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Informative Articles

Franchises - What's The Exit Strategy?
At an International Franchising Symposium in London, Peter Holt made the bold statement to his audience of Franchisors that they needed to understand that their business would fail, and in fact all businesses are bound for failure. Needless...
Identifying Candidates for Leadership
A critical task in the succession planning process of any organization is identifying candidates. Traditionally, candidates have been identified based on past performance. While this seems logical, it is problematic in practice. Past performance...
It's Spring - Time for a Compensation Program Tune Up
It's Spring - Time for a Compensation Program Tune Up Now that winter has passed, the annual ritual of spring cleaning is in full swing. Spring cleaning is more than cleaning the windows and clearing the cobwebs that hid in the corners during...
Not Another Ice Breaker! Team Building with a Purpose.
"We just don't work as a team!" Janet, a group manager for a large insurance company, was complaining to Larry, her human resources consultant. "Everyone just seems to do their own thing, they don't share information, don't try to help each other,...
What Your Home Based Business Plan Can Do For You
You have put in the time and research to develop your home based business plan, but now you need to know what to do with it. The business plan does more than just attract potential investors to help you raise capital, it also can be used as a...
 
Renovations and Upgrades: Bring it to the Bank Part 2

Renovations and Upgrades: Bring it to the Bank
Part 2

In Part 1 of this article series we discussed kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms; three areas of the home that can boost value when updated or improved. If you have not yet read Part 1, visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com to view it. Now, it’s time to talk about the other rooms in the house. And let’s not forget exterior upgrades. Even a quick and simple facelift makes the home more attractive and worth more. Use strategic planning to invest your money in the places that count most. You will be pleased with the return.

Simple Details Often Overlooked

When you choose to renovate a living room, den or dining room -- remember, the most important and valuable improvements are sometimes in the details. You may want to open out a wall to change the floor design, especially if you live in a home built in the 1950’s, 60’s or 70’s. Again, a chair rail (especially in the dining room) and crown molding can increase the value. An upgrade in flooring, windows, decks, screened in porches and paint can all equal the perfect facelift. Use light or neutral colored paint to reflect light. Fireplaces can also add on about $3,000 to an appraisal. Just remember wood fireplaces are declining in popularity. Fireplaces that use gas or are converted to burn gas are more popular.

Simple and Effective Upgrades for Any Room

Consider updating dirty and chipped wall sockets. Also, you may want to replace light switches and light fixtures. Make sure the lights, wall sockets and light switches flow with the color scheme or the mood you are trying to evoke with the room. For example: do not use a rooster shaped light fixture in a bathroom. All of these changes will make a definite statement in a room.

Don’t Waste the Garage and the Basement

Think long and hard before you turn the garage or basement into a room. Although this may increase the square footage of your home the value is in the space as is. In Virginia, a one-car garage equals $10,000 credit with the appraiser. If the garage is converted the appraiser counts only 1/3 of the square footage and adds it to


your home value. As is, garages and basements in good condition can be an excellent commodity when selling your home. Keep this in mind when prioritizing renovations.

The Importance Of Maintaining the Face Of The Home

Renovations and updates do not include roofs and other exterior materials. This is part of home maintenance and should automatically be done to maintain the value of your home. Landscaping and a fence can greatly add to the value of a home. Expect about a 70% return on labor and materials for landscaping and fence installation. If you have a fence that is old and has seen better days be sure to repair or replace it or it will lower your home value. Underground irrigation systems and sod can payoff nicely – as much as a 70% return. Shutters, porches and gutters yield about 80%. Pools are of little value when attempting to increase your home value. Aside from the extra insurance you will need, a pool is only worth the investment if you live in an area where most homeowners have pools. Pools are like wallpaper: buyers either love them or hate them.

Last Words

A word of caution: remember to pull all permits when doing renovations or updates on your home. Make certain the contractor pulls all permits when you resell or this will come back to haunt you. Also, if you have no experience with these kinds of home projects, do not attempt them. Do It Yourself (DIY) may be popular, but trust my judgment and years of experience. DIY renovations will often pale in comparison to a professional job. If you insist on tackling the projects on your own, take a class on each type of renovation or find a friend with some background who is willing to assist you. Remember, generally speaking, pride in ownership is apparent in a property and that you can take to the bank.



About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg area. She is an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. Elaine VonCannon also works with real estate investors and home sellers.

 

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