Why Moving May Not Be the Answer: Transform Your Home with Simple Upgrades

Photo byHGTV

In a world where the allure of shiny new homes often tempts long-time homeowners, twin sisters Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb, stars of HGTV’s “Unsellable Houses,” are challenging the conventional wisdom of moving. Their latest episode reveals how refreshing your current space can be more practical and cost-effective than packing up and relocating.

A Case for Staying Put

In the Season 5 episode titled “A New Place Like Home,” Davis and Lamb meet Jason and Heidi, a couple who have raised their three children in their Marysville, WA home for over two decades. Frustrated with dated designs and ongoing repairs, they initially seek a brand-new property. However, after reviewing potential new builds and crunching the numbers, the sisters guide them toward a smarter solution: investing $50,000 into renovations rather than incurring the hefty expenses of a new mortgage.

“They’re almost paid off,” Davis notes, highlighting the rarity of a nearly paid-off mortgage in the Pacific Northwest. “Adding $50,000 to this property is just a smart choice.”

Transformative Upgrades

Davis and Lamb dive into a series of impactful upgrades that breathe new life into the home, showcasing how simple changes can yield stunning results.

Fresh Paint and New Carpeting

One of the most striking alterations is the application of crisp white paint and the installation of uniform carpeting throughout. This transformation not only brightens the space but also creates a more open, airy feel reminiscent of new constructions.

“What a transformation these new materials have made to this house!” exclaims Lamb, encapsulating the sense of renewal that envelops the home.

Timeless Kitchen Backsplash

Next, the sisters turn their attention to the kitchen, which, though functional, is in dire need of a style upgrade. They opt for a natural stone tile backsplash laid in an elegant herringbone pattern—a choice Davis confidently asserts is timeless.

“This is timeless,” she remarks as the backsplash effortlessly enhances the kitchen’s aesthetic without overwhelming it.

Hardware That Makes a Difference

New hardware proves to be a game-changer. By replacing outdated chrome cabinet pulls with sleek black options, the sisters help to “ground” the kitchen’s colors. On reveal day, Heidi is thrilled with the upgrade, declaring, “It looks like a brand-new kitchen.”

Maximizing Storage and Space

Revamped Pantry Organization

Recognizing the chaos lurking behind a cabinet door, Davis and Lamb invest $1,000 in a new organization system for the pantry. This seemingly small change yields enormous satisfaction for Heidi and Jason, with Lamb emphasizing, “Organization systems throughout the house definitely add value.”

Thoughtful Furniture Arrangements

Sometimes, all it takes to revitalize a space is rearranging furniture. The sisters replace bulky couches in the family room with more appropriately sized pieces, making the area feel open and inviting.

“In here, the furniture was just really oversized for the space,” Davis explains, demonstrating the power of thoughtful design.

The Financial Wisdom of Renovation

While Heidi and Jason set out to sell, they ultimately decide to remain in their revitalized home. The sisters reveal that the house could sell for around $750,000 as-is, whereas a new home would cost at least $900,000—an expense magnified by rising mortgage rates.

“To add $50,000 to this property was absolutely the right choice for their long-term financial investment,” Davis concludes.

By the episode’s end, Heidi expresses her contentment, saying, “I have no desire to go anywhere now.”

Embrace the Potential of Your Home

In a housing market filled with uncertainties, the message from “Unsellable Houses” is clear: before you consider moving, explore the potential within your current home. With strategic upgrades, you can turn your space into a personal oasis that meets your needs and reflects your style—without the financial burden of a new mortgage.