Gary Bell's Blog

Best-Bet Home Improvements: Get your Las Cruce Home Ready for Re-sale

Gary Bell (Exit Realty Horizons) — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:39:54 -0700

Gary Bell

EXIT REALTY HORIZONS

Best Bet Home Improvements

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your home for resale, or you just want an updated look for your own enjoyment, there are a few things you must consider before beginning any costly project.

Sure, you can spend a lot on something purely for the personal pleasure of having it - like that outdoor Jacuzzi under the attached gazebo - or you can go the practical route and make an improvement that will increase your home's market value, such as installing energy-efficient air-conditioning or repairing those shabby shingles. Be forewarned, however, and don't expect to recoup your costs on both counts. Many real-estate brokers agree that just because you put $25,000 worth of improvements into your home doesn't mean that your house is worth $25,000 more!

Exactly how much of your investment you'll recoup depends on a number of factors, such as the "big picture" housing market, the value of the homes in your neighborhood, when you plan to sell and the exact nature of the improvement. Also, consider that the longer you live in your home after a project is completed, the less likely you are to recoup its value. Just try to convince a potential buyer that Harvest Gold is cutting edge.

Below are some examples of a few improvements that usually pay off - and some that rarely make a difference (no matter how much you paid for them) when it comes time to sell your home.

Painting
If you're planning to sell your home in a year or two, a fresh coat of a neutral-toned paint could make the sale easier. A professional exterior paint job may also recoup close to 75% of its cost. Let's face it - we all like things fresh-looking.

Kitchen
With just a few basic improvements, your kitchen can practically pay you back with interest! New paint, wallpaper and flooring are always appreciated; plus, you might even consider sanding, staining or painting worn-looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware is a low-cost improvement that makes a big difference in appearance. According to Remodeling magazine, the average spent on major kitchen-remodeling is around $39,000; refinishing an outdated one averaged $15,000. The full kitchen remodeling recouped 80% of its cost, the more moderate remodeling was valued at 87%.

Area Conversions
Generally speaking, increasing the functional space of your home holds its value longer than remodeling just to make a house look better. It's also much less expensive than adding an addition to your home. Converting attic space into a bedroom, for example, usually costs around $30,000 and returns about 73% of its cost, according to Remodeling magazine. Turning your basement into extra living space costs, on average, $40,000, with a recoup average of about 69% of your costs.

Extra Bathroom
You usually can't go wrong by adding an extra bathroom. At an average cost of $14,200, a new full bath can recoup 81% of its total cost!

Deck
Adding a deck is a very cost-efficient way to add square footage to your house. Decks cost around $6,000 and generally recoup 75% of their value. Compared to other outdoor improvements (except painting), that's an excellent return.

New Windows
Your utility bill savings may make up for the iffy resale value, however, a good set of standard windows should get you around 68% back. If you start getting too fancy with custom shapes and sizes, though, don't expect to get as much in return.

Swimming Pool
In a word - don't! Unless you're putting it in for you and your family to enjoy, it's commonly agreed that a swimming pool has no resale value at all. Reason #1? Sure, they sound nice, but pools are very expensive to maintain. Running a close second is the fear of pool accidents - that's something nobody wants to experience.

Picture-Perfect Gardens
Another nicety, but who's going to spend all that time - and money? If the potential buyer is not horticulturally inclined, chances are your floral handiwork won't add to the offering price. The same can be said for expensive fences and stone walls - they look nice, but buyers don't pay up for them.

Basic Is Better
It may not sound very exciting, but it's the basic improvements you make to your home that may have the greatest return on its value: a beautiful new bathroom won't make up for a leaky roof. So if you're thinking of selling your house in the next year or so, be sure to address any problems the home may have before you, say, install those sunken gardens you've always dreamed of.

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Selling it or Smelling It?

Pet odors can be a problem when you're in the process of selling your home. If your house has an odor problem, you should remove any offending furniture or carpets or hire a professional to clean them. Be sure to check the cat box frequently and keep the litter fresh.

Since some people have allergies or fears of certain animals, it's a good idea to put dogs or cats outside or confine your pets to one area when your house is being shown. It's hard for buyers to fully appreciate your home through itchy, watery eyes or in between sneezes! Even if the house is exactly what they want, your chances of selling it are less if the scent of Spot lingers in their memory.

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The Trivia Block

Which former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is now working in Real Estate?

Roger Staubach began selling real estate in 1970, and began his own company in 1977. You can even check him out on www.staubach.com.

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Las Cruces, NM Real Estate Market Update

Gary Bell (Exit Realty Horizons) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:24:27 -0800

Las Cruces, NM Real Estate Market Update

2/12/12 - Prices are rebounding in the 88012 zip code. 88012 was one of the hardest hit zips in the Las Cruces, NM area. Looking over the data for the last year you can see an upward trend on sold prices:

This along with the fact that list prices are coming down in this zip code is a sign that the market is beginning to stabilize. What does this all mean for you? Well if you are thinking about buying in this zip code, but were holding out till the market bottoms out, now is your time to buy. This coupled with the historically low interest rates makes buying a home much more attractive than renting, hands down.

Thanks for tuning in to the latest Las Cruces, NM Real Estate Market Update! You can reach me at 575-644-8461 anytime to discuss buying or selling a home in Las Cruces, NM. Also, don't forget to subscribe to my blog so that you can receive the next edition of the Las Cruces, NM Real Estate Market Update and other fun and helpful tips for buying or selling a home in Las Cruces, NM.

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Buyers: Please feel free to call or email when you are ready to view homes or if you have any questions. Meanwhile, please enjoy my site where you can:

Search the MLS to get the most up to date listings.
Create your own account where you can save search criteria, individual listings and even set up email alerts.
Research the markets you are interested in. You can research area schools, demographics, price and inventory trends, comparable sold properties, and compare areas by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Sellers: I offer a complete and robust digital marketing strategy using methods that most other firms cannot offer. To find out more call or email. Here you can:

Find out the value of your home for free!
Conduct your own research. You can use my map search tool to pinpoint a specific neighborhood or street to find the selling price of any home listed on the local MLS. You also have access to recent price and inventory trends by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

More about me: My education and professional background are rooted in finance. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelors in Business Administration in Finance. My former employers include Pershing (a subsidiary of the Bank of New York) and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. I spend my free time exploring beautiful New Mexico, hiking with my dog, biking and vacationing with my wife. I am an active member of the Zia Velo Cycling Club right here in Las Cruces and I race mountain and road bikes competitively. I was born and raised in Ohio. After graduating from college my wife and I moved to New York where we spent four years. Currently, we are both happy to be here living it up in Las Cruces!

Lots for Sale in Sonoma Ranch, Las Cruces, NM - Mission Santa Clara

Gary Bell (Exit Realty Horizons) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:04:10 -0800

Looking to build in the Sonoma Ranch area of Las Cruces, NM? You should check out the lots at Mission Santa Clara. Mission Santa Clara is located just east of the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course. Just hop on Sonora Springs Boulevard and you will be at the club house in a couple of minutes. Below is a map shot of the area:

Beautiful views of the organ mountains are abundant in the Mission Santa Clara. Lots range in price from the high $20's up into the $50's depending on the size and view.

Spirit View has already started construction on a model home. Upon it's completion you will be able to stop in to view the quality of construction you can expect from Spirit View and discuss floor plans and available lots with me. Exit Realty Horizons is your #1 resource if you want to find out more about the subdivision. We have a number of Lots for Sale in Sonoma Ranch, Las Cruces, NM including some in the Mission Santa Clara subdivision. Call me at 575-644-8461 to find out more.

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Buyers: Please feel free to call or email when you are ready to view homes or if you have any questions. Meanwhile, please enjoy my site where you can:

Search the MLS to get the most up to date listings.
Create your own account where you can save search criteria, individual listings and even set up email alerts.
Research the markets you are interested in. You can research area schools, demographics, price and inventory trends, comparable sold properties, and compare areas by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Sellers: I offer a complete and robust digital marketing strategy using methods that most other firms cannot offer. To find out more call or email. Here you can:

Find out the value of your home for free!
Conduct your own research. You can use my map search tool to pinpoint a specific neighborhood or street to find the selling price of any home listed on the local MLS. You also have access to recent price and inventory trends by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Cycling in Las Cruces, NM - Ride in the Sun Year Round!

Gary Bell (Exit Realty Horizons) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:01:16 -0800

Cycling in Las Cruces, NM

Cyclists looking for a great place to live and ride should give Las Cruces, NM a good long look. We have some amazing road cycling and mountain biking. You can cruise the valley, climb mountain passes, and bomb down single track all year round.

When you are cycling in Las Cruces, NM you will have plenty of opportunities to socialize. There are two very active cycling clubs: the Bike and Chowder Club and the Zia Velo Cycling Club. Both clubs meet regularly for organized group road rides and between the two they accommodate for all levels of riders. The Zia Velo Cycling Club rides tend to be a lot faster

The mountain biking is quite impressive. There is plenty of single track ranging to cover all skill levels. We have everything from fast and flowy beginner stuff to some of the most advanced technical riding that you can find anywhere. Local trails include the Dona Ana mountain trails, Northern Dona Ana's, Robledo's, A-mountain and The Sierra Visa Trail. Also, El Paso is a short trip and there you can find plenty to ride up in the Franklin Mountains.

We have two full service bike shops to serve all of your cycling in Las Cruces, NM needs. Outdoor Adventures carries Trek, Cannondale, Kona and Surley. They sponsor the riders of the Zia Velo Cycling Club. Your second option is Ride On Sports. They carry Specialized and Raleigh and are also the local Oakley eyewear dealer.

The best part about cycling in Las Cruces, NM is that you can ride outside all year round! No more trainers or rollers. If you are thinking about relocating to the area and are interested in purchasing a home or would like to know a little more about the local real estate market, give me a call at 575-644-8461.

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Buyers: Please feel free to call or email when you are ready to view homes or if you have any questions. Meanwhile, please enjoy my site where you can:

Search the MLS to get the most up to date listings.
Create your own account where you can save search criteria, individual listings and even set up email alerts.
Research the markets you are interested in. You can research area schools, demographics, price and inventory trends, comparable sold properties, and compare areas by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Sellers: I offer a complete and robust digital marketing strategy using methods that most other firms cannot offer. To find out more call or email. Here you can:

Find out the value of your home for free!
Conduct your own research. You can use my map search tool to pinpoint a specific neighborhood or street to find the selling price of any home listed on the local MLS. You also have access to recent price and inventory trends by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Newest Way to Search Las Cruces Real Estate - Search the Las Cruces MLS for Free!

Gary Bell (Exit Realty Horizons) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:14:04 -0800

I am proud to introduce to you the newest and best way to search for Las Cruces real estate. Simply click on the links below to be taken to my new website where you can search the MLS and stay up-to-date on the Las Cruces real estate market.

Buyers: Please feel free to call or email when you are ready to view homes or if you have any questions. Meanwhile, please enjoy my site where you can:

Search the MLS to get the most up to date listings.
Create your own account where you can save search criteria, individual listings and even set up email alerts.
Research the markets you are interested in. You can research area schools, demographics, price and inventory trends, comparable sold properties, and compare areas by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Sellers: I offer a complete and robust digital marketing strategy using methods that most other firms cannot offer. To find out more call or email. Here you can:

Find out the value of your home for free!
Conduct your own research. You can use my map search tool to pinpoint a specific neighborhood or street to find the selling price of any home listed on the local MLS. You also have access to recent price and inventory trends by zip code.
Become a market insider by signing up for the monthly 'Market Insider' newsletter.

Gary Bell's Blog

Best-Bet Home Improvements: Get your Las Cruce Home Ready for Re-sale

Featured Articles

Best Bet Home Improvements

Selling it or Smelling It?

The Trivia Block

Las Cruces, NM Real Estate Market Update

Lots for Sale in Sonoma Ranch, Las Cruces, NM - Mission Santa Clara

Cycling in Las Cruces, NM - Ride in the Sun Year Round!

Newest Way to Search Las Cruces Real Estate - Search the Las Cruces MLS for Free!