Custom details, updating tired decor and other simple home improvement renovations can make a big difference when it comes time to sell. While neighborhood, community and other amenities play into the overall value of the home; there are numerous additional cosmetic changes that buyers can make to boost value and maximize their potential return.

Below are three top home improvement ideas that boost value and help homeowners maximize their potential resale return.

Top Home Improvement Ideas

1. Remodel an Older or Outdated Kitchen

Kitchens are said to be the heart of the home. They have the ability to boost home value and appeal by creating a whole new look and feel. Some ways to update without remodeling the entire kitchen include:

• Reface kitchen cabinets
• New appliances
• Resurface counters
• New hardware
• Updated faucets
• Tile backsplash

2. Curb Appeal

Your home’s front entry is the first thing potential buyers will see. Pump up curb appeal by giving the front door a pop of color. Choose a bright hue to attract the attention of buyers. Also make sure that everything is neat and tidy, including doorknobs, metal fixtures, lawn and shrubs.

If a home has curb appeal, making a great first impression won’t be difficult. Encourage potential homebuyers to take the next step by touring the inside.

3. Update the Bathroom

Updating a bathroom can be one of the fastest ways to boost a home’s resale value and make it more useful and conducive to everyday living. A few ideas to give a ho-hum bathroom a fresh new look:

• Refinish an old and outdated bathtub
• Turn a flea market furniture find or existing piece of furniture into a vanity
• Wake up the walls and cabinets with a fresh coat of paint
• Install beaded board for a custom cottage look
• Update shelving and cabinets or add shelves to keep important items out of view
• Add new hardware to create an instant visual impact with minimal out-of-pocket expense
• Change out lighting fixtures – the right ones can make all the difference
• Replace tired window treatments

Whether your clients look to sell next year or in the next ten years, you can guarantee that they will be looking for the maximum return on their investment at that time. Help them sell their home faster and at top dollar by making timely renovations that will offer their home in the best possible light.

Are you unsure if you should do these or let the buyer?  Take a look at the quick video below and hopefully it will answer the question for you!

What would you do if you won $600 million? That is the question on everyone’s mind asLottery fever sweeps the nation. The water cooler within our office has been all-abuzz

as speculation turned to anticipation, we began to discuss the luxury upgrades we would each make in our home. We debated everything from a personal in-home spa to a zip-line in the backyard. I mean really, who wouldn’t want a zip-line running through their backyard? Well, maybe that is just the kid in me.

So what upgrades would you make if you won the lottery? Here are a few ideas to get you started!

5 Dream Home Upgrades

  1. Swimming Pool

What better way to stay cool in the summer than by adding a pool to your backyard? It goes without saying that this cannot be your standard pool. After all, if you are going to dream big, you might as well go for the gusto!

Luxury pools range from infinity vanishing edge designs, to sweeping tropical oases and even pools suspended over the ocean. Make a splash in your backyard with custom-designed (and completely over-the-top) amenities opulent enough to keep even the most posh friends singing your praises.

2. Media Room

The three fundamentals of a luxury media room that suits the whole family are an HD surround sound system, custom built furniture and a dizzying array of snacks.

However, if you’re standard indoor theater room won’t fit the bill; why not try an open-air design!

3. Outdoor Entertainment

Creating an outdoor haven in place of your standard backyard takes your average day spent with the family to a whole new level! The elegance and charm of an outdoor fire pit and the functionality of a state-of-the-art kitchen make this a luxury upgrade we love!

In fact, this one upgrade could become your families go-to spot for fun and relaxation, bringing all of the creature comforts of the indoors to your outdoor space.

4. Master Bath Retreat

A luxury master bath retreat sounds dreamy! With everything from Jacuzzi spa tubs, to luxury showers, and a walk-in closet that would make Imelda Marcos green with envy, this luxury upgrade tops my personal list!

High-tech tip: Add heated bathroom floors that begin to warm up just before your alarm clock rings.

5. Gourmet Kitchen

Luxury kitchens offer a unique and sometimes surprising mix of styles. From exquisite flourishes on kitchen counter tops, to bold and unexpected fabrics and textiles and beautiful furniture-style islands, a show-stopping luxury kitchen is a dramatic addition to any home.

source ( Rebekah Radice  bhgrealestateblog.com) 

Buying a house is the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime, and the complex process can be intimidating to many homebuyers. Knowing the right questions to ask and receiving professional advice will help your clients make a sound investment for their future.

Whether they are buying their first home or moving across country, navigating everything from jargon to home buying basics can be scary and overwhelming.

Before your client begins the purchase process, make sure they have answers to these top homebuyer questions. Each is a critical component to making an educated and informed decision.

Top Homebuyer Questions

1. Where do we want to live?

The first step is to help your buyer narrow down a location and style of home. They have probably already researched online to get a sense of pricing and area.

Help them determine what factors are most important when it comes to choosing a neighborhood such as schools, commute to work, shopping, entertainment and how quiet or peaceful the neighborhood is versus a hustling and bustling urban area.

Knowing the answers to these questions before they get in the car will save everyone time and frustration by eliminating developments and neighborhoods that are of little to no interest. If you are out viewing homes in a specific area, let your clients stop and talk to homeowners. They need to understand why others enjoy living in that area.

2. How much money do we need to have saved?

The mortgage product that your client selects will assist in determining down payment requirements. This is why it is so important that they speak with a licensed mortgage representative to discuss their down payment and mortgage options prior to viewing homes.

However, there are additional costs associated with a purchase that they must be aware of:

• Make sure they have enough money set aside for closing costs and other related expenses
• They will need to prepare for the cost of a property assessment, lender appraisal and home inspection
• Moving costs including the transfer of all utilities and services such as heat, water, TV

3. How much would we like to spend monthly?

Unfortunately, many people bite off more than they can chew when purchasing a home because they look at the total purchase price instead of the monthly payments.

Keep in mind that what they qualify for isn’t always the same as what they can afford. A pre-approval letter is something you should get at the front-end to ensure you are looking within the right price range and your client is comfortable with their mortgage options.

A licensed mortgage loan officer can provide a total monthly payment including principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance and monthly mortgage insurance if applicable.

You may also want to advise them that there may be additional expenses when purchasing a home, townhouse or condo:

• Heating/Gas/Oil
• Electric
• Water
• Homeowners Association Fee
• Landscaping
• Cable/TV
• Sewer

4. Why should I work with a buyer’s agent?

Choosing a real estate professional is one of the first decisions a buyer will make. It is also a very personal decision depending on the qualities most important to the buyer.

While traits such as honesty, integrity, knowledge and experience are all very important, it is also vital that your clients feel comfortable with the real estate professional they choose. Encourage potential clients to research before making a decision by looking at LinkedIn and other online profiles.

A buyer’s agent works as an advocate, providing guidance as well as open lines of communication. Explaining the purchase process and keeping the buyer informed along the way is a way to work together through the buying process. For more information on a buyers agent, view the video below.

Source (Karlton Utter : bhgrealestateblog.com)

Welcome to Blogs.redmantech.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!