Remodling/Home Improvement - 2011 Cost vs. Value

The numbers are in for the 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value report from Remodeling Magazine for home improvement. This report will give you information on how much various improvements cost and what to expect in a return when you sell the house. Most homeowners believe that improvements will increase the sell price of a property but it's not necessarily so. The best reason to improve your property is to give it an advantage over the competition. Time is money and the longer your home sits, the more money it will cost you and the harder it will be to sell.
First impressions are so important when you are trying to sell a house and below are the top 5 improvements that make the biggest difference.

1. Replacement of the front door. The very first impression. Make sure it suits the style of the house and is an improvement in design and function. A 20-gauge steel door with a dual-pane glass window may cost about $1,218 and according to the report recouped 102.1% of your investment.

2. Replacement of garage door. An uninsulated, embossed steel door with a 10-year warranty may cost about $1,291 and according to the report recouped 83.9%.

3. Siding replacement. The new fiber-cement siding on a 1,250 sq.ft. of exterior may cost about $13,382 and according to the report recouped 80.%

4. A Minor Kitchen remodel. Many buyers consider this the most important room in the house. Buyers like fresh paint, quartz or granite countertops, stainless appliances and tile or wood floors. The cost may be about $21,698 and according to the report recouped 72.8%.

5. Addition of a deck. This is a really "Wow!" to buyers. A 16' x 20' deck may cost about $10,973 and according to the report recouped 72.8%.



RelocateAmerica.com ranked Austin Ranked Among Best Cities to Relocate
“Austin was ranked the third best city to move to in the United States, according to a RelocateAmerica.com report. The relocating resources website listed Austin just behind Huntsville, Ala. and Washington D.C. for overall best place to move.” - Austin American-Statesman

If you are interested in finding out more about Austin, living in Austin, real estate or buying or selling a home in Austin, I want to be your REALTOR. And I appreciate your referrals as well. Call or email to find out how I can help you. 512.589.7988 or robin @robinscottrealtor.com
Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

Like us on facebook!

Choosing a Granite for Resale Value

I love it when my clients keep in touch and it's even better when they ask for my advice because it shows they value my expertise.

Recently a homebuyer asked me which granite choice (tan or black) would be the best for resale value. And my best advice was to choose what would make them the happiest in their home. Color choices are personal but I've never heard a buyer complain about the granite. Usually when you sell your home, the home buyer will be someone with similar taste to the home seller. That's why they like the house.

View 2009-10 Cost Vs. Value Report. Data courtesy of Remodeling Magazine
top low-cost home improvement ideas:
1. Clean out your kitchen cabinets
2. Add or update tile
3. Add a breakfast bar
4. Install granite tile
5. Freshen up bathrooms by replacing old fixtures
6. Repaint
7. Add a room
8. Spruce up cabinet fronts
9. Update lighting
10. Tech up garage
Source: RealtorMag

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, REALTOR. Certified Residential Specialist. Call 512.589.7988.

Austin, Texas. Robin Scott, BROKER. Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer's Representative, Seller's Representative Specialist. 512.589.7988.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

Like us on facebook!

Remodeling and Home Improvement

You should be happy in your own home so if you want to update, upgrade, remodel, add on or redecorate, enjoy the results.

 It's sometimes necessary to make improvements if you are planning on selling a house so that you will be competitive in the market. When it comes to making decisions about which improvements to make, you should consult a REALTOR because REALTORS are in the market place every day and know what buyers want and what they will pay.

According to a study by Remodeling magazine, exterior home projects bring the biggest return on investment.
80% of costs are recovered on wood deck additions and siding replacement
76% were recovered on window replacements
76% were recovered on major mid-range kitchen remodels
79.5% were recovered on minor kitchen remodels
74.4% were recovered on mid-range bathroom remodels

Home offices, Sunroom additions and backup power generators were the least profitable.

And, I want to be your REALTOR®! If there is any information you would like regarding relocating to the Austin area, let me know. You can contact me at robin@robinscottrealtor.com, 512.589.7988 or just comment on this blog entry.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

Like us on facebook!