Best ROI Home Upgrades in 2026: What Actually Pays Back?

2026 Flooring Trends Buyers LOVE | Gray Floors, Wood Tones & Resale Tips

Are gray floors out in 2026? In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin break down the flooring trends buyers love — and the flooring choices that may be making homes feel dated. Gray LVP flooring was one of the most popular choices for flips and remodels over the last decade, but is it starting to look cold, dated, or overdone? In this episode, we talk about what St. Louis buyers are responding to now: warmer wood tones, natural oak looks, matte and satin finishes, high-end LVP, carpet in the right rooms, herringbone patterns, and flooring colors that make a home feel more expensive. We also discuss what to do if you already have gray floors and don’t want to replace them. Spoiler: don’t double down with more cold gray. Warm paint colors, wood furniture, champagne/brass hardware, natural textures, and better lighting can help soften gray LVP and make your home feel warmer and more current. Whether you’re getting ready to sell your home in St. Louis, remodeling before listing, buying a home with dated floors, or just trying to make your home feel less than 10 years old, this episode will help you avoid expensive flooring mistakes. Angela Dillmon with The Dillmon Group at Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield and Glen Calvin with Guild Mortgage are here to help you build wealth, live your dream lifestyle, and leave legacies that matter. Contact Info: Angela Dillmon The Dillmon Group of Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield 📞 (314) 277-7713 📧 adillmon@kw.com 🔗 ⁠https://adillmon.kw.com/⁠ Glen Calvin Guild Mortgage Branch Manager | NMLS #742330 📞 (314) 249-2861 📧 gcalvin@guildmortgage.net 🔗 ⁠https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/glen-calvin-714-cngca.html⁠ Timestamps 00:00 Are gray floors out? 00:47 Why gray LVP can make homes feel cold or dated 01:07 Flooring is moving warmer — just like 2026 paint colors 01:23 Why paint should connect your floors, cabinets, and counters 01:43 Flooring is one of the largest visual surfaces in the home 02:06 How to make a home feel less than 10 years old 02:24 Why flooring is expensive and important to get right 03:00 2026 flooring trends: wood tones are dominating 03:23 Houzz flooring data: wood tones vs. gray flooring 04:00 Honey, caramel, chestnut, and warm wood flooring colors 04:26 Why flooring choices depend on home size, style, and price point 05:00 White oak, hickory, walnut, and warm beige undertones 05:25 Why prefinished floors and harder woods can help with lifestyle wear 05:40 Dark floors, sunlight, dust, scratches, and pet hair 06:00 Matte and satin flooring finishes vs. shiny glossy floors 06:50 What to do if you already have gray floors 07:10 The biggest mistake homeowners make with gray floors 07:45 How to warm up gray LVP with paint, wood, rugs, and hardware 08:06 Champagne hardware, warm neutrals, and natural stone looks 08:30 Flooring, cabinets, counters, and paint: what order to choose 09:00 Why you may not need a $40,000 flooring fix 09:15 Matte and satin floors photograph better when selling 09:45 Hardwood, LVP, tile, and carpet: what buyers are accepting now 10:15 Carpet is coming back in bedrooms and cozy spaces 10:48 Herringbone and chevron flooring trends 11:50 Where patterned flooring works best 12:15 DIY flooring vs. professional installation 12:34 Why flooring must work with cabinets, counters, and paint 13:00 LVP vs. ceramic tile in bathrooms and primary baths 13:32 High-end LVP pricing vs. wood flooring 14:00 You don’t always need to panic about dated floors 14:39 How to tone down gray flooring with warm wood tones 15:00 Why too many flooring types on one level hurts the home 15:36 Buyers respond emotionally before logically 16:00 How color choices make a home feel sterile or expensive 16:26 Closing: St. Louis real estate, remodeling, and resale advice

2026 Paint Color Trends Buyers LOVE | Sherwin-Williams Colors That Make Homes Feel Expensive

2026 paint colors, Sherwin-Williams color trends, warm paint colors, luxury home design, St. Louis real estate, home staging tips, interior design trends 2026, paint colors that sell homes faster — Angela and Glen from The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate break down the biggest 2026 color trends and how to make your home feel more expensive, warm, and inviting. Is gray officially dead? What paint colors make buyers emotionally connect with a home? In this episode, Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin dive into the newest 2026 Sherwin-Williams color trends and explain how colors impact mood, resale value, staging, and everyday living. Whether you're preparing to sell your home, building a new home, remodeling, or just trying to create a more luxurious feel, this episode gives practical, real-world advice for homeowners in the St. Louis Metro and beyond. In this episode: 🎨 2026 Sherwin-Williams color trends 🏡 Colors that make homes feel more expensive 🛋️ Warm vs cool tones in today’s market ❌ Why all-gray homes are falling out of style 💡 Easy paint updates with the biggest impact 🧠 The psychology of color and emotional buying 🌿 Nature-inspired palettes buyers love ✨ Tips for resale homeowners and buyers alike If you’re thinking about buying, selling, building wealth through real estate, or creating your dream lifestyle, we’re here to help. 📲 Connect with The Dillmon Group: 🌐 The Dillmon Group at Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield 🎙️ Podcast: The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate 🏠 Serving the St. Louis Metro Area #2026ColorTrends #SherwinWilliams #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #LuxuryHomes #HomeSellingTips #StLouisRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #HomeDesignTrends #WarmPaintColors ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Welcome to The Fun and the Mentals of Real Estate 0:07 – “Is Gray Dead?” Glen’s question of the day 0:48 – Why colors impact emotion and buyer psychology 1:49 – Why all-gray homes are going out of style 2:10 – The shift toward warm, nature-inspired colors 2:50 – Sherwin-Williams 2026 color palette overview 4:15 – Colors that make a home feel more peaceful and inviting 5:38 – Paint trends buyers are emotionally connecting with 6:22 – How color choices affect resale value 6:58 – Mistakes homeowners make with trendy colors 8:05 – Creating a luxury feel without major remodeling 9:40 – Warm woods, comfort, and natural design trends 11:05 – Easy upgrades that make dull homes stand out 12:15 – Final thoughts on 2026 home color trends 13:05 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Angela & Glen

Reverse Mortgages Aren't the Trap You Think They Are

Stop believing reverse mortgage myths! Learn how a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) works, protects your heirs, and serves as a powerful wealth-building tool for your retirement lifestyle. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 — The "Win" Scenario: Staying 20-30 years without a payment 0:30 — Myth #1: Will I lose my home to the bank? 0:52 — Myth #2: Will my heirs be stuck with the debt? 1:32 — Non-Recourse Protection: How government insurance works 1:36 — Myth #3: Qualifying with bad credit or no job 2:05 — The 12-Month Rule: Primary residence and moving out 2:39 — Myth #4: Why financial planners actually love this tool 3:40 — Myth #5: Is a reverse mortgage only for people who are "broke"? 4:13 — Myth #6: Are there restrictions on how you spend the cash? 4:44 — Myth #7: Do you need to have your house paid off to qualify? 5:18 — Conclusion: Building wealth and leaving a legacy ABOUT THIS EPISODE: Are you worried that a reverse mortgage means the bank takes your home? Angela Dillmon and Glen Calvin debunk the top 10 myths surrounding home equity conversion. Learn how a HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) actually allows you to stay in your home without making monthly mortgage payments, as long as you keep up with taxes and insurance. Whether you are a senior looking to retire your current mortgage or a family member helping a loved one navigate retirement, this guide breaks down the facts on non-recourse loans, credit requirements, and how to use your home equity as a strategic investment tool. #ReverseMortgage #HomeEquity #RetirementPlanning #RealEstateMyths #TheDillmonGroup #StLouisRealEstate #HECM #FinancialFreedom ⬇️⬇️ RESOURCES & CONTACT INFO ⬇️⬇️ 🔗 Your home is your biggest asset. Track its value and build your wealth for FREE: https://hmbt.co/HZmjRn 💡 Thinking about making a move? We’re here to help you get in position. To get a personalized game plan for your specific situation, reach out to us. Schedule a consultation: https://forms.gle/9Q2G3a2t7PZnYqMR8 Angela Dillmon The Dillmon Group of Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield 📞 (314) 277-7713 📧 adillmon@kw.com 🔗 https://adillmon.kw.com/ Glen Calvin Guild Mortgage | Branch Manager | NMLS #742330 📞 (314) 249-2861 📧 gcalvin@guildmortgage.net 🔗 https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/glen-calvin-714-cngca.html Stay ahead of the St. Louis real estate market. Follow me: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeladillmon/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela.dillmon/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladillmon/ • Google Reviews: https://share.google/obZU5GR87RumXGG0K

The Home Renovation Projects That Hurt Resale Value And The One That Wins

We ask the question: where does return on investment meet lifestyle when it comes to your home? 🏡 We discuss how to make all your money in the kitchen and bath, focusing on smart home renovation choices like quartz countertops. Learn how to maximize your home value through strategic kitchen upgrades and bathroom renovation projects. What home improvement projects do you prioritize for the best roi? Inside This Episode: Smart Spending vs. Money Pits 💡 Are you renovating for your own happiness or for the next buyer? In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, we dive into the data behind 2026 home trends. We explore why some "luxury" upgrades actually hurt your resale value and how to decide when a project is worth the investment. What We Cover: • The Marble Trap: Why that high-end stone might be a maintenance nightmare for buyers. 💎 • Defined Spaces: Why the wide-open floor plan is losing its crown to functional, tech-free zones. 🧱 • The $100k Warning: Why a massive patio investment could be a financial mistake if you're moving soon. 🌳 • Aging in Place: The truth about walk-in tubs and accessibility upgrades. 🛁 • The 100% ROI Winner: The surprising exterior upgrade that pays back almost every penny. 🚗 Timestamps ⏳ 0:00 - The renovation projects that actually hurt your resale 1:28 - Quartz vs. Marble: The durability debate 3:15 - Is the Open Concept dead? The rise of defined spaces 5:14 - The new demand for "Analog" tech-free rooms 6:18 - The reality of Walk-in Tubs and aging in place 8:22 - The "How Long are You Staying?" Rule 10:45 - The $100k Patio Mistake: Don’t do this before you sell! 13:10 - The ONE upgrade that wins (100% ROI) 16:40 - Financial Strategy: Using a HELOC for smart upgrades ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🔗 Your home is your biggest asset. Track its value and build your wealth for FREE.: ⁠https://hmbt.co/HZmjRn⁠ 💡 Thinking about making a move? We're here to help you get in position and make the most of this opportunity. To get a personalized game plan for your specific situation, reach out to us. Click here to schedule a consultation: 🔗 ⁠https://forms.gle/9Q2G3a2t7PZnYqMR8⁠ Contact Info: Angela Dillmon The Dillmon Group of Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield 📞 (314) 277-7713 📧 adillmon@kw.com 🔗 ⁠https://adillmon.kw.com/⁠ Glen Calvin Guild Mortgage Branch Manager | NMLS #742330 📞 (314) 249-2861 📧 gcalvin@guildmortgage.net 🔗 ⁠https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/glen-calvin-714-cngca.html⁠ Stay ahead of the St. Louis real estate market. Follow me for daily insights, listings, and tips: • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeladillmon/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela.dillmon/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladillmon/ • X/Twitter: https://x.com/ADillmon • Google Reviews: https://share.google/obZU5GR87RumXGG0K #HomeUpgrades #RealEstate2026 #HomeROI #StLouisRealEstate #TheDillmonGroup #HomeEquity #SellingYourHome #RenovationMistakes #SmartInvesting

Best ROI Home Upgrades in 2026: What Actually Pays Back?

Most homeowners believe the myth that every dollar spent on renovations comes back double at closing. In this episode of The Fun and Mentals of Real Estate, we’re looking at the hard data for 2026. We break down the professional-grade strategies that separate expensive hobbies from smart investments.The ROI Breakdown:• The #1 Winner: Why the garage door consistently beats almost every other interior project for return on investment. 🏎️• The $5,000 Rule: How a small budget spent on "Paint and Clean" can out-earn a $100,000 kitchen remodel. 🎨• Emotional Triggers: The secret of "Logic vs. Emotion"—how specific colors and lighting can drive your price higher than a full renovation. ✨• The Roof Reality: Navigating insurance and resale value when it comes to the "big ticket" exterior items. 🏠• Kitchens & Baths: The "Minor" vs. "Major" debate—which one actually helps you break even? 🚿Key Timestamps ⏳0:00 - The 2026 ROI Myth1:22 - The Highest ROI Project (It’s not what you think!)3:45 - Why "Logic Buys, Emotion Drives Price"6:10 - The Danger of Over-Improving for your Neighborhood8:30 - Small Wins: Hardware, Lighting, and Curb Appeal11:15 - The Truth About Kitchen Remodels in 202614:00 - Final Verdict: Your Pre-Listing Checklist⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️🔗 Your home is your biggest asset.Track its value and build your wealth for FREE.: ⁠https://hmbt.co/HZmjRn⁠💡 Thinking about making a move? We're here to help you get in position and make the most of this opportunity. To get a personalized game plan for your specific situation, reach out to us.Click here to schedule a consultation: 🔗 ⁠https://forms.gle/9Q2G3a2t7PZnYqMR8⁠Contact Info:Angela DillmonThe Dillmon Group of Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield📞 (314) 277-7713📧 adillmon@kw.com🔗 ⁠https://adillmon.kw.com/⁠Glen CalvinGuild MortgageBranch Manager | NMLS #742330📞 (314) 249-2861📧 gcalvin@guildmortgage.net🔗 ⁠https://branches.guildmortgage.com/mo/chesterfield/glen-calvin-714-cngca.html⁠Stay ahead of the St. Louis real estate market. Follow me for daily insights, listings, and tips:• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angeladillmon/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela.dillmon/• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angeladillmon/• X/Twitter: https://x.com/ADillmon• Google Reviews: https://share.google/obZU5GR87RumXGG0K