When Holly McKhann first stepped into her client's home in the Portofino neighborhood of San Clemente's Talega community, she saw beyond the dated finishes and hidden potential. Her mission: to transform the home on a budget that would yield a high return on investment. With a $75,000 budget, Holly delivered a striking makeover that boosted the home's value by more than $200,000. Here’s how she did it.

Step 1: Elevating the Curb Appeal
The first change was outside, where two large trees overshadowed the porch, making it feel dark and unwelcoming. Holly had them removed, instantly brightening the entrance and creating a more inviting and open feel. The increased visibility and light improved both the curb appeal and the perceived safety of the home.

Step 2: Modern Flooring and Fresh Paint
Inside, Holly’s team installed luxury vinyl plank flooring—durable, water-resistant, and perfect for families with kids or pets. The new floors offered the warmth and practicality that buyers crave. To complement the floors, Holly selected Whisper by Dunn Edwards, a warm white paint that instantly refreshed the walls without the sterile feel of cooler shades.

Step 3: Architectural Restoration and Smart Staging
One of the more impactful changes was restoring an enclosed office space to its original open-concept design. Removing the enclosure revealed beautiful archways that tied the home’s aesthetic together. Holly also worked with high-end stagers to place furnishings that fit the scale and character of the home, ensuring that potential buyers could envision themselves living in the space.

Step 4: A Kitchen and Fireplace Transformation
In the kitchen, Holly retained the existing high-end appliances but painted the cabinets a factory-finish white and swapped in gold hardware to add warmth and sophistication. Quartz countertops with gold veining pulled the look together, continuing the golden tones throughout the home.

The fireplace, once outdated with a yellow travertine finish, was updated with a herringbone-patterned tile. This subtle but powerful change made the family room feel modern and clean, perfect for the home’s open-concept layout.

Step 5: Thoughtful Upgrades Throughout
From the baseboards to the light fixtures, Holly ensured that every detail contributed to the home’s modern, welcoming feel. She swapped outdated light fixtures for sleek, affordable gold accents, and installed custom stair nosing to create a seamless look on the staircase.

The Result: A Gorgeous Home Ready for the Market
Thanks to Holly's expertise and careful budget management, the homeowner saw an enormous return on investment. With only $75,000 spent on flooring, paint, fixtures, and staging, the home’s value increased by $200,000 to $300,000. Holly even offers to front renovation costs for her clients, allowing them to benefit from the increased home value without any upfront expense.

If you're looking to sell your home and maximize its potential value without the hassle or cost burden, Holly McCann's experience and connections can turn your home into a buyer's dream.