East Cobb, GA may be an unincorporated community in Cobb County but it’s considered as one of the wealthiest communities in the Peach State. The abundance of luxury real estate in East Cobb is a testament to this.
If you’re an East Cobb homeowner with plans to either sell your abode or give it a refreshing upgrade, you’ll want to ensure that the home improvement project you choose will increase its value to keep it within the same range as other luxury homes in your periphery. With that in mind, we – The Page Morgan Team – are sharing tips and other information that will help you in this endeavor. Here’s our home improvement guide for your East Cobb, GA residence that will ensure an increase in value and keep it desirable for many years to come.
Table of Contents
EAST COBB, GA OVERVIEW
A popular suburb located more than 20 miles north of the bustling city of Atlanta via I-75, East Cobb is a vibrant, growing community with a population of around 200,000 residents. It is, in fact, one of the largest unincorporated areas in the whole country. However, due to its unincorporated status, homes in this community have a Marietta address. That’s because Marietta – located around 8 miles east – is the closest incorporated city to East Cobb.
Formerly known as Mount Bethel in the 1960s, East Cobb has transformed into a community renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, top-tier schools, and an enticing mix of shops and restaurants. Households here have a median income of around $89,000 – significantly higher than the national median. Even with a slightly higher cost of living, residents can enjoy a high quality of life with the presence of top-tier amenities and conveniences in this suburb. All of these, plus its proximity to Atlanta have created a strong demand for real estate in the area.
East Cobb, along with many other areas in Georgia, has appeared in many home buyers’ watchlists, with homes for sale not lasting a month before getting snapped up by eager buyers.
YOUR QUESTIONS ON UPGRADING YOUR EAST COBB, GA HOME ANSWERED
As you formulate your plans to make improvements to your East Cobb home for increased value, you’ll want to know what you’re getting yourself into. After all, this is an endeavor that will require a substantial investment and you want to make sure that you’re putting in money for something that promises gains in the long run.
Here are some of your burning questions answered.
What are buyers looking for in a home in 2023?
Advocacies leaning toward energy efficiency and sustainability continue to trend, and this is slowly creeping into buyer preferences in real estate. In fact, a March 2023 sustainability report by the National Association of REALTORS® reveals that 63% of their members see the value of putting forward energy efficiency in property listings as a way to entice buyers.
The post-pandemic era has also given rise to buyer interest in modern kitchen and bathroom designs, smart home features, home workstations, and outdoor living spaces. With the home turning into a safe sanctuary in light of the global health threat and the advent of remote work, a shift in how people view their living spaces occurred.
Homes that align with these preferences, whether through renovations or original design, tend to become more appealing to buyers. This appeal has the ability to boost their market value and, as a result, could translate to higher returns upon resale.
Do home improvements always add value?
Sadly, no. This is precisely why you need to keep up with the trends in home upgrades and the constant evolution of buyer preferences to make sure that you don’t end up with a costly remodel that doesn’t align with buyers’ tastes.
It also helps to strategize on home improvement plans with a trusted local real estate agent. Their expertise and experience in the field are the foundations for their recommendations to you so that an increase in your home’s value is more likely to be achieved.
SMART HOME IMPROVEMENT IDEAS THAT ADD VALUE TO YOUR EAST COBB, GA PROPERTY
From classic tips to emerging trends, these are some of the best upgrades to your East Cobb, GA home that can significantly enhance its worth.
Tried and tested methods
These home improvement strategies have, over time, consistently been proven to add value. They’re not just passing trends but reliable methods that have become standard go-tos for anyone embarking on their respective home renovation or remodeling projects.
- KITCHEN RENOVATIONS
The kitchen is more than just a place to cook – it’s often the social hub of the home. It is for this reason that investing in a kitchen renovation is a surefire way to attract potential buyers and essentially boost your home’s value. Consider updating old appliances with energy-efficient models, particularly those with an ENERGY STAR certification. They’re not only more attractive to buyers but also offer long-term savings due to lower utility costs.
Replacing outdated countertops with durable and stylish options like granite or quartz can also be a game-changer. Additionally, a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color can brighten up the space, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Lastly, think about the layout. Open-concept kitchens are highly sought after among home buyers in East Cobb. This renovation might involve a larger budget, but it’s a worthwhile investment that can yield a substantial return.
- BATHROOM UPDATES
Some bathroom upgrades need not require you to break the bank. These budget-friendly updates include replacing old tiles with easy-to-clean, color-neutral options, replacing old light fixtures with modern ones, and maximizing the storage options underneath the sink, among many others. The simple task of replacing your old bathroom mirror with a new one or one with a medicine cabinet can add to your bathroom’s appeal.
One of the most popular upgrades to the bathroom entails giving it the look and feel of a spa. This involves installing high-end fixtures like rainfall showerheads, dual sinks, or jetted tubs. Underfloor heating, particularly in the master bathroom, is another feature that appeals to potential buyers. If space allows, a walk-in shower can be a desirable addition.
- RAISING CURB APPEAL
First impressions matter, especially when selling a home. That’s why giving your abode’s façade a fresh new look can do wonders for its market value. You can start with keeping a well-maintained yard as it suggests that the home has been well cared for. Giving your driveway a thorough wash and your home’s exterior walls a fresh coat of paint are also effective ways to boost your home’s curb appeal.
If you’re ready to invest more in your home’s curb appeal, consider adding a patio or deck. Outdoor living spaces are highly popular and can extend the functional space of your home. Even small touches like a charming pathway or a well-placed bench can make a big difference.
New and trending home improvement ideas
These ideas are usually the result of external forces making their presence felt in the local real estate market. Issues and events of the day like climate change, the rising cost of living, and even the recent pandemic have strongly influenced buyer preferences, which is why the following home improvement ideas have become popular trends – to answer the challenges brought about by these events.
- NEXT-LEVEL ENERGY-EFFICIENT IMPROVEMENTS
While appliances, HVAC systems, and windows with good energy efficiency ratings have long been popular improvements to create energy-efficient homes and reduce utility expenses, advances in technology have paved the way for even more high-impact solutions.
According to a report from Zillow, homes equipped with solar panels sell for 4.1% more on average than those without them. In addition to reducing energy costs, solar panels increase a home’s self-sufficiency – an attribute increasingly sought after by buyers.
Advanced insulation materials are also gaining popularity. New super-insulating materials such as vacuum insulation panels, gas-filled panels, and aerogel-based products offer promising improvements in energy efficiency. These materials provide superior thermal resistance and are more efficient than traditional insulation materials, contributing to a home’s overall energy performance and increasing its value.
- CONNECTING INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SPACES
The desire for homes with seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces has seen a significant increase in interest among homebuyers since 2020. With that in mind, sellers will want to take advantage of this home improvement to increase home value. Consider adding large sliding doors, outdoor kitchens, or beautiful patios to start. These features serve as an extension of the indoor living area, creating a versatile space that can be used for entertaining, dining, or relaxing. In a place like East Cobb, GA, with its pleasant weather, this feature can be particularly appealing to potential buyers.
The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the property but also increases its functional square footage. This perceived increase in space can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of the home’s value.
Home upgrades with great returns on your investment
Maximizing profits from your investment is the ultimate reason behind most home upgrades. Below are some of the most lucrative ways to increase home value.
- REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS
Refinishing hardwood floors can significantly enhance the look and feel of your home. It involves sanding down the floors to bare wood, removing all scratches and imperfections, then applying a new finish to restore shine and protect the floor. This process can breathe new life into worn-out floors and make them look brand-new again, which can greatly appeal to potential buyers.
Refinishing hardwood floors can easily translate to as much as a 147% return on your investment. This means that for every dollar spent on the project, you can expect to recoup $1.47 when selling your home.
- HVAC CONVERSION
This task involves changing your home’s current heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system from a fossil fuel-powered system to a more energy-efficient solution. This is mostly due to how more homebuyers are becoming conscious about their impact on the environment. For example, switching over to a heat pump is typically better than having separate heating and cooling as the former does both.
HVAC conversion may cut into your budget, sometimes reaching roughly $17,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. However, the ROI for this project can reach as much as 103.5% on average.
- GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT
One of the guaranteed ways to increase curb appeal and, in turn, your home’s value is by replacing your garage door. A new garage door doesn’t just enhance the aesthetic of your home but it also increases security and can improve energy efficiency if you opt for an insulated model.
The average cost of a garage door replacement is a little more than $4,000 but for this relatively hefty investment, you get to recoup 102.7% of its cost. Thus, this home improvement project not only pays for itself but also helps bring in a higher profit when your home hits the market.
Essential smart home technology upgrades
As technology continues to advance at a rapid rate, so do the gadgets primarily designed to make homes in East Cobb, GA more convenient, efficient, and yet, still aesthetically pleasing. Gone are the days when these gadgets stuck out like a sore thumb – an inconvenient characteristic, especially for security systems of old. Moreover, even with the more advanced tech, manufacturers have managed to bring down their prices to more reasonable levels so that more homeowners could take advantage of these new devices.
On the other hand, more buyers are now looking for smart home tech during viewings and even inquire about them. This is why many agents highly recommend the installation of smart home tech as one of the ways to increase market value. Below are some of the most popular smart home devices to date.
- SMART THERMOSTATS
These devices not only provide convenience by allowing homeowners to control their home’s temperature remotely but they also promote energy efficiency.
By learning a homeowner’s schedule and preferences, a smart thermostat can adjust the temperature to reduce energy use when no one is at home. This feature directly translates into savings on energy bills, which can be a significant selling point.
- SMART SECURITY SYSTEMS
Threats to security and privacy can become a matter of concern, especially among luxury homes in East Cobb, GA. Known to be vessels of highly prized possessions, these homes need more than your usual security camera to give their owners peace of mind. This is why having the latest smart security system installed in your home is a fantastic way to increase your home’s value. On top of the standard surveillance cameras, other security devices include video doorbells, smart locks, and motion sensors. These systems allow homeowners to monitor their properties remotely, receive alerts on their smartphones when unusual activity is detected, or secure the home from trespassers and other shady characters.
- SMART HOME HUBS
Acting as the command center for all smart home devices, a hub allows homeowners to control everything from lights and thermostats to security systems and smart appliances from one central device or app.
This level of seamless integration offers unparalleled convenience and efficient home operation, making your property more attractive to most buyers, whether they’re tech-savvy or not.
INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS THAT MAY ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME
In addition to major renovation projects, several interior design strategies can enhance the appeal and comfort of your home, potentially increasing its value. Here are three quick tips:
- Maximize natural light. This is one of the simplest ways to increase home value. Well-lit spaces appear larger and more inviting. Moreover, smart lighting enhances the overall mood of the home. Consider installing large windows or skylights to let more natural light in. You can also use mirrors to reflect sunlight throughout your home’s interiors.
- Neutral color palette. Adopting a neutral color palette can make your home appealing to a wider range of potential buyers. Shades of white, beige, and gray are versatile and timeless, allowing prospective buyers to better envision themselves living in the space.
- Open floor plan. This particular layout creates a feeling of more open space and fluidity. Consider knocking down non-structural walls to open up your living spaces. One popular strategy is to create a seamless flow between the living room and the kitchen as this allows for improved social interaction among people located in these two areas.
Don’t forget that the key to successful interior design is to balance aesthetics and functionality. While these tips can improve the look of your home, you should still ensure that any changes you make also serve to enhance the comfort and practicality of your living spaces.
LOOK FORWARD TO LUCRATIVE RETURNS FOR YOUR EAST COBB, GA HOME
Bring your home-selling concerns to our team – The Page Morgan Group! We don’t just find ways to help you sell your East Cobb, GA home – we also formulate strategies to market your home to more buyers and help you get the best deal for your property. Our client-focused approach has allowed us to complete successful real estate transactions in Cobb County and the rest of the Greater Atlanta area.
To learn more about what we can do for you in your home-selling journey, give us a call at 770.579.5650 or send us a message here.