In real estate market with an influx of homes for sale, careful planning is necessary when getting a home ready to sell. In today's real estate market, I find that home sellers have figured out that they need to have their home almost perfect if they want it to sell. If it's not perfect, then a seller will usually see the consequences of it in a lesser offer. Since most sellers want the most money possible, it's imperative in real estate to consider the home, house floor plan and renovations that make money sense.
Here's a list of the Top 20 Renovations that will add value to your home according to HGTV and my comments as to why they are important!
20) Update the Home Office - becoming one of the most important rooms next to the master, kitchen and bath
19) Spring for a Sun Room - adds extra living space
18) Create or Renovate a Master Suite - most important room of the house
17) Add on a Family Room - adds extra living space
16) Get a New Roof - usually needed, first impression of the house
15) Liven up the Landscaping - first impressions count
14) Invest in a Major Kitchen Remodel - most important room of the house
13) Bring in a New Bath- most important room of the house
12) Be sure an Addition Blends-In - first impressions count
11) Install New Windows - usually needed, first impressions count
10) Refurbish the Basement- becoming one of the most important rooms, adds extra living space
9) Put in a Deck- adds extra living space
8) Do a Major Bath Remodel- most important room of the house
7) Paint, paint, paint - first impressions count
6) Add onto the Attic- adds extra living space
5) Build a second Floor- adds extra living space
4) Keep Rooms Flexible- adds extra living space
3) Revive the Kitchen- most important room of the house
2) Make Minor Bathroom Renovations- most important room of the house
Last but not least...
1) Spruce up the Siding- first impressions count
Honestly, I have mixed feeling about this list. I agree that all of these items will help sell your home, I'm just not sure that doing a major kitchen and bath remodel for the cost will add to your home's value. (Others will probably disagree with me.) Absolute musts in my opinion are: paint, landscaping and curb appeal, and everything fixed and looking sharp. Realize that to the first time home buyer; first impressions count, the most important rooms are the kitchen, bathroom, and master bedroom and the more space the better. With that being said, anytime you can add on square footage it is usually to your advantage - more living space equals more $$ for your home.
For more information and other helpful ideas to selling your home see the following links:
"20 Ways to Add Value to Your Home", HGTV
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_selling/article/0,1801,HGTV_3165_5513317,00.html
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/ah_real_estate_selling/article/0,1801,HGTV_3165_5513079,00.html
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