Change often comes with its challenges, but for Steve and Thalyta Swanson, it sparked an opportunity to reinvent their careers. Just over two years ago, Steve faced an unexpected shift after a 25-year career in the wireless telecom industry. At the same time, Thalyta sought a new chapter after a decade as a photographer. Determined to build something meaningful together, they found the perfect fit in Renovation Sells. “It enabled us to leverage our skill sets in a business we could build to support our family and better our community,” Steve reflects. (For more on their journey, be sure to check out their feature in Real Producers Magazine!)
A Strategic Approach to Presale Renovations
Renovation Sells Northern Colorado, led by the Swansons, focuses on a “concierge model service” that covers everything from design and project management to construction and financing for presale renovations. Their market-driven approach targets updates that attract buyers and help homes sell faster and for a higher price. Instead of tailoring to individual preferences, the Swansons prioritize updates that resonate with market demands. “We make strategic changes to help sell faster and for more money,” Steve explains. High-impact renovations, like kitchen transformations, fresh flooring installations, and lighting enhancements, are completed in a matter of weeks and can lead to significant increases in home value.
A recent standout project involved a collaboration with realtor Morgan Merriman to transform an inherited property. With a $60K budget, the Swansons completely updated the kitchen, installed new flooring, painted the interior, and made small but impactful bathroom updates. The results? The home, initially valued at $410K, sold for $620K, netting the sellers a $150K profit. “A home is the biggest asset most people will have in their lives,” Thalyta notes. “Helping clients maximize their profits and achieve their financial dreams is incredibly rewarding.”
Building a Business and Strengthening Community Ties
Launching their Renovation Sells franchise required hard work and determination. Steve took charge of construction, while Thalyta focused on managing budgeting, and proposals, and collaborating with the design team to ensure every project met market demands. Together, they prioritized building strong relationships with Realtors in Northern Colorado, regularly visiting offices and meeting with potential clients over coffee. Their dedication has resulted in trusted partnerships and mutual success. “We partner together and make great things happen for the clients,” says Steve.
The Swansons’ strong community roots have also contributed to their business growth. Steve has lived in Fort Collins since his teenage years and graduated from Colorado State University, while Thalyta moved to the area as a child and also attended CSU. As high school sweethearts, the two are proud to serve the community they’ve called home for decades.
Balancing Business and Family Life
One of the Swansons’ favorite aspects of running their Renovation Sells business is the flexibility it offers. With two sons attending Fossil Ridge High School and a sheepadoodle named Rosco, family time is a top priority. They enjoy traveling to destinations like Brazil and the Colorado mountains, where Steve and their boys can often be found mountain biking or snowboarding. Thalyta also dedicates time to volunteering, serving on the board of the Fossil Ridge Football Booster Club and the Young Men’s Service League. “This business has given us the ability to do what we love while prioritizing our family,” Thalyta shares.
Dedicated to Transformative Results
For the Swansons, their work with Renovation Sells is about more than just renovations—it’s about making a positive impact on their clients and community. By delivering strategic, high-value updates, building trusted relationships, and maintaining a commitment to excellence, they’ve transformed countless homes and helped clients achieve their goals. Whether working on inherited properties or collaborating with Realtors, Steve and Thalyta are dedicated to exceptional results and meaningful change.
If you’re inspired by Steve and Thalyta’s story and want to see how to maximize your home’s potential, contact Renovation Sells today.
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