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.

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.

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.

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.