As the real estate market has changed, so have the home projects that increase value and pay for themselves when it comes time to sell. One of the first topics of conversation I have with my clients when they come to me to sell their home is, what imporovements they can make in thier home to make it more sellable.

In years past when we were all benefiting from growing equity, it made since that your home's value would increase if you did a full kitchen remodel or add on a master bedroom addition, but as prices have eroded, the money spent on these projects might not be such a good investment.

I always recommend that my clients focus on the changes that are relatively free or low cost, such as painting, cleaning, and light landscaping. But sometimes a larger-scale remodel or repair is needed. According to Remodeling Magazine, exterior projects offer a larger return, than do inside projects. For example, the average cost to replace a garage door is $1,291, and according to research compliled by Remodeling Magazine, 80% of the cost of this project is recouped during a resale. Other renovations and remodels woth their price tags, including replacing your front door with a steel door, recouping 102.1% at resale, minor kitchen remodeling, 72.8% recouped, replacing wooden windows with vinyl, 72.4%, and some siding replacements can result in as much as an 80% recoup.  Master suite additions and adding bathrooms came in at around a 50% recoup during resale.

Overall, this report concluded that it is more profitable to focus on exterior projects rather than interior renovations.

If you are thinking about selling your home, I would be happy to preview it with you so that we can determin the best course of action to getting it sold for the highest amount of money and the least amount of hassle. Call me at 301-870-1717 x106.