Renovate the Home? GREAT! But I still can't tell you how much it will be worth...

By
Real Estate Agent with Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty #30RO0980081

Former clients wish to renovate their home. A great idea, and it will greatly improve their quality of life for them whilst they stay in that home. The contacted me to ask that if they made some changes like raising a now enclosed porch floor (which slopes), extend the home a little,  would they be able to get $450 a square foot the home when they go to sell.... Wow! Loaded statement.

I had to first explain that the homes currently selling in their area are being sold at around $320 per square foot, and this is based on not only the property condition but also current market stats. For me to inform them now what their home would sell for when I am not cognizant of the future market stats nor of the level of quality renovaton they would undertake, - would only open me up to all kinds of liability,  and we are not fortune tellers...

In this particular case, I suggested a feasibility study. I suggested they contact a local architect and gave them several names,. The architect would be able to let them know (for a cost of around $750 or so) what the zoning rules are, where and how they could expand, and give them an idea of what it would cost per square foot to expand.... I then suggested that they factor in all of the costs he would provide, and compare them to the price per square foot in today's market, and sent them a mini CMA so they could what the homes are selling for in today's market with X amount of square footage, noting that there would be a cap as they live on a busy street. and should factor that in also....At the end of the day,  if they are so unhappy with the sloping floor then renovate if it pleases them, but others might not appreciate that renovation as much as they. I also suggested that they use different padding in  the carpeting in that area to offset the slope.

Larchmont is GREAT!

Comments (12)

Carla Harbert
Full Time REALTOR in Ohio - Brunswick, OH
RE/MAX Omega, Brunswick Ohio

I also get asked these questions, what home improvements increase value on a home and then I have others getting ready to sell and there are improvements needed to make the home "sellable" without calling it a fixer upper. Nice post!

Dec 26, 2012 01:16 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Carla - If they call me once it is all done.. then I am here to assist in the correct pricing then..

Dec 26, 2012 01:19 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Gay,  It is funny how sellers have the idea that their home is worth so much more than it actually is.  That is why they have an expert like you.

Dec 26, 2012 01:41 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Belinda - and like YOU!

Dec 26, 2012 02:18 AM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

It's so odd, Gay, that people think they should be getting some kind of number and, there is no context with respect to when they plan to sell the house.  You are right, if you are going to renovate, do it and enjoy it and worry about resale when it's time to sell!

Dec 26, 2012 05:35 AM
Debbie Gartner
The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY
The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

OMG, I was about to say the exact same thing as Joanna.  Unless they are planning to sell in the next 6 months or so, they should be focusing on whether they want this renovation and if it's worth the money.  Reasale boost is an added bonus.  Selling value will depend mainly on timing.  I would expect this to help them, but most likely. it will not pay for itself - very few capital improvements do.

All that aside, this capital improvement can be included on their cost basis, so when they sell, it could help reduce the taxes they pay on their capital gains (pending on how much it sells for).  Length in home is key for this.

Dec 26, 2012 06:04 AM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Great advice Gay.  Cost doesn't usually equal value.

Dec 26, 2012 08:07 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Joanna - you are so right.

Dec 26, 2012 10:07 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Debbie - the Capital Improvements aspect is a good one... 

Dec 26, 2012 10:08 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi COnrad - They have a nice home now.. they should just enjoy it!

 

Dec 26, 2012 10:08 PM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

Good morning Gay - homes are mostly places to live, and, as a bonus, a great investment. The most important renovations are ones you want to live with :) Love your post!

Dec 27, 2012 09:51 PM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Wayne and Jean - Have a GREAT New Year!

Dec 28, 2012 01:03 AM

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