Remodeling and Renovations

If you are a typical home buyer, you are likely to eliminate a home with a basement that has water stains or mildew on the walls or floors. Before you completely rule out a home that you really like because of a water issue, you should get an expert’s opinion.

A basement can often be dried out easily. A new set of gutters, repairs to a plugged up outdoor drain, or simple regrading of soil around the foundation may solve the problem. A home inspector or water-proofing company can give you an idea about what is causing the dampness, as well as how much you will have to pay to waterproof the area. Sometimes the home owner will consider negotiating the repair costs with the buyers, especially if the alternative is no offer at all. If the house is a “fixer-upper” and priced accordingly, you could get an excellent value that more timid buyers might pass up.

Filed under: Real Estate Tips, Remodeling and Renovations by AgentImage

You have decided that it is time to sell your home. After taking an objective look around, you realize that you have a lot of work to do in order to prepare your home for the market. If it will take more than just cleaning to get your home for showing, it may be time to call in two professionals–a home improvement contractor and a professional real estate agent.

The ideal listing has a modern kitchen and bath, fresh paint, beautiful lighting fixtures and elegant hardwood floors or high-end wall-to-wall carpet. Your real estate agent can offer suggestions about what your house needs, what colors or cabinet styles are popular with buyers, and tips on cost-effective improvements. The contractor can work with you to put your plan into action.

If you feel that the costs or disruption of a major remodeling project would be overwhelming, you have the option of marketing your home as a “fixer-upper.” If you decide to sell your home “as is”, your agent can prepare a market analysis to give you an idea of what you can expect to net from the sale of your home.

Filed under: Real Estate Tips, Remodeling and Renovations by AgentImage