On real estate

Whether you plan to sell in the near future, spring is a great time to spruce up your property with small projects that bring high resale value with a minimum investment of time, effort and money.

What to put on your weekend warrior to-do list?

When it comes to smart investment in your home, the kitchen is one of the best places to start.

Buyers expect kitchens to be updated, so if you don’t have stone countertops, stainless appliances and sleek flooring, you can start with the basics and update the cabinets with paint and new hardware.

Kitchen cabinet styles change so often over the years, from honey oak, to dark cherry, to old world antiqued white, if you haven’t updated in the last 5 years, you are probably outdated. Repaint wood cabinets white or other neutral colors and add new knobs and pulls for a more modern look.

Interior walls and ceilings also benefit from a fresh coat of paint, removing accents once considered fashionable, such as wallpaper, paneling, or the number one offender, popcorn ceilings.

You may want to hire out professionals for these chores, but you can DIY with a little help from online sites. Roll up your sleeves and say goodbye to anything that screams the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s.

Change out doorknobs with a shiny gold finish to nickel or bronze and add door moldings or baseboards. Crown molding in attention getting spaces such as the living room or master suite adds a touch of traditional luxury.

Add beauty to the bath by updating light and plumbing fixtures. Aim to eliminate anything with a gold finish including shower enclosures or towel racks. Changing to water saving faucets, showerheads and toilets will put you in compliance with the new law for water conserving plumbing fixtures and prepared for a future sale.

Spring is a great time to add landscape value by planting drought tolerant trees and shrubs that will add privacy, hide unsightly views, or enhance the outdoor areas of your property.

Tune up sprinkler systems or add drip irrigation to efficiently water your landscape through the drought. Weed and mulch beds now to insulate plants for the hot months ahead. Enhance all important curb appeal by giving the front door a fresh coat of paint and changing out the hardware if worn or tarnished.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com