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One Chance to Make A First Impression

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

While waiting for a client yesterday, I flipped through my latest copy of Realtor magazine and stopped at the article:

Top 5:  First Impressions Matter by G. M. Filisko

It was a part of the magazine's Cost vs Return by Remodeling Magazine.   The biggest return at 102.1 per cent was an upgrade to the home's entry door.  The idea is to remove an existing 3 foot by 6'8"  entry door and replace it with a steel door with half glass.  This is considered a mid-range upgrade with an approximate cost of $1,218. 

The others in the top five:  garage door replacement, siding replacement, kitchen remodel and deck addition.  The information is from Realtors from 80 cities across the country.

If you are a homeowner, where do you think you will get the biggest bang for your buck?   If you an real estate agent, what advice to you give to your home selling clients?

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

P.J. Virgilio Jr., Realtor 408-568-6578 Selling homes in the Greater San Jose area and South through San Martin, Gilroy
Keller Williams Realty Silicon Valley - Gilroy, CA
San Juan Bautista and Hollister as well!

Michael,

I have to agree with everything in fair shape the front door is the welcoming point!

Dec 29, 2010 07:41 AM
Kristal Wilson
KB Home - Fontana, CA
Cause We Like 'Em New ~ New Home Specialist!

Michael,

curb appeal will show me $$$$'s. I always recommend sprucing, adding color and quick easy repairs such as pressure washing. Upgraded garage doors or repainting existing doors helps also.

 

Dec 29, 2010 08:02 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Patrick - the front door can have a big impact especially if the lockbox is located on or adjacent to it since the buyers will have an extra moment to look at it.

Dec 29, 2010 08:41 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Kristal - I know what you are saying.  How often have you heard from clients who will not even enter a home because of poor curb appeal?

Dec 29, 2010 08:42 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I wonder why the “average cost” for that steel door with glass is so expensive. I always thought California was expensive, but I’ve seen beautiful steel doors with glass at Home Depot for half that amount.

Hope you have been having a great end-of-year holiday week with lots of fun and food with family and friends, not to mention a little business with those clients!

Dec 29, 2010 02:40 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Thanks for the comment and end of year wishes --- the best to you as well.  As far as the cost of the door the article stated it was a 20 gauge steel door, aluminum threshold, replacing the existing lock set --- it does seem a bit high but haven't replaced a door for a long time(one of the benefits of condo living, I guess).

Dec 29, 2010 04:39 PM