Questions Answered! Small and Large

Is there anything we can do to increase the value of our home, or make it more salable when we put it on the market? The answer is ABSOLUTELY! Fresh paint, new hardware, etc. etc........is the most popular and easiest on the pocket...but if you are really feeling ambitious and want to take on a remodel, consider this.

Recouping your remodeling investment may be your goal when selling your house. But when it comes to resale value, all home improvements are NOT created equal. As a rule, kitchen and bathroom remodels almost always pay back 90% or more of their costs. However, finishing a basement usually pays back less than 50%. Other improvements fall somewhere in between.

PROJECT	COST	AVERAGE PAYBACK
Heat or Air System	2,000-4,500	75%-100%
Minor Kitchen Remodel	2,000-8,500	94% to 102%
Major Kitchen Remodel	9,000-25,000	90%
Add Bathroom	5,000-12,000	92%
Add a Family Room	30,000	86%
Remodel Bathroom	8,500	77%
Add a Fireplace	1,500-3,000	75%
Build a Deck	6,000	73%
Remodel Home Office	8,000	69%
Replace Windows	6,000	68% to 74%
Build a Pool	10,000 and up	44%
Install/Upgrade Landscape	1,500 to 15,000	30% to 60%
Finish Basement	3,000 to 7,000	15%

T'is the SEASON

Where is the month of March going? Before we can blink an eye April will have arrived! Spring is fast approaching and so are the cleaning chores....makes both yourself and the house happy....(and the potential buyer)

T'is the season to Spring Clean........

Bedroom: Go through clothes! Gather winter clothes that will not be worn for another year. It is also a good time to flip your mattress, wash all linen (curtains included!), and mattress covers as well.
Kitchen: Go through all refrigerator, freezer, and canned good items and check expiration dates. Wipe out all cupboards and fridge shelves as well. Wipe down the outside of all appliances and cupboards.
Living and Dining Area: Refresh decor by adding new pictures or simply putting old old pictures in new frames. Dust and vacuum, and if possible get the carpets cleaned.
All-Over: Get rid of clutter! Wipe down walls and baseboards, and clean windows. Top it all off with new welcome mats outdoors.....

and Wallah...spring cleaning is complete!

Lucky me, I enlisted the help of my husband yesterday to accomplish a few of these myself :) 

Let's get GOING :)

The sun is shining and houses are selling, a GREAT way to start the week! I am in the process of helping a couple clients revamp a few areas of their homes before we put them on the market. It always amazes me the difference a few little upgrades can make! One family is tweaking a couple things in their kitchen, and in return will get a new amazing look. The kitchen is where deals are made or lost. Today's kitchen is the heart of the home, where families cook, entertain, pay bills, do homework, and just hang out.

Here are a few tips for making a great looking kitchen....on a budget

* remover clutter- a few appliances are okay, but clear up extra items taking up counter space

* a fresh coat of paint is inexpensive and can brighten up a room

* replace faucet if old or outdated

* change your hardware. It can totally change the look of the kitchen

Enjoy :)