Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

If you’re a Bloomfield Hills real estate homeowner, what could be better than surprising your valentine with an updated bathroom this Valentine’s Day?  Below are some ways to do this inexpensively in your Bloomfield Hills home’s bathroom:

1. Paint the walls: This is one of the cheapest things you can do to upgrade your bathroom while still making an impact.  Choose pale or neutral colors to make the room seem larger.
2. Paint the cabinetry:  A new coat of paint can make the existing cabinets look like new.
3. Change cabinet hardware: Little touches make a big impact.
4. Replace the existing mirror:  Put in a mirror that you know your valentine will love. Or, replace the medicine cabinet.
5. Switch light fixtures: Newer, more modern light fixtures will completely change the look and feel of the room.
6. Upgrade water fixtures:  If it’s all brass, change to chrome, the new neutral.
7. Update accessories: Change the trash cans, shower curtains, window curtains, towels, new towel rods, shelves, etc.
8. Apply tile transfers: They’re a creative and unique yet inexpensive way to give tile a whole new look.  These waterproof, washable stickers go over your existing tile.
9. Install dimmer switches:  They enhance the mood in the room.
10. Decorate with live plants:  Live plants and fresh flowers symbolize life and vitality.  Place plants and flowers sparingly in a small bathroom; use larger plants in a more spacious room.
11. Add candles – Who can forgo candles on Valentine’s Day?  Be sure to place them where they won’t be a fire hazard. Remember, they come in all colors and sizes, from simple white votives to colorful red-column candles. Use whatever sets the mood for your current room.

A few simple changes can make sure your bathroom retreat is the perfect fit for your Bloomfield Hills real estate home and lifestyle.

Bloomfield Hills homeowners, if you’re looking for more helpful hints on upgrades or how to maintain your home, subscribe to this blog.  It’s fast, free and easy.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

During the holidays, Bloomfield Hills real estate homeowners may find it hard to insure their home is put together for impromptu parties and visiting family. With all the extra decorations and presents that appear, there never seems to be enough room to keep your house organized and uncluttered. This year, you might consider asking the big man in red for the gift of orderliness.

Instead of asking Santa for the usual new clothing, sports gear or electronics, maybe you should ask him to splurge on even one of the space-expanding strategies below. It might take a little bit of an investment, but you’ll add value to your Bloomfield Hills real estate. Your home’s interior rooms will appear larger and it will be bought up quickly when the time comes to sell.

• Build a front porch. Extending your entrance out under eaves will improve curb appeal, add charm and create more of an entry space to place coats, boots and umbrellas — which means they’re not lying around your kitchen.
• Order a counter-depth fridge. By purchasing a fridge that aligns with your counters, you’ll keep your kitchen looking sleek and avoid running a hip into an appliance that juts out into the walkway.
• Repurpose an extra too-small bedroom. If there’s a tiny bedroom next to the master, then you might want to consider repurposing it as a walk-in closet or en-suite bathroom. Not only will you have the luxury of more storage, but you’ll also add (especially with another bathroom) value.
• Take advantage of the attic. Open up a one-story house’s kitchen or give the master bedroom a vaulted ceiling by lifting the existing one into the attic. You can put in recessed lighting, add a top row of cabinets or install a skylight to let in extra light.

You don’t need to ask Santa to bring you an entirely new house, just see if he’ll splurge this holiday season on luxury space expanders that open up and add value to your property.

If you’re looking for more ways to invest in your Bloomfield Hills real estate or would like to move to a larger home, please call me today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com

Today’s Bloomfield Hills real estate buyers generally want modernized, updated properties. In a lot of markets, features like stainless steel appliances and granite countertops are almost expected, especially in higher price ranges. As your Father’s Day gift this June, help your dad add value to his Bloomfield Hills home.

Five renovation tips that are great gifts for Bloomfield Hills real estate owners that will increase value:

1. Windows and doors – Almost any upgrade to windows, exterior doors or the garage door will add value to a property and increase its security. However, if you want to make a big impact, splurge for energy-saving windows. These will be especially appealing to buyers looking to lower their carbon footprints and those looking to lower their utility bills — which is everyone!
2. Curb appeal – The outside of a house is the first thing buyers see, so it makes sense to spend money to keep it looking its best. With a few new plants, a hedge trimmer, a paintbrush and a shovel, even the most inexperienced DIYer can make a significant impact on a property’s curb appeal.
3. Kitchens and baths – Everyone uses them daily and would like them to be as nice as possible. Any money spent updating the kitchen and bathrooms will see a positive return when your Dad decides to sell his Bloomfield Hills real estate.
4. Don’t overdo it – Almost everyone wants granite counters, but maybe you live in a laminate neighborhood. Don’t spend so much on updates that your house is far and away the most expensive per square foot in the neighborhood. As a general rule, it’s always hard to sell the most expensive property on the block.
5. Sweat the small stuff – A few bucks spent on new light switches, faucets and doorknobs can go a long way to improving the look of a house, without any major investment.

Would you like more Bloomfield Hills real estate renovation ideas that would make great Father’s Day gifts for your Dad’s home? Give me a call today at 248-514-2640 or email me at info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com.

Lee Morof
Associate Broker/Certified Distressed Property Expert/Attorney
RE/MAX Showcase Homes, Birmingham, Michigan
Call:  248-514-2640
info@NorthWoodwardHomes.com
www.NorthWoodwardHomes.com