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Thinking about selling your home in Alaska? Should you refresh it or go for a full remodel?

In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Dean, professional remodeler and member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Together, we break down the difference and share expert tips on preparing older Alaska homes for the market.

The Value of Remodels vs Refresh (00:00:01 - 00:00:20), (00:16:10 - 00:18:13)

You think that doing a major remodel will bring in more return on investment, especially if you’re planning to sell soon. But this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Stacey recommends saving extensive projects for long-term homeowners and focusing on simple updates that make a home more appealing to buyers.

Refreshing Defined (00:02:37 - 00:03:06)

Refreshing your home means just making a few updates that’ll make the space look more new. This can include painting, updating flooring, changing light fixtures, or replacing an appliance.

Stacey says these surface-level changes are budget-friendly and can quickly improve your home’s market appeal in Alaska.

Color Trends and Curb Appeal (00:05:51 - 00:10:05)

Choosing the right colors can make a big difference inside and out. Stacey recommends warm whites for interiors and staying away from stark or dark gray tones.

For the exterior, sage green or light blue-gray are great choices. These colors appeal to more buyers and fit well with Alaska’s unique environment.

Remodeling: When to Skip It (00:13:11 - 00:18:13)

Big remodels, like adding an arctic entry, can get expensive and complicated. Permits, zoning, and utility work can all add time and cost.

Also, be careful not to over-improve your home compared to others in the neighborhood. Upgrades that stand out too much can actually hurt your resale value.

Hiring the Right Professionals (00:20:06 - 00:24:02)

Always hire the right contractor for any project. Stacey suggests checking for current insurance and proper licensing, asking for referrals, and looking at the quality of their past work.

Being part of industry groups or associations is another sign of a trustworthy professional.

Homeowner’s Emotional Rollercoaster (00:24:39 - 00:28:07)

Going through updates can be a mix of excitement and stress. It’s normal to feel ups and downs as costs rise or projects take longer than expected. But for those planning to stay in their home, seeing the finished result can be very rewarding. Remember, simple updates attract buyers and help maximize your sale price. Save the big projects for your next home.

“We always suggest that if people are planning a remodel, they should be planning to stay in their home for the long term. Eventually, they can recoup their investment, but it takes time. A remodel should never be seen as a short-term solution when selling a home.” Stacey Dean.