Posts Tagged ‘Return On Investment’

Home Improvements to Increase Home Value – Basic Information to Know

February 7th, 2010

Real estate is a fast-paced industry yet the booming market for this sector is definitely a tough and competitive entity to deal with. However for those who are brave enough to venture into real estate, through all the difficulties, the reward is surely promising and inevitably remarkable. One of the very first things that home sellers should attend to would be making sure that their properties have certain edge amidst the myriads of others set in the real estate listings. There are actually several things to do this and the most prominent would be boosting the home value of the house they are selling.

What are the ways to improve home value?

Now more than ever, buyers and potential homeowners are vehemently careful and conscientious in buying or investing their money in real estate. Hard-earned money in times of economic uncertainties is definitely something worth investing in great properties or ventures thus you as a seller must make sure that your property is something that buyers should be putting on top of their list. One very sure step to do this is to make the necessary home improvements in your property that is equivocal to home value. So how are you going to make home improvements that would effectively generate positive results?

What are the different home improvements you should choose?

To make certain upgrades in your home you must basically have a sound discretion and judgment on the kind or particular parts of your house that needs the improvement in order to get the greatest return.
Here is a list of some of the important home improvements you need to consider.

• Kitchen remodeling. This is a very salient area of your house since this is the room where the family spends much of their time interacting with each other. Most of remodeled kitchen has a return-on-investment rate from 80%-93% which is equivalent to an average expense of $15,000 and more. To appraise your kitchen area you may start with the materials, fixtures and appliances in order to have spacious accommodation and thus increase its functionality.

• Bathroom remodeling. Renovating your bathroom could actually give you 85%-90% return of your investment that costs approximately $10,000 and up. Providing two or more bathrooms in the house is a good idea as well as improving some features like tile floors, sinks, bath fixtures and faucets.

• Wall paneling. This is another good renovation idea which you could even conveniently do on your own. This is great in improving your home value because the exterior quality and appearance of your home is a great way to attract and make buyers consider your property. There could even be multitudes of designs you can choose from which you could customize for your prospective buyer’s preference.

Home improvement definitely enhances your home value and that is quite proven in the real estate trend. To be effective and see greater results for this kind of endeavor, it is important that you make proper calculations so that the cost perfectly matches the return-on-investment you would benefit from.

Why it is Better to Do Home Improvement Projects in the Slowing Economy

February 6th, 2010

The great influx of people from all over the country and the rest of the world wanting to take a shot at becoming a part of the Big Apple – New York City, have long since caused a problem in the housing market. Today, this issue is faced by NYC homeowners together with the general condition of the economy of the United States; with the growing unemployment and retrenchments, instability in the Wall Street, and the decline in consumer buying. But even so, this time may be just the perfect opportunity to take advantage of and make a reality out f your dream home through home improvement projects.

In the slowing economy, it pays to be able to maximize whatever amount that you allot into your home improvement project. The assurance of success in home improvement does not lie in spending more. Even with less, you can avail of the best value for your money’s worth by spending it wisely.

The key to the success of any home improvement project to boost return on investment is product selection and quality. To achieve the highest quality, it is crucial that whoever works on the project has the right skills and experience. So if you are not a contractor yourself better let a qualified professional take over and not only bring about success of the project but also make the whole experience a great one for you. » Read more: Why it is Better to Do Home Improvement Projects in the Slowing Economy

Home Improvements That Make Cents

December 28th, 2009

A couple of years back, housing prices skyrocketed and interest rates hit rock bottom. Homeowners everywhere refinanced or took out home equity loans for remodels, pools, and decks. Backyards became outdoor living areas. Home Depots spawned Expo Design Centers and soon granite countertops were de rigueur. As conspicuous consumers we contented ourselves that these improvements were worth it because they increased the value of our homes.

But what kind of return did we get on our investments? The truth is that most home improvements cost more than they add to the value of your home. And no improvement is valuable if you can’t sell your home. So before you run out willy-nilly remodeling this and that, ask yourself how soon you want to sell that house. Sometimes inexpensive home improvements are best for the short term.

What are homebuyers looking for? First and foremost buyers want a solid house in good repair. A newly renovated kitchen may be eye-catching, but if the roof leaks what good is it? At best the buyer will ask for the cost of the repairs to be deducted from the price of the home, so make sure all the basics are in tiptop shape. Your first investment should be in the roof, gutters, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and chimney. Plus, according to soundmoneytips.com, repairing plumbing and electrical problems has a 260% average return on investment.

Once you’ve taken care of the fundamentals, you can consider the eye candy. Again, sometimes the best investments cost the least. A freshly mowed and edged lawn costs nothing and will be inviting to buyers. Fresh paint looks neat and tidy on the exterior of your home and can brighten up dingy interiors. Always patch and repair any damage to the walls before painting. The average return on painting your home’s interior is 148%.

What is the number one return on investment? Cleaning and de-cluttering your house. Try renting a storage space if you can’t bear to part with your junk altogether. Buyers want to feel comfortable in your home—not creeped out by your dusty, cobweb covered light fixtures. The soundmoneytips rate for return on investment in cleaning and de-cluttering is 973%.

So what about the additional bath, the kitchen remodel, and the pool? These are home improvements you may want to consider if you are planning to stay in the home for a few years. While they still add value to your home, they cost more than the value they add. That’s not to say they cost more than they are worth. Lifestyle can be a big factor in a home sale. People rarely say, “It’s almost perfect, but I just can’t stand a house with a pool.” And while a pool only adds about 40% of its cost to the value of a home, you also have to consider if you and your family will be sticking around long enough to use it.

Kitchen remodels and bathroom additions fall into the same category. A major kitchen remodel with new cabinets, tile floors, and brand new appliances can run from $50,000-$100,000 for a modest single family home and it will only add about 75% of that cost to its value. An extra bathroom will run you about $60,000 and only recoup 70% of its cost.

But they look great to potential buyers, and besides, you get to enjoy them while you live there.

By: Christine Flanders

Edited By: Michael C. Podlesny




By: Michael C. Podlesny