10 Tips to Increasing Your Home's Value - Tip 6 - Upgrade the kitchen.

Over the next 10 days I would like to share with you 10 Tips to help increase your home’s value. Here is tip #6, if you have missed the first few tips you should be able to find them in the blog archive area just to the right of this post. The thought of increasing the value of your home may be easier than you think By following these tips found via the Home and Garden Network, your home may be worth more than you think.

Tip 6: Upgrade the kitchen.
“Ask any real estate expert what the No. 1 upgrade with the greatest return is, and the answer will be the kitchen. Even if you are unable to do a full kitchen remodel there are some great ideas out there can fit any budget or time frame to help you increase the value of your home.

·         Do a mini-remodel. Simply change the paint, it’s easy, budget-friendly and works. You can also paint a faux-wood finish onto your cabinets.

·         Add a splash of color with a new backsplash. New tile is attractive. Home improvement stores teach classes on this and sometimes you can find ones that are more of “peel and stick” style, the subway title idea is a classic backsplash and really can go with any style of kitchen  you are looking for.

· Go stainless steel. The cold feel of steel is a hot ticket item for buyers. Transition your appliances as they wear out and go with a similar metallic look in your light switches. You could probably also go to your local warehouse store and buy these items in bulk and may end up with getting a discount on the larger purchase.

· Make your kitchen rock with a rolling island. Have you seen these, there are great Do-it-yourself websites that show you how to take older pieces of furniture and turn them into one of a kind islands. This not only can help if you are looking to stay within budget, but also creates a one of a kind piece unique to your home.

·  You can also just hang a pot rack with fresh new pots, pans and a hanging wine bottle holder. With the rolling island, your kitchen will catch every buyer's eye. You can take some of these things with you to your new home.”

10 Tips to Increase your Home's Value - Tip 4 - Clean your house

Over the next 10 days I would like to share with you 10 Tips to help increase your home’s value. We are on to tip 4, if you have missed the first two tips you should be able to find them in the blog archive area just to the right of this post. The thought of increasing the value of your home may be easier than you think By following these tips found via the Home and Garden Network, your home may be worth more than you think.

Tip 4: Clean your house now for profits later.
“Have you decided to put your house on the market, a bright and sparkly home can sometimes draw buyers in like a magnet. A house can never be too clean. It can sometimes be a good idea, to step back and look at home as if you were a buyer, would you choose the house that is slightly dingy or the home down the street that is clean and welcoming?

By making your house a clean house a priority, you are doing several things at once. First, you stay on top of maintenance issues, spotting potential problems before they become expensive ones. Secondly, you don't allow dirt and junk to build up over time. Things like mold can become a pest if allowed to stretch unchecked. Finally, a clean house is healthier for you and your family.

Remember, de-cluttering is also a form of cleaning. Just as dirt builds up, so does clutter. Don't waste time or money moving your junk around. Get rid of it now. When it comes time to sell you will feel certain about what you are presenting to the potential buyer.”

10 Tips to Increase Your Home's Value - Tip 2 - Take on one room at a time

Over the next 10 days I would like to share with you 10 Tips to help increase your home’s value. The thought of increasing the value of your home may be easier than you think By following these tips found via the Home and Garden Network, your home may be worth more than you think.

Tip 2:  Tackle one room at a time.
 “How can you harness the energy that comes from new ideas and still be smart when you make those improvements? Make the commitment to tackle only one room at a time. Whether it's a straightforward coat of paint or it’s taking down a wall, by taking on one room at a time you keep projects reachable.

It would be best to make a list of all the things you in vision doing, break your list down into categories based around cost and write down how much time each project may take. This will help you get your results. For example, if you only have a day or a weekend, choose a project that fits within your schedule, comfort level and financial pledge.

If you set out to paint a living room wall on Sunday and you are aware of what it will cost in time and money, it is much easier to get done. By the end of the day, you have a stylish upgrade that will have added value to your home. Simply by strategizing, you will see your dreams take form as you renovate each room before moving on to the next.”

10 Tips to Increase Your Home's Value - Tip 1 - Plan your remodel

Over the next 10 days I would like to share with you 10 Tips to help increase your home’s value. The thought of increasing the value of your home may be easier than you think By following these tips found via the Home and Garden Network, your home may be worth more than you think.

 Tip 1: Plan your remodel.
“Whether you are new to home ownership or you have lived there for a while, the fastest way to amplify your home's value is by making a plan. You will be better off if upgrades are made intentionally and not on impulse. Home improvement projects cost about 20 to 25 cents on the dollar. The other 75 to 80 cents spent go directly back into the home through increased value.

It’s always best to start slowly. Remember remodeling and updates to you home should be considered a marathon, not a sprint. If your home is newer, get to know it. If you lived there a while, get started. We would recommend that you make a list the things you want to change and the updates you would like to make. At this point don't worry about organization, just write it all down. Take an estimate on how long you may want to live in the house. If you're planning on selling, give me a call and we can make a selling plan.

Now that you have created your list, take it and categorize by how much it may cost, including your time and money. Be realistic. It's acceptable to list an outdoor pool with a waterfall, but keep your financial picture in mind.

Once you have a categorized list, take a look and prioritize what is a real "must have" and what is more of a vision. See if you can come away with a reasonable balance.

Once you have made a plan, do research or give me a call to see what sort of return those improvements may bring. Some improvements will add considerably more value to your home than others.”