Planning Spring maintenance? Considering selling your home? Looking for simple home improvement projects?
You're in the right place!
Steps for tackling your equity building projects:
1) As always: Recognize something needs to be done.
2) Set a budget. Know what you can afford and plan accordingly.
3) Prioritize the project/s with what you are expecting the 'return' will be.
a) Maintenance: So the small concern doesn't turn into a major expense down the (short or long) road.
b) Cost versus tangible return on investment in the sell of your home. Note: Some projects need to be done to sell your home in a timely manner. But, they may not have direct, dollar for dollar return. Example: Vinyl in the bathroom. Is it curling? Discolored from moisture? (Which is indicating a possible sub-flooring and/or leak concern.) Replacing the vinyl will cost you. Will you see those investment dollars in the sales price? Perhaps not. But, if you don't do it, you may find your house doesn't sell for as much, or as a quickly as you'd like due to a maintenance perception. Suggested Projects Links
c) You just want to change / update / upgrade. Hint: If you're thinking about selling your home (ever) you will want to take into consideration how your personal taste will match the general public's. The longer you're going to be living in your home the less important the consideration. Example: If you are planning to put orange and purple 2" square tiles on your kitchen counter -and- you'll be living in your house for 20 more years; go for it! In 20 years it will be due for a change anyway. But, if you're planning on selling in the next few years and you don't want to re-decorate when the time comes, you may want to install a shade of tan, mocha, gray, or black in granite, Corian, an updated laminate, etc.
3) Assess your skills versus the need for a contractor. (Read article.)
Not sure where to start? Or, what needs to be done?
1) Maintenance / DYI ('do it yourself') and staging tips are on "Projects Links" page.
2) Planning on selling your home by the end of 2011?: Contact Kathryn about your FREE home inspection from a certified home inspector! It will be your first step to enjoying the fruits of having a committed Realtor on your side! Then, with the report in hand, you will know what needs addressing around your home. No more assuming, guessing or hoping against hope there's nothing seriously wrong...Together we can devise a plan to include:
a) Expectations. How do you envision the outcome?
b) A better understanding of priorities. What 'needs' to get done versus what can be 'worked around'. By capturing the maintenance items up front on your FREE inspection report, you will have the option of fixing items yourself prior to a potential home buyer pressing you to get a contractor. And/or worrying the buyers' inspector will find lengthy and/or costly projects in need of completion prior to closing the sell. (Important note: A clean inspection = More prospective buyers. Less time on the market. And, ultimately, more money in your pocket!)
d) Timeline. How much more time do you want or need to be in your home? How does your timeline correlate with the project/s in need of attention? Discuss best (and worst) times of the year to be marketing your home.
e) Staging to maximize your return! In times past buyers wanted to see a home vacant. It gave them a sense of security knowing they can move in at any time. Nowadays, home staging has taken center stage because buyers want to see how a room is utilized and how the furniture can be arranged. There are multiple steps to cost effective staging. (Check out these tips!) And, Kathryn, an Accredited Staging Professional, (when using your household goods), will help you for FREE!
3) Only looking for a second opinion? Contact Kathryn. You'll get an opinion from a professional Realtor's vantage point. It may be just what you're looking for! And, it too, is FREE!
4) Cost vs. Return report on remodeling in the San Francisco Bay Area.
5) Consider these projects for best presentation, a timely sell, and the best return on your money!
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