Frequently Asked Real Estate Questions-Ep. 23

Will any remodeling project add value to my home?

Many will add value, but not all.

For instance, combining two smaller bedrooms to create one larger master bedroom may be better for your life style, but not for everyone. If it changes your house from a 3 bedroom to a 2 bedroom that might not be the best plan as most buyers will want at least a 3 bedroom house. If it changes it from a 4 bedroom to a 3 bedroom, it might be ok, depending on the part of town you live in and your neighborhood.

Another thing to keep in mind, installing high-end materials may not always be the best choice. Not all buyers want the additional cost; they would rather get a more affordable home. You don’t want to over improve it for the neighborhood. You have to keep the finishes and upgrades in line with your neighbors to get the most back out of a project.

Painting is an inexpensive way to make sure your house shows the best it can. BUT, you need to keep it a neutral color, so the buyers can choose their own style and envision their personal belongings in your house. Painting the wrong colors can turn off buyers.

Don’t forget the outside! You want to make sure your house has curb appeal so buyers will want to stop in and take a look. Most times the outside is the first picture of your house a buyer sees. If it does not look inviting, they may not even look at the rest of the pictures and just remove it from the list. BUT don’t overdo it with expensive landscaping.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, start from the outside and work your way in. I HIGHLY recommend you consult with a Real Estate agent BEFORE making changes/improvements to your home to ensure you do not over improve and you do the things that buyers will pay the most attention to. If you or someone you know is looking to sell your house call me today, I would be happy to discuss the best things to do to get your house ready for the market.