February 11, 2005
Return on Home Improvement Projects
If your main purpose in starting a home improvement project is to increase the value of your house, you may want to read MSN Money's Remodeling risks often outweigh returns which includes a chart showing what projects will give you a solid return on your investment and what projects probably won't. The long and short of it is that for most things, it's probably better to renovate based on the needs and desires of your family rather than some intangible bottom line.
January 25, 2005
Why Urban Lofts Are In
For the last couple years, people have been saying goodbye suburbia, hello downtown. Reasons range from empty nesters downsizing to smaller but more luxurious homes to young professionals with no children who enjoy the city scene with its museums, restaurants, sporting events, and theaters. What does this mean for the housing market? Urban lofts and condominiums are highly desired.
Lofts in particular strike a cord with many people because of the high ceilings, large windows, and the character of old brick walls and exposed beam ceilings.
If you're thinking of buying a city dwelling in hopes that it will appreciate faster than suburban counterparts, now may be a good time. According to the Winter 2004 issue of Renovation Style, this is just the beginning. The trend will continue as more and more baby boomers become empty nesters.
January 11, 2005
Easy Tips Boost Home Value for Quick Sale
Planning to sell your home? Wondering what you can do to increase the value without actually spending a ton? According to MSN Money's Speed your home sale with these fast fix-ups, spending a few hundred dollars on landscaping can increase the value of the home by $1,600-$1,800. Likewise, a professional cleaning and "de-cluttering" priced at approximately $300 can increase the value of your home by $2,000.
Beyond that, be careful because remodeling gigs might not always bring a return equal to their expense. For more on that, read Remodeling risks often outweigh returns.