Upgrades That Boost Your Home's Value and Enjoyment

Upgrades That Boost Your Home's Value and Enjoyment

RECBL - Real Estate News

(Family Features)-A home is often a family’s single largest asset, so making investments with upgrades and home improvements is almost always a good idea; however, knowing when and where to make those improvements isn’t necessarily a simple decision.

Budget and space most often dictate the direction, but keeping function and your lifestyle needs in mind can help create a space that makes for an all-around smart investment.

​Add technology in unexpected places. With the surge in smart devices, it’s becoming increasingly common to add technology throughout the house, and the bathroom is no exception. From heated floors to mirrors with embedded TV screens, the options are plentiful. A bathroom outfitted with the latest technology can bring function and a whole new level of style and elegance to your home.

Go green for the Earth and savings. Appliances and climate control systems are often the first features homeowners consider when it comes to environmentally-friendly upgrades, but windows and window treatments are another way to make a big impact. In a similar vein, skylights are a surprisingly affordable upgrade for the functionality and aesthetic benefits they provide, especially in the bathroom and kitchen where ventilation is as important as ample lighting.

You can give your lighting and home value a boost with an ENERGY STAR(R)-qualified option, such as Velux solar-powered fresh-air skylights, which open for air flow, reducing dependence on electrical lights and fans, with the touch of a programmable remote control.

For expanded control over the amount of light and warmth that enters or leaves your rooms, solar-powered skylight blinds are available in more than 100 designer colors and patterns. Like the skylights, Velux solar-powered blinds are operated with the remote. The solar products and installation costs are also eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit.

Finish the basement. Adding finished square footage to your home is nearly always a way to increase its value. For many homes, the basement is the most practical place to gain that space. Instead of using it as a collection ground for dust bunnies and storage, converting it into usable space can bring meaningful value, not only in dollars and cents, but in overall enjoyment of your home.

When making plans for finishing a basement, keep function first. Adding features like bathrooms can be costly, but having ready access to those facilities may pay off if you plan to spend lots of time downstairs. Also keep climate in mind; in parts of the country basements tend to be damp, so use materials that can withstand the conditions.

Create outdoor living space for all year long. If a basement renovation isn’t practical, you may be able to create additional living space in an area you already have: outdoors. Even small patio spaces can become cozy gathering spots with the right furnishings and decor. For a larger yard, create destinations that make it comfy to congregate, such as a fire pit or grouping of chairs with overstuffed cushions.

This is another area where climate will play an important role in your plans: adding an enclosure to a patio can make it usable during all but the coldest months, while a pergola can lend necessary relief to an area that bakes in the sun.

Add curb appeal. While you’re considering the upgrade options outdoors, don’t forget to think about your home’s exterior appearance. Reworking landscaping to highlight architectural features and freshening up paint can make a big impact. Adding decorative elements like shutters or new lighting or doors can also update a tired exterior.

Source: Velux

CashBuyersLists.com                                                      Please like, comment and share.  Thank you.

Costly Fixes & Home Repairs

Costly Fixes &  Home Repairs

RECBL - Real Estate News

(TNS)-Unexpected repairs can cause financial stress for homeowners. When crises occur, homeowners can find themselves in a financial pinch, needing to rely on professionals like a general contractor to get the issue fixed quickly.

Emergency repairs typically come with hefty price tags, but with proper planning, you can avoid draining your bank account.

Experiencing Unexpected Roof Repairs
One of the most important things to maintain is a solid roof over your head, so when that starts to deteriorate, it can quickly descend into a nightmare.

Although many roofs are guaranteed for around 30 years, it’s better to take preventive action than wait until a crisis occurs to start thinking about how your house can weather the next storm.

A new roof for an average-sized house-using medium-priced asphalt shingles-can cost at least $5,000 in most parts of the country, assuming that the sheathing is still sound, says Timothy G. Wiedman, a retired professor of management from Doane University in Nebraska. Wiedman-who has bought, maintained, upgraded and sold several homes-says homeowners would be wise to start putting $600 to $700 per year into a roof replacement fund.

Handling an Unplanned HVAC Breakdown
When it comes to maintaining your heating system, don’t find yourself left out in the cold.

"This equipment will last 12 to 15 years before it should be replaced," says Gene Amick with Climate Control Heating near Kansas City, Mo. Depending on size and efficiency, he says replacement costs range from $5,000 to $14,000.

Your best bet would be to find a local heating and cooling contractor who offers a maintenance program.

"This will prolong the life of your existing equipment," Amick adds. "The proactive approach of being ready for the eventual changing of your equipment will save you money."

Managing Old Window Emergencies
Old, drafty windows are a significant source of heat loss in a home.

"You’re literally throwing money right out the window," cautions Phil Eby, owner of Eby Exteriors, Inc. in Lancaster, Pa. "Replacement windows are a home improvement necessity you should be saving for."

In addition, he pointed out energy-efficient windows can be tax deductible, and to save more money, homeowners should look for window manufacturer rebates. In Ebys area, replacement windows can range anywhere from $4,500 to nearly $9,000.

"It really depends on how many windows need replacing and sizes," Eby says.

Mending Crumbling Driveways
A compromised driveway can be dangerous. Not only can someone fall, but also vehicles can be damaged. A quick fix can cost only a few hundred dollars, but depending on the length, some repairs can easily cost over $1,000, according to Teris Pantazes, CEO of home improvement platform EFynch.

For a complete repaving project, a good place to start is to ask a trusted neighbor for a recommendation. A smooth driveway not only has aesthetic appeal, but could also increase your homes curb appeal and value should you choose to sell.

Understanding Chimney Maintenance
Blocked chimneys are a serious fire hazard, so proper cleaning is a must.

"With each chimney sweep, the professional should also inspect the chimney for cracks, nests or damage," says Pantazes. "Gas should be every two years; wood every year."

Typical costs are about $100 per sweep, and a maintenance contract with a reputable chimney sweep company might reduce some of these costs. DIY-ers beware: Leave this job to a professional.

(C)2017 GOBankingRates.com, a ConsumerTrack web property
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC 

CashBuyersLists.com                                    Please like, comment and share.  Thank you.

Autumn upgrades and renovations

Autumn upgrades and renovations

RECBL - Real Estate News

(Family Features)-Fall provides a time for fun and celebration, but it also can be an opportunity to refocus on taking care of your home both indoors and out.

These simple upgrade ideas can help you improve aesthetic appeal, upgrade safety, keep your home free from pests and save you time, resources and money.

Find more ideas for upgrading and updating your home at eLivingToday.com.

De-Bug Your Doors
Enjoy nature without all the pests by adding a protective barrier to your entryways, such as an ODL Brisa Retractable Screen Door. It can be installed over single, double and sliding doors, and can take just 30 minutes to install from start to finish. With one-touch entry and auto-slide open, it allows for easy access when your hands are full. When you’re not using it, you can use the secure locking latch or let it slide back into its cartridge.

Elegant Entry
With a low-profile cylinder, Baldwins Spyglass Entrance Set with Spyglass Levers offers an elegant, architecturally inspired design. With SmartKey re-key technology, the set is the ultimate in convenience and safety as it allows you to re-key your lock in seconds and has American National Standards Institute and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association Grade 2 security features. Belonging to the premium Prestige Series, the Spyglass Entrance Set delivers effortless, accessible style and affordable luxury.

Get Smart About Laundry
Take a load off and let your washers technology do the work. Available in white or diamond gray, the top load laundry line from GE Appliances gives owners the power to pretreat stains or hand-wash delicates with an industry-first soapy water station, automatically dispense the right amount of detergent and fabric softener based on each individual load and control the load remotely through smart devices by using WiFi Connect.

Feel the Heat
If temperatures are dropping and a warm blanket isn’t doing the trick on an especially chilly day, a space heater can help keep you cozy. Many options are light and portable, allowing you to move it from room to room as necessary. Rather than layering up to enjoy a lazy day on the couch, simply plug it in and choose the setting that’s right for maximum comfortability. Plus, by flipping the space heater switch rather than cranking up the heat, you can save money on energy bills.

Simple Shredding
One of falls obnoxious chores in the eyes of many is cleaning up leaves scattered about the yard. To help save time and energy, add a leaf shredder to your arsenal of lawn equipment. By shredding leaves rather than expending time and resources bagging and disposing them, you can improve the look of your yard without as much physical stress.

Mess-Free Mudroom
On cold days when a brisk chill sends you seeking indoor shelter, it can be easy to make a mess at the door with shoes and outerwear. Instead of a pile of garments greeting you each time you come home, add some structure to the mudroom with an organizer that allows you to hang coats and scarves and stow away shoes. While keeping clothes orderly, it can also help keep you and guests from tracking salt, mud and other messes throughout the house.

Source: Family Features Editorial Syndicate

CashBuyersLists.com                                  Please like, comment and share.  Thank you.

OUTDOOR REMODELING PROJECTS BRING HAPPINESS AND FINANCIAL RETURNS

Cash Buyers Lists News​

​​

Homeowners looking to tackle a remodeling project should head outside, according to a new report from the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) and National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

The 2016 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features shows that not only can outdoor remodeling projects add value to a home on resale, but they can also bring advantages to homeowners planning to stay in their homes in the form of increased happiness.

"Realtors(R) understand the importance of curb appeal because when it is time to sell, a home's exterior is its first impression to potential buyers," says NAR President Tom Salomone. "Realtors(R) also know that these projects-from flowerbeds to fire pits-can bring homeowners who have no plans to sell even more enjoyment and satisfaction in their home." 

According to the report, which analyzes the reasons why homeowners complete outdoor remodeling projects and the value-both financially and emotionally-the finished projects bring to the homeowner, taking care of your home's lawn will bring the most bang for the buck. Looking at the outdoor projects that produce the largest financial windfalls at resale, Realtors(R) ranked seeding lawn the highest, recovering 417 percent of the project cost at resale. Seeding lawn is followed by implementing a standard lawn care program (303 percent of cost recovered) and updating landscaping with sod lawn (143 percent recovered) as the most cost-effective projects.

When it comes to the enjoyment homeowner's gain from these projects, a new pool comes in at No. 1, receiving a perfect Joy Score of 10; Joy Scores range between 1 and 10 and higher figures indicate greater joy from the project. Ninety-five percent of homeowners who completed a pool project said they have a greater desire to be at home, 90 percent felt a major sense of accomplishment, and 80 percent have an increased sense of enjoyment when they are at home. However, Realtors(R) estimate that homeowners will only recoup 50 percent of the cost on resale, making it one of the least profitable projects in the report.

The next most appealing project is an overall landscape upgrade-with a Joy Score of 9.8- followed by a new wood deck, with a Joy Score of 9.7. When asked why homeowners took on these projects, the most common response was to add features to their home and improve livability.

"Homeowners looking to take on large, expensive outdoor projects should do so for themselves, for the enjoyment they and their family will gain from the finished results, and not only to improve the value of their home for when they sell. Smaller projects will bring potential sellers the most value back upon resale-and have the benefit of costing less up front," says Salomone.

"This report validates that outdoor remodeling and landscaping improvements are a necessity when it comes to improving your home's resale value," says Missy Henriksen, vice president, public affairs, NALP. "Homeowners working with a landscape professional to embark on renovations-whether that means enhancing their turf and growing a lush lawn, rehauling their entire landscape, or incorporating new features, like patios and exterior fireplaces-can rest assured that they are making a smart, worthwhile investment. Further, that investment is coupled with the immediate happiness received by beautiful landscaping and the long-term enjoyment of outdoor living spaces, which are priceless."

The National Association of Landscape Professionals is the trade association for the landscape industry, which employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. Member companies specialize in lawn care, landscape design and installation, landscape maintenance, tree care, irrigation and water management, and interior plantscaping.

www.CashBuyersLists.com

Like, Comment and Share

OUTDOOR RENOVATIONS VALUABLE NOW AND LATER

Cash Buyers Lists News​

Remodeling your house? Add an outdoor redo to the project. According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), an outdoor renovation can add significant value to a home come resale.

The most valuable updates, per the report, are:

 - Seeding the Lawn (Reaps 417 percent of its cost)
 - Implementing a Standard Lawn Care Program (303 percent)
 - Sodding (143 percent)

An outdoor renovation can also up the enjoyment factor-the "Joy Score," according to the report. The highest project on the Joy Score scale? A pool, though it is one of the least profitable at a 50 percent return-on-investment.

The most appealing projects following a pool, the report found, are an overall landscape upgrade and a new wood deck.

"Realtors(R) understand the importance of curb appeal because when it is time to sell, a homes exterior is its first impression to potential buyers," says 2016 NAR President Tom Salomone. "Realtors(R) also know that these projects-from flowerbeds to fire pits-can bring homeowners who have no plans to sell even more enjoyment and satisfaction in their home.

"Homeowners looking to take on large, expensive outdoor projects should do so for themselves, for the enjoyment they and their family will gain from the finished results, and not only to improve the value of their home for when they sell," Salomone continues. "Smaller projects will bring potential sellers the most value back upon resale-and have the benefit of costing less up front."

"Homeowners working with a landscape professional to embark on renovations-whether that means enhancing their turf and growing a lush lawn, rehauling their entire landscape, or incorporating new features like patios and exterior fireplaces-can rest assured that they are making a smart, worthwhile investment," adds Missy Henriksen, vice president, Public Affairs, NALP. "Further, that investment is coupled with the immediate happiness received by beautiful landscaping and the long-term enjoyment of outdoor living spaces, which are priceless."

Source: National Association of REALTORS(R)

www.CashBuyersLists.com

Like, Comment and Share