Add Value to Your Home with Improvements that Pays Off

The past four years haven’t been ideal for the housing market. But 2010 has been a time of reflection and renewal and all signs say we’re on a

steady path toward recovery.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future and want to be sure you get the most bang for your buck

take a look at this list for ideas on home improvements that could get you more money in the long-run.

 Update your kitchen – This is definitely one of the bigger projects on this

list, yet renovating a kitchen in an older home can have huge benefits. In

fact according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value 2009-10

Report, a mid-range renovation of a kitchen is estimated to recoup about

72% of the homeowner’s initial investment. Not only that, an updated

kitchen can lure in buyers who may have reservations about another

aspect of the house.

 Paint – For a fairly small investment, painting rooms or specific walls in

your home provides dramatic results. If you’re planning to sell soon, be strategic about the colors you choose to paint. For example, hot pink and

neon blue might not attract a high offer on your home. Instead choose neutral or warm and inviting colors such as yellow. Buyers want to

picture themselves in your home, creating that environment for them from the get-go sets you up for seller success!

 Build a deck – Can you smell the burgers from here? A deck is an excellent addition to your home, even if you’re not

planning on selling any time soon. When you do decide to sell a deck is an excellent selling point because buyers

see it as an extension of their home. Decks are also a great return on investment. Homeowners who invested an

initial $10,634 recouped a little more than 80 percent or $8,573.

 Add Siding -  Siding is becoming a more popular project for homeowners since the explosion of green initiatives. The

U.S. Department of Energy says that qualified siding (dual-or-triple-paned) windows can save as much as 15% to

20% on energy bills. With more buyers are looking for homes with Energy Efficient upgrades that will save them

money in the long run, this is an excellent addition that recoups an outstanding 80% on the initial investment.

 Landscape – Curb appeal is king. Not only is landscaping an excellent hobby for some, it pays off big for buyers and

at little cost to the seller. Landscaping is generally cheaper than many indoor projects and since it’s the first thing

they see when they drive up, may determine whether or not a buyer will even look at your home.

 Replace the Windows -  Do you feel a breeze? It might be time to replace windows. Not only will this project reduce

your energy bill, you could reap potential tax benefits if you install energy efficient windows qualified by The U.S.

Department of Energy.

 Modify the Bathroom -  Bathroom updates are always a solid investment that can recoup as much as 78 percent of

your initial investment. Just be sure to stay away from anything too trendy. For one, it may not match the rest of your

house and it could turn more traditional buyers off.

 Put in a Swimming Pool -  Before you put in a pool it’s important to consider which part of the country you live in. If

you live in an area where the amount of time spent cleaning the pool outweighs the amount of time spent enjoying

the pool, you may want to reconsider. If you live in an area of the country that experiences great weather, nearly

year round, a pool can significantly boost your homes’ value.

 Fix up the Basement -  Be honest! Is your basement the damp, smelly area of your home? Does it leak regularly or worse flood? If the latter sentence

describes your basement in any way, it’s time for an update. Consider calling in the pros if it’s bad enough, or think about adding drywall,

insulation, laminate flooring or even a bathroom.

 Install Central Air Conditioning -  Here’s another opportunity to go green. Installing a central air conditioning unit can be costly, but it could boost

you’re homes’ value by up to 10 to 20 percent. Not to mention, you’ll be able to see through your window!

Sources: www.remodeling.hw.net

For more great value ideas and improvements please visit Phoenix Area Specialists blog!