Alhambra Real Estate

Whether you're considering remodeling worn-out surroundings, enlarging your home for a growing family or rebelling against yesterday's standards, you have important investment choices to make. You'll want to choose home improvements that not only pay off in recovery of the money you spend, but also help you get a better price for your home when and if you sell and buy again, in today's market, rather than endure a major construction project. After all, even an 80% recovery at resale is still a 20% loss.

1. Kitchen Renovation. New flooring, cabinets, countertops and appliances can be costly, but buyers typically look for updated kitchens. You are likely to recover a large precentage of your kitchen renovation expenses on resale. If your basic kitchen plan is good, you may not need a major remodeling. Even a minor facelift-painting, new floorcovering, new cabinet doors and hardware, for example- will pay off in a faster sale at a better price. Tip: Best bets: light neutral colors, plenty of cabinet and counter space, new lighting fixtures, new energy-efficient appliances.
2. Bathroom Addition. Another bath is not only a convenience, it may sharply enhance the sale possibilities of your home. Two and three bathrooms are standared fare in many neighborhoods. Upgrading an existing bathroom is likely to pay off in both value and marketability, especially in an older house. Tip: Opt for good lighting, large mirrors, easily cleansed materials, plenty of storage space, netural colors. Consider location and accessibility of an addition.
   
3. Energy Efficiency Improvement. The major savings of improved energy efficiency will be in your fuel bills, but your energy-saving home will also likely pay off when you sell. If existing windows are drafty or unsightly, consider replacing with insulated windows for heating/cooling efficiency and resale value. Tip: Minor energy upgrades are real winners: Caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, attic insulation, set-back thermostat, heat-reflecting awnings or shades, water-heater insulation, ceiling fans for air circulation, good maintenance of heating/cooling system, a whole-house electrical surge-suppressor to maintain appliance efficiency and protect electronic equipment. Many are do-it-yourself projects, which-if done correctly-bring the best payback.

For further assistance with any questions you may have about home improvements or any other real estate needs, please feel free to give me a call at 800-221-9998x122 or email me.