If you’re on the verge of buying a house in Kamloops or anywhere in the Thompson Okanagan, and that house isn’t exactly turn-key, don’t walk away from it just yet. Since Kelowna mortgage rates are low right now and there are some good finds out there, you can save heaps on your house and make it all your own with just a few simple renovations.
The extra money you save buying a lower-priced house means you’ll have a bit of cash to fix it up. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your house beautiful and unique.
Simple and cheap ways to renovate an old house:
- Buy new appliances. A new stainless steel fridge will instantly improve your kitchen’s appearance to make it look more modern and clean, plus the switch to an energy-efficient model will save you money on those utility bills.
- Paint the walls. This is the quickest, cheapest, easiest way to make a home your own is by painting the walls. You can make a room look bigger and cleaner instantly with just a few hours and a few coats of paint. Between the paint and the supplies, you could paint each room for less than $100.
- Swap out the countertops. Everyone wants granite these days, and if you’re willing to spend a bit of time hunting for a deal, you can revitalize and love your kitchen with this step alone. Factory warehouses, end-of-season sales, display models and contractor left-over sites are great places to find bargain countertops. On sale, you could find granite countertops for $40/square foot or $1,000 for your whole kitchen.
- Find new fixtures. Updating things like door handles, cabinet handles and outlet covers can have a huge impact for just a few dollars. If you’re really on a tight budget, you can even use high-heat spraypaint to refinish brass outlet covers and fireplace gates for a cheap but fast and impressive modern touch.
- Tend the yard. Even a few well-placed hanging baskets and a weed-free lawn can increase the curb appeal of your new home. A little foliage can go a long way in turning an eyesore of a property into a charming home.
Is this your first time buying a house in Kamloops? Check out our post on mortgage tips for first-time homebuyers.
When you find the fixer-upper or the turn-key home of your dreams, call the Kelowna mortgage specialists at Kal-Mor Mortgages & Investments, doing business as OneCallMortgage.ca. Headed by Vernon mortgage broker Peter Pogue, we offer fast responses, more attention and the lowest mortgage rates. Now serving Penticton, Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops and Salmon Arm. 1-800-567-5511