatos.

Born and raised on the Peninsula, Stephanie brings true insider knowledge of the region; its micro-neighborhoods, school corridors, country-property enclaves, and the lifestyle features that make this area so coveted: sunny weather, an easygoing spirit, hiking trails, large-parcel retreats, ocean-view hillsides, and world-class food and culture.

A career built on experience, ethics, and results

Stephanie began her real estate career in 1987 working in local title companies before becoming the assistant to a top-producing agent. She earned her real estate license in 1991, and since then has built a reputation as a solutions-driven, ethical, and steady negotiator who guides clients through every complexity of a California transaction.

Her track record includes everything from luxury estates to rural acreage to trust and estate sales, including the successful sale of a 500-acre property, a transaction requiring extensive due diligence, jurisdictional navigation, and long-term strategy.

Nationally recognized performance

Stephanie has been recognized multiple times by RealTrends as one of the “Best Agents in America,” most recently in 2024; an honor reserved for the top tier of agents nationwide based on verified production.

Expert Witness in Real Estate Matters

In addition to client representation, Stephanie now serves as a retained Expert Witness in California real estate cases—including valuation disputes, fiduciary sales, marketing standards, agent performance, disclosure practices, and industry-standard care.

What clients rely on her for

Whether you are buying, selling, downsizing, expanding, or handling a trust/estate sale, Stephanie offers:

  • Deep regional expertise across multiple Peninsula micro-markets

  • Strong negotiation skills grounded in fairness, strategy, and consistent communication

  • Experience in complex transactions (trusts, estates, multiple-heir negotiations, title defects, rural land issues)

  • Compassionate guidance rooted in decades of hands-on client service

  • Unmatched availability and responsiveness

Clients praise her listening skills, honesty, and ability to navigate even the most emotional or complicated sale with clarity and professionalism.

A life built around community and care

Stephanie is deeply grateful for her family, her life on the Peninsula, and the meaningful relationships formed through her work. 

Work With Stephanie

Stephanie respects residential real estate’s dual role as a personal investment and chief financial one. Whether you are buying or selling a home, it will likely be one of the largest financial decisions you make. Stephanie will be with you every step of the way to expertly guide you.

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