Get The Most Bang For Your Remodeling Bucks

Thinking about making a change to your home?

CRIBBIN REALTY SAYS: Be sure your remodeling dollars are well spent.
You certainly should focus on making your home a place you (rather than some future buyer) will enjoy living in. Still, it makes sense to remodel with an eye to maximizing the return you'll get on your remodeling costs when the time does come to sell.

Consider the following suggestions:

1. Try To Fit In Make sure your changes are consistent with the neighborhood. Don't improve your home's value more than 20% above the average value of homes in your area. If three bedrooms are standard and you are adding two more, you are not likely to get a very good return on your investment. Consider moving to a larger home rather than over-improving your current one.

2. Take The Middle Path Shy away from highly decorative (or expensive) fixtures and designs. While a black-onyx wet bar and a mirrored wall might suit your fancy, it may make your home harder to sell later on. Remember, trendy colors and styles become stale all too soon (remember "harvest gold"?). Classic styles and neutral colors, on the other hand, stand the test of time. Express your individual taste with furnishings that you can take with you when you go.

3. Invest In Popular Improvements Renovations with the best return include changes in the kitchen or bathrooms and room additions accomplished by adding on or enclosing a porch or garage. Tour similar homes that are for sale to see what kind of renovations your neighbors have made. Take a look inside some new homes, too. Builders know what today's buyers are looking for; you may want to incorporate a few of the latest features in your home remodeling project.

4. Look At Your Moving Timetable Will you be moving in a year or two? If so, shy away from major projects or personalized "luxury" updates such as saunas or art studios. You could end up spending extra money to reconvert the space if your buyers don't like the results. Don't start renovating if you expect a short-term stay, because long-term remodeling loans will deduct cash from your equity when you sell.

If you have any real estate related questions, email them to me at Mike@CribbinRealty.com.