Lori Abbey is more than just the founder of The Abbey Collection—she’s also your local neighbor, dedicated to helping homeowners make smart, stylish improvements that add value to their properties. With years of experience in the industry, Lori has built a reputation for providing valuable insight into home improvement projects that maximize property value. Whether working with buyers or sellers, her keen eye for design trends and practical renovations helps homeowners make informed decisions that lead to higher returns.
"One of the most impactful home improvement projects homeowners can tackle is a fresh coat of paint," explains Lori. She highlights that neutral beige tones with brown or green undertones are currently popular, while grays and yellow undertones have fallen out of favor. Simply updating the paint can increase a home's value by tens of thousands of dollars, making it one of the most cost-effective improvements.
For larger renovations, Lori recommends installing high-quality countertops such as granite, marble, or quartz. Additionally, painting kitchen cabinets and updating hardware can completely transform a home’s interior. Curb appeal is another major factor in a home’s value. "The first impression is important," she says, emphasizing that well-maintained landscaping, even simple additions like bushes and neatly arranged greenery, can significantly enhance a property's appeal.
Current home renovation trends reflect a shift toward warmth. "The biggest trend is taking away the grays," Lori notes. Homeowners are leaning toward richly painted kitchen cabinets, wallpaper accent walls, and various types of wood accents, such as wainscoting and paneling. Turf yards and designated dog runs have also become popular, particularly for pet owners. Light fixtures and ceiling features, like exposed beams and textured ceilings, are also highly effective upgrades that can transform a space.
However, Lori cautions homeowners against making costly mistakes when tackling renovations. One of the biggest missteps is not consulting a real estate professional. "Talk to your real estate agent! Whether it's me or not, talk to whoever your real estate agent is," she advises. With over 14 years of experience managing home projects, Lori stresses the importance of working with vetted, trustworthy contractors. Getting multiple bids and ensuring quality workmanship can make all the difference in a successful renovation.
Another common mistake is assuming that personal taste will appeal to potential buyers. "It is important for the home to be almost a blank canvas so that buyers can come in and see the potential in the home," Lori explains. While bold, colorful walls might be enjoyable for a homeowner, neutral tones are more appealing to a broader audience when selling a property. Real estate agents, who engage with buyers daily, have firsthand knowledge of what resonates in the market, making their advice invaluable.
Lori also distinguishes between staging and interior design, two concepts often confused. "There is a huge difference between staging and interior design," she emphasizes. Staging is about creating a neutral, universally appealing space that allows buyers to envision themselves in the home. It focuses on how the home presents in listing photos and showings, with minimalistic, mass-appealing decor. Interior design, on the other hand, is about personalizing a space to reflect the homeowner’s tastes and preferences.
With her extensive experience in real estate, Lori Abbey provides practical and strategic advice for homeowners looking to increase property value. These insights can help sellers make informed choices that lead to successful sales.
To learn more about Lori and The Abbey Collection visit https://theabbeycollection.com/.