Increasing Your Home's Value

 Like most Americans, your home is probably your single largest investment. While the value of your home is largely determined by such things as location, size and condition, there are still steps you can take to maximize its worth.

First, you need to evaluate your plans carefully if you're improving your home in order to put it on the market. Cutting corners could hurt rather than help, but you don't want to go overboard either.

Your home's value should be no more than 20% above the average home values in your neighborhood.

Here's a list of remodeling projects that buyers are likely to find valuable:

Add a bedroom: Homes with three or more bedrooms are most desirable. Remember that in order for a room to be considered a bedroom, it must have a window and a closet.

Install a master bathroom: When a bedroom has a bathroom attached, it adds extra value. An updated master bathroom is one of the most important rooms to a homebuyer these days.

Install a new shower: A new shower says a modern home. Nice tile and new fixtures are very impressive.

Change your fixtures: Get a faucet that adds a decorative element to the bathroom. Avoid the old shiny gold or silver styles of the 1980’s and 1990’s. Look through new home open houses to see what is “in”.

Re-grout the tile: If the tiles are in good shape a new grouting does wonders. You want the bathroom to look clean and fresh. If the grout is in good shape, check out different color grout stains to add a new look.

Install new kitchen cabinets: Even just a paint job and some new handles will give your cabinets a fresh look. Preferably, invest in some nice wood cabinets. This is one item homebuyers look for.

Improve your kitchen’s functionality: If you've got the space, an island is a good idea. New appliances make the kitchen look like it got a facelift.

Expose the hardwood floors: Remove old carpet and show off the original floor. If you don't have hardwood floors, consider new carpeting. Midrange colors are practical. Although light colored carpets look nice, most home buyers will desire something that hides stains a bit easier. Consider a tan cut Berber with specks. The specks work wonders in hiding your everyday buildup of lint and dirt. Avoid strange colors like dark purple, bright red, etc. Although it may fit your style, odd colors are not good for resale.

Install new doors: Doors set off a room and make a great difference. Invest in solid core doors, either flat panel or 4 or 6 panel.

Paint the interior: A new paint job speaks volumes. If you are fixing your home up for resale, good colors to use are off-white, tan or light yellow because they are neutral. Keep up with the latest trends if you choose a dark color for one or more walls.

Add new light fixtures: Replace any that are damaged or out-of-style. You don’t have to spend hundreds to get a light fixture that really compliments your home style.

Add a fireplace: Even if you don't plan on using it much, it adds great value. Avoid adding a plug-in electric fireplace. If you’re going to do it, do it up right.

Take advantage of unused or underused space: If you can convert a basement or attic into a useful room, do it. This adds square footage to your home. Square Footage is one of the main equity builders when remodeling. Be sure to pull the appropriate permits!

Landscape: A few strategically located plants and a neat-looking yard will impress. With more and more awareness of water conservation, consider xeriscaping your yard.

Add a deck: It's a great use of exterior space because it increases your total entertainment area. Again, remember to pull the appropriate permits.

Dress up your porch and entrance: A freshly painted door with a new door handle can make a great first impression. Paint or

Replace your garage door: An ugly garage door is like having a pimple on your nose. It is more noticeable than you think!

Replace the Windows: New windows not only give your home a new look, they can also lower your energy bill.

Remember, when it comes to your home, it is important to keep pace with your neighbors. Don't let your home become the most expensive or least expensive on the block.

For Additional Information, email questions to Homes@Robyn Graham.com -- please put “Active Rain Inquiry” in the subject line. Or call 719-216-4421 or 888-481-8641 Toll Free