🛑 If Fixin’ Up Your Place Means You’ll Have the Fanciest Doghouse on the Whole Block… Maybe Pump the Brakes 🐾

Thinking about renovating your home? Before you grab that sledgehammer and go full “Extreme Makeover: Doggy Den Edition,” let’s paws for a moment. 🐶💭

There’s a fine line between smart home improvements and over-improving—and if your upgrades would make your house the fanciest one on the block, it might be time to pump the brakes. Because no matter how sparkly your pup’s custom-tiled shower is… the neighborhood still matters.

Here’s what to consider before you go all-in on upgrades:

📍 Location, Location, Location (Still Rules the Market)

You can install marble floors, a rooftop dog park, and a gold-plated fence—but if your home’s value soars way above your neighbors’, appraisers and buyers might not follow.

Why?
Home values are often based on comparable properties nearby (aka “comps”). If your upgrades make your house an outlier, it might not fetch the return you’re hoping for.

🐾 Becky’s tip: “Don’t outbuild the block. You want your home to be top dog—not the only show poodle at a mutt meetup.”

💰 Will Your Investment Fetch a Return?

Renovations like kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient updates often have the best return on investment—but even then, the amount you spend matters.

If your reno budget is barking up the $100K tree in a $250K neighborhood, you’re likely to overcapitalize.

Smart upgrades that usually pay off:

• Mid-range kitchen remodels
  
  
• Minor bathroom improvements
  
  

Curb appeal enhancements (new front door, landscaping, fresh paint)

🧱 Function > Flash

Homebuyers care more about flow, layout, and functionality than luxury add-ons they didn’t ask for.

Adding a 6-car garage in a town where most people drive snowmobiles? Might not impress.
Heated floors in a mudroom? Now you’re barking up the right tree!

🐾 Becky’s reminder: “Upgrade for comfort, not just show. Unless you’re inviting the neighbors over to admire your new crown molding every week.”

🏡 Are You Staying or Selling?

If this is your forever home, go ahead and build that dream dog spa. But if you’re planning to move in a year or two, think about what appeals to most buyers, not just your personal wish list.

Ask yourself:

• Will this upgrade help my home sell faster?
  
  
• Will it increase the appraised value?
  
  

Is it something buyers in my area actually want?

🚧 When to Pause (and Call in the Pros)

You don’t have to sniff this out alone. A good real estate agent (hi! 👋) can help you:

• Analyze local comps
  
  
• Estimate your home’s current value
  
  
• Identify which renovations make financial sense
  
  

Decide whether to renovate or relocate

🐶 Final Bark: Be the Best on the Block—Not the Only One on the Block

Upgrading your home is a big decision—so make sure your improvements fit the neighborhood, your budget, and your goals.

Remember: A solid, well-maintained home that’s in line with nearby values is more attractive to buyers than an overdone den that’s priced out of place.

And if you need help sniffing out the smartest next steps? You know where to find me. 🐾

🐾 Like our page to stay in the loop on all things North Country real estate and to see what wild, wacky, or wonderful day I’m celebrating next! 🎉

🔁 Share this post with that one friend who’s planning to install a champagne fountain in their garage.

💬 Got renovation questions? Slide into our DMs—I’ve got a whole team of humans who’ll help you make the right moves (I’m just here for the snacks). 🐶

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