Colleen Egan

You don't have to fully renovate to boost the value of your home, or even its "wow" factor. Instead, tackle these small projects this summer.

Historic homes are full of charm, and they’re usually also full of problems… problems that need expensive repairs. Not so with this Brooklyn townhouse, which has been thoughtfully restored to preserve the home’s 19th-century details while adding modern amenities for 21st-century buyers.

If you think Texas real estate is all ranches and mansions, this Houston abode will blow away all your stereotypes about the Lone Star state. This refined, masterfully renovated home has an elegant (if unassuming) exterior, but on the inside, it’s full of huge windows, beautiful built-ins and sophisticated finishes.

The term “Old Hollywood” is usually used to describe red carpet fashion, but it’s also a fitting term to describe the singular style of this 1920s Los Angeles condo. This home is decked out with the kind of architectural features and design details that, much like the movies of that era, will prompt you to say, “They just don’t make ’em like that anymore.

West Chelsea has long been a hotbed of New York culture, full of edgy galleries, exclusive clubs and fashion-forward boutiques. Now, with attractions like the High Line and the addition of word-class restaurants, properties like this impeccably updated townhouse duplex are at the center of the action.

Fleeing the city for views of trees instead of skyscrapers doesn’t have to mean leaving behind a love of streamlined, forward-thinking design. This Connecticut escape offers a respite from the city and the chance to live like an architect.

Soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and an updated kitchen are usually features that top city dwellers’ dreamiest real estate wish lists, and this pre-war abode checks all the boxes. Even better, it’s located in the appealing Flatiron district, so you don’t have to sacrifice location for style.

When would you guess this modern Chicago home was built? Five years ago? Twenty-five? Try 128. Yep, this chic space was built in 1890. Carefully renovated to offer sought-after features like an open floor plan and an updated kitchen, this freestanding house was converted from a multi-unit residence to a huge single-family home with five (yes, five!) bedrooms. And now it could be yours.

New-construction homes usually mean new developments lacking in historic charm. But this sleek, airy two-bedroom house is located in the heart of one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods. 1501 E 31st Avenue Located in Denver, Colorado $750,000 1,730 square feet 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms This bright, contemporary home combines the best of urban and suburban living: It has an airy, loft-like feel, but it’s on a cozy cul-de-sac in an established Denver neighborhood.

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are great, but, to us, the real star of Sleepless in Seattle was Sam and Jonah’s dreamy floating house. This two-bedroom Shingle Style Seattle houseboat, chock full of character, may be the next best thing. 2019 Fairview Ave E Unit N Located in Seattle, Washington $850,000 830 square feet 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom Seattle is famous for its charming collection of floating houses, but what are they like on the inside?

L.A. real estate prices are known for their general insanity, so the odds of finding a great property at an incredible value are about the same as the odds of hitting the lottery. That’s what makes this two-bedroom, two-bathroom restored bungalow with a bonus studio space such a winner.

The thing about turn-of-the-century, pre-war apartments? Along with their vintage architectural details, they have turn-of-the-century, pre-war floor plans, finishes and decay. So instead, for those whose idea of charm includes fresh materials and modern conveniences, this new Brooklyn building could be for you.

Snagging a 1910 rowhouse in Washington, D.C., usually means signing up for a long, budget-busting renovation. But this gem of a condo is updated and move-in ready, complete with sleek interiors, sought-after amenities, and a party-perfect roofdeck. 1107 I Street Northeast, Unit 2 Located in Washington, D.C. $729,000 1,160 square feet 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 half bath D.C. has a fabulous restaurant scene, but with this kitchen, cooking at home would be a pleasure.

In Los Angeles, a town known for outrageous spec houses and million dollar listings, it might come as a surprise that you can still find treasures from a bygone era. Take this light-filled 1932 home, whose delightful period details and cozy nooks makes it less reality TV and more real life.

An airy loft with exposed brick and plenty of natural light has to be the ultimate urban real estate fantasy. This Chicago penthouse ticks off all those must-haves and more. Chef’s kitchen? Private roof deck? Incredible master suite? Check, check, check. 2105 West Concord Place, Unit 7 Located in Chicago, Illinois $999,000 3,200 square feet 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, one half bath Tricked-out kitchens with not one, but two islands are usually the stuff of suburban real estate listings.

The very idea of buying a condo in Manhattan (in a desirable neighborhood, no less) for under seven figures is enough to elicit laughter and talk of lottery tickets. But this Gramercy Park beauty is proof that these urban unicorns do exist. Add sweeping city views and a full-time doorman into the mix, and we understand if you need to sit down and take deep breaths.

Curb appeal can only go so far. It’s easy to be lured in by the architectural details of a historic home, but then you step inside and realize that the layout was designed for a different generation with a vastly different lifestyle. That’s not the case with this 1932 New Orleans gem. Behind the gingerbread exterior is – surprise! – a completely renovated, thoroughly modern home.