Remodel with Practicality

As many homes on the market today are sitting longer, and selling less frequently, many are looking for new methods of attracting buyers. Homeowners are hoping to create a more appealing curb appearance, and home design. To do this, many are looking at remodeling as the solution. The goal is to remodel the home without depleting savings, and budgets to accomplish it. Thus, most remodeling minded homeowners are turning the practical remodeling choices.

In many surveys done over the last couple of years, almost half of all homeowners would opt to replace their windows over their carpet or kitchen, if the opportunity presented itself. The thinking displayed in several of these surveys indicates that the homeowners would be selecting green products. This would allow them to save money in the future, add value to the home, and improve the durability, safety and soundproofing as added bonuses. Practical results: increase home value; keep money in bank.

Another practical choice of homeowners has been the siding on their homes. If the remodeling bug met a remodeling budget, putting insulated, energy efficient and disaster resistant siding on their homes would nearly top the list. The industry is paying attention to the home remodeling drive, and developing and improving on current forms of eco-friendly siding. Practical results: improve home safety and efficiency; keep costs down.

As a homeowner seeking to remodel you should keep in mind that your options are not limited, unless you limit them. It is possible to remodel with energy efficient and environmentally friendly products, while keeping your bank account happy. It is possible to improve your home value, and comfort for far less than traditional expectations.

~Joanne

Selling Your Home in a Slump

In today’s market selling may seem like a ludicrous idea. No one has the funds to buy or the background to obtain the appropriate amount of loans, so how could you even think your home would move? But you don’t have a choice. You’ve been transferred or your spouse has. You have to list your home, and you have to get someone to buy it. For that to happen, you’ll have to prepare, safeguarding against anything that could keep pen from paper.

Begin with the look of the house itself. In a booming economy, you could get away with cluttered rooms, unusual décor and a few maintenance problems. Today, you can’t. Get rid of the junk in your corners, your closets, the middle of the living room floor . . . just un-junk. Then, tone down anything that screams. Four red walls and a leopard print couch may appeal to you, but they won’t please the prospective buyers. Neutralize them. When you’ve done that, go through the house looking for little repairs that need to be done - chipped paint, old fixtures, dying flowers, etc. Fix them, and then do another inspection. This time, however, have a friend walk through who will be brutally honest and pinpoint any problem areas. Your eye isn’t always the most discerning, so having back up is crucial.

Once you’re ready to list your home, do so reasonably. Price your property as it should be priced. An inflated number won’t invite haggling; it will invite disinterest. And forget about what you want to happen. This isn’t a fairy tale market; it’s not even the market of yesterday. You won’t see the same cash return your neighbor did last year or the previous owner did when you bought the home. You’re going to get a deal that matches today’s market. It may not be the best, but at least it will be a deal.