How to Build Equity in your Portland House

How do you build equity in your house? Time or Energy. The time is pretty easy to understand. Let the overall value of the land and house slowly tick up over the years.

Before: 2019 the Diamond in the Rough! Purchased for $293,000 after 66 days on the market in the Foster-Powell Neighborhood of SE Portland.

But if you don't want to passively wait for the decades to roll by then you need to put in some Energy! Either sweat equity or indirect energy of hiring contractors to do upgrades. Most houses need a mix of both. Professional roofers, HVAC techs, electricians, and plumbers will be well worth the money to have a well functioning house. Put your own direct energy into landscaping, painting, and pulling the trigger on big projects like a full kitchen remodel! I've never heard a client say they are glad they waited to do a remodel until they are ready to sell. I myself have been waiting 14 years for a kitchen remodel. I'm ready! It will add equity and comfort to our house, we waited since so many systems needed work first: oil furnace switched to gas, tear off roof, solar panels, replumb, exterior paint, water main line... you get why we've waited. 

After: 2023 A Farmhouse for the Ages! Sold for $455,500 with multiple offers, no repairs requested, and only 4 days on the market.

This type of project, and especially timeline, are not for the faint of heart. It takes vision, skill, flexibility, inspiration, money, time, energy, and patience to update a very old house.

Whether you are looking for a major project or some smaller things to do to make a house your own, I am here for it! One of my main skills as a Realtor is in advising on updating and remodeling old houses.

Let’s start planning your purchase and remodel, no matter the budget or timeline, today!