Blog Buyer Shop Talk, Vol. 12: Using Sweat Equity to Build Your Dream Home

Shop Talk, Vol. 12: Using Sweat Equity to Build Your Dream Home

By Aryne + Dulcinea, September 17, 2019

Over the course of our real estate partnership, all the clients we’ve worked with have shared a common interest – making a wise investment. For some of our clients, this means finding a long-term home where they can live comfortably. Others seek properties with the potential for revenue-generating ADUs, an addition for a growing family, or the possibility of a gourmet kitchen. As the ideal property is often made rather than found, we recommend using sweat equity to build your dream home. Here’s how to do it:

WHAT IT IS & HOW IT WORKS

Sweat equity is the resources of time, energy, ingenuity, creativity and personal labor that a homeowner pours into his or her property. Homeowners put sweat equity toward the projects to improve the value of their residence and enhance their quality of life while they live there. It includes landscaping, cleaning, painting and renovation projects. This approach is particularly beneficial for buyers without the means to purchase a recently renovated property who are hoping to craft their forever homes or lucrative rental properties. Buyers who are willing to undertake some of these projects themselves can beautifully transform their homes over time.

GETTING STARTED

Approaching the house hunt with an intention of building equity in your home can open many doors for prospective buyers. That’s why we encourage our clients to consider future improvement projects in the earliest stages of their house search. Learning to see a property for its potential allows you the opportunity to create a dream home within your means. For instance, a property with great light, spacious rooms in an ideal neighborhood could become a dream home even if the kitchen and landscaping are in need of some TLC. Purchasing a home at the lower end of your total budget will enable you the financial flexibility to build savings for these future projects.

PROJECT IDEAS

Does all this talk about using sweat equity to build your dream home make you eager to start your next DIY project? Here are some ideas for manageable, but impactful renovation projects to consider:

  • Sanding & staining wood floors
  • kitchen respray
  • Add character with crown molding
  • Increase storage capacity

CONSULTATION

Prior to making any major changes to your home, we always recommend consulting with a real estate expert, and we encourage all of our clients to reach out to us directly. We’ve worked with clients at all stages of the process to ensure the success and longevity of renovation initiatives.

For inquiries about possible renovation projects or to learn more about using sweat equity to build your dream home, contact our team!

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Aryne + Dulcinea

Earth Advantage Principal Broker | Earth Advantage Broker | ADU Specialists | OR

She/Her

Aryne + Dulcinea are full-service, high-producing agents, who understand how to navigate the unique challenges facing the Portland real estate market. The secret to their success is in their professionalism and complementary skill sets. In 2012, Aryne + Dulcinea saw an opportunity to combine their creative and technical wisdom to create a values-driven, full-service agency unlike any other. Expert negotiators and project management mavens with a strong background in creative marketing, Aryne + Dulcinea serve as fierce advocates for their clients. Their passion for real estate relates closely to their commitment to the Portland way of life, which entails a dedication to sustainability and appreciation for all things local. As Earth Advantage Brokers and ADU Certified Specialists, Aryne + Dulcinea are savvy in all aspects of alternative living practices—from versatile housing additions, green building practices, and revenue-generating strategies. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching you real estate goals.

Aryne greets working with clients throughout Portland with open arms. Licensed since 2005, she appreciates the ever shifting desires her clients have as they move through their real estate goals. Investigative genius on her side, Aryne will strive to bring you the results you desire.  When not working for you, Aryne is a constant cheerleader for her son and daughter’s pursuits on the basketball court and on the ballet stage! She practices yoga, hikes, loves to walk and explore Portland neighborhoods, reads, and delights in soaking up everything Portland has to offer! 

Dulcinea thrives on working with clients with a range of real estate goals.  Oregon born, with a design and an award-winning professional background, Dulcinea is steadfast when it comes to working for her clients and has a keen eye for properties that best serve client objectives. Licensed since 2013, Dulcinea works in and around Portland.  A mother of two and wife to her high school sweetie—in her free time she stays busy with her family, travel, community activism, exploring the outdoors, curating art shows, and dreaming big!

Click here to get to know Aryne + Dulcinea!
Read More
  • T: 503-380-5124
  • F: 503-961-8224
  • aryne@livingroomre.com

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