Sell Your Home By Making These Minor Improvements

Appraisal Institute says Lower Your Expectations

I am sharing this article sent to me from "Real Estate Economy Watch".  Please read if you are getting ready to sell your home.

The Appraisal Institute is advising homeowners to choose upgrades instead of major remodeling projects for the greatest potential return on investment.

“In general, simpler, less expensive projects have the best cost-to-value ratio,” said Appraisal Institute President M. Lance Coyle, MAI, SRA. “With the spring home buying season around the corner, homeowners should invest in projects that are most likely to preserve the value of their homes.”

According to Remodeling magazine’s most recent Cost vs. Value report, only five projects saw their cost-to-value ratios rise in 2014: roofing replacement, garage door replacement, 20-gauge steel entry door replacement, vinyl siding replacement and fiberglass entry door replacement. Among projects with the biggest declines were two-story additions, composite deck additions, master suite and kitchen remodels.

Other minor projects with potential major payoffs, said the Cost vs. Value report, are mid-range and upscale garage door replacements, manufactured stone veneer, mid-range window replacements and minor kitchen remodels.

Before calling a contractor or heading for the home improvement store, however, Coyle advised keeping the improvement is in keeping within community norms.  “It’s possible that consumers won’t be able to recoup the cost of the upgrade when the home is sold, so it’s important to meet, not exceed, what’s standard for the neighborhood, and to also consider expected length of time in the property,” Coyle said.

He also said that making routine home repairs is essential to maintaining a home’s value. A house that has been well maintained likely will have a higher value than a similar house that is in disrepair, Coyle said. For example, replacing worn out trim boards may in certain situations not add any additional value to the home, other than to preserve the value that would be likely as evidenced by sales of similar homes in the area that do not have worn-out trim boards.

When you're ready to sell your home, call JUDY at (314) 348-4033.  Visit website at:

Buy-Sell-StCharles.com

Take Pictures of Your Home Even If You Are Not Currently Selling

Lesson learned for all home owners...make sure to take year-round pictures of your home, especially the exterior.  Even if you are not planning to sell your home, it is important to have pictures available of your home for your Realtor.




Sure, you may not be planning on selling your home soon; however, chances are that sometime in the future you will sell.  What if you find yourself having to sell due to relocation, financial constraints or other obstacles that suddenly happen to your lifestyle?  Let's say you have an inground pool, but you find you have to sell your home in November.  You've covered the pool...that does not make for a very enticing picture featuring that great outdoor space.  The same for beautiful landscaping with flowers in bloom or water features such as ponds, fountains, etc.




This year, make it a point to take some pictures of the exterior of your home throughout the seasons.  I'm sure your very proud of your home and having a picture file will be handy.




Pictures are extremely important when marketing a home for sale and when you have special exterior features your Realtor will want to highlight, be ready with your array of seasonal pictures.