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We know you’re excited to start adding your personal touch to your new home. While you can jump right into hanging family photos and picking paint colors, there are some projects that’ll need to wait until your home is officially transferred to your name.

Here’s a look at some updates you can make right away:

  • Paint the home’s interior or exterior
  • Install new flooring
  • Replace hardware and fixtures (i.e., new lighting, faucets, etc.)
  • Install new cabinets or countertops
  • Resurface the driveway or add landscaping
  • Install a deck that’s 30 in. or less above ground

If you’re using a general contractor for any work, make sure they’re licensed and have at least $1M of general liability insurance coverage. The contractor must also provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that names Orchard Homes, LLC as an “additional insured.” Lastly, make sure your updates are allowed under any local regulations and HOA rules that might apply.

On the flip side, there are some things you’ll need to avoid until after your home is officially transferred into your name. For example, you can’t install any equipment that’s subject to a third-party lease, like an HVAC unit or solar panels.

You should also avoid any major renovations that require a city permit, such as:

  • Major electrical work (e.g., change the central panels)
  • Major plumbing work (i.e., anything beyond replacing fixtures)
  • Any site work (e.g., build retaining walls)
  • Building an addition or remove/add walls
  • Converting any room (e.g., turn the garage into an office)
  • Adding or repairing fencing
  • Installing a deck that’s more than 30 in. above ground
  • Replacing or installing windows
  • Changing the home’s entrance or exit
  • Demolishing of any part of the home

Have any questions about your new home?

You can always reach the Orchard team at newhome@orchard.com

Guaranteed your home sale— and so much more

On top of Orchard’s Home Sale Guarantee, we list, prep, and show your old home after you’re all moved out.

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Close more deals with Orchard brokerage

Grow your business and make $50-$70K more per year.

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Sell for more with value-boosting improvements

When you list with Orchard, we’ll get your home show-ready and make repairs to increase your home’s value at no upfront cost.

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Buy a new home knowing you’ve sold your current one

Orchard guarantees your home will sell, so you can buy your next one worry-free.

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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Guaranteed your home sale— and so much more

On top of Orchard’s Home Sale Guarantee, we list, prep, and show your old home after you’re all moved out.

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Closing Fees
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

How much can I make selling my home?

Use our home sale calculator to estimate your net proceeds.

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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t navigate the market alone

Our Home Advisors are experienced local agents who know how to sell for top dollar and help win your dream home.

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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Let’s match you with a real estate agent

All Orchard Home Advisors are experienced agents who know your local market inside and out. Request a consult today.

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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Close faster with a cash offer

Did you know cash offers are 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller? Let us help you make one on your next home.

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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Know what your home is really worth

Get the most accurate free home valuation — in minutes

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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Curious what your monthly mortgage payment would be?

Orchard Home Loans shops the market to find your best rates.

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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
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$0
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Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Stand out to sellers with a cash offer

A cash offer is 4x more likely to be chosen by a seller. Get qualified today.

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Closing Fees
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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
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Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Don’t miss out on your dream home

Make a cash offer now, and Orchard will sell your old home after you move.

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Closing Fees
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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Estimated Net Proceeds
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Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
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Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

Your dream home is waiting for you

Tell us your must-haves to see personalized home recommendations that meet your criteria.

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Closing Fees
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Other Costs to Consider
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Orchard can help you avoid overpaying additional selling and moving costs
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Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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Estimated Net Proceeds
$0
Home Sale Price
$0
Total Cost to Sell
$0
Get my free valuation
Orchard is 30% more accurate than leading estimates.

The stress-free way to buy and sell

With Orchard, secure your dream home before you list. Avoid home showings, rentals, and double moves.

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