Juli Doty - Real Estate, Real Advice

Smart Improvements

Get More Money For Your Home

Have you seen homes on the market that just look so amazing that they end up selling for over the listed price?

What do they have that your home doesn't?

The best home improvements to increase its resale value are largely cosmetic - like landscaping, painting, kitchen and bath remodels, shingles, shutters, updated windows. Only consider alterations and additions that bring your home in line with others in the neighborhood.

It's All About Curb Appeal

One of the most important things when valuing a house is its curb appeal.

Windows, landscaping, french doors, nice edging and architectural shingles make a world of difference.

These don't have to be all that expensive either. When you're putting on a roof, go with the architectural shingles. For a few hundred dollars more, you'll add a whole new dimension to your house - a richness and detail that sets your home apart from the others.

The same thing goes for plantings, bushes, paint and bright flowers. Painting your front door a pretty color, surrounding your home with colorful flowers, these all go a long way toward adding curb appeal. You want the outside to look as good as the inside.

Landscaping definitely adds to curb appeal. People will be willing to pay more for your home than the one next door if there is beautiful landscaping, with things like shrubs, trees, flowers or cobblestones

Don't go overboard. You absolutely can over-improve, especially if you are out of line with the character of your neighborhood or even your own home. Trendy is risky. It's often expensive and can become outdated in a few years.

• Clean your home.
• Paint where needed
• Make the house as clutter-free as possible.
• Keep the house temperature comfortable
• Use citrus air freshners throughout the home.

A small investment can offer a large economic return.

Strategies to Bank On

As you consider home remodeling options, consider these guidelines to improve your chances of a good return on your investment:

• Keep the value of your property within 15% to 20% of others in your neighborhood. Buyers who can afford pricier homes will shop in more expensive neighborhoods. If you have the "worst house" in a great neighborhood, you may be able to recoup an ever larger percentage on your investment. But if you own the "best house" in the neighborhood, you may not come close to recouping your costs.
• Style your remodeling for mass appeal. Buyers generally prefer neutral, mainstream design.
• Give buyers quality construction. Use materials that look good and wear well. If you plan to do the work yourself, honestly evaluate your ability to do it right.
• Keep your remodeling compatible with the existing house. Additions and improvements that look "tacked on" may detract from a home's appeal.

Remodeling Ideas

Begin with a walk around to decide what your home really needs.

• Wood floors
• Ceramic floors
• New carpet or remove the carpet
• New windows, new blinds...lose the drapes
• Paint it the right color
• Pour concrete decks
• Upgrade your landscaping
• Install new sinks and fixtures
• Replace doorknobs and cabinet handles
• Update appliances
• Open up rooms
• Remodel your large laundry into a bath
• Add a stackable washer/dryer in the master bath
• Break up your huge single bathroom into a main, and a master bath

Friendship Work Crews - Benefit and Cost

Have you ever considered inviting over a crew of handy friends for remodeling and a barbecue? If your finances are limited it is a great way to improve your own property and that of friends.

You may be amazed at the construction skills available to you within your acquaintances.