Will This Home Renovation Pay Off?

A guide to deciding which investments are worthwhile, and which are not.

July 27, 2011 RSS Feed Print

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Think like a buyer. "I tell sellers to walk into their homes as if they were the buyer. What are the things they see walking up to the home?" Hale says, adding that they should focus on the kitchen, appliances, and curb appeal. Today's buyers are especially interested in common spaces for the family to gather, such as screened porches and family rooms, as well as open-floor plan kitchens. That way, parents who are preparing meals can keep an eye on their children as they play or do homework. Buyers also care less about formal spaces today, which means a formal dining room could offer more value as a study or playroom.

The bottom line: Home renovations aren't just about the numbers, but a few basic guidelines can help buyers decide where to put their cash.

Twitter: @alphaconsumer

Tags:: real estate

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If you want to sell your house for a good amount, an expensive home renovation isn't the number one answer all the time. Try cleaning and clearing both the interior and exterior of your homes first. Secondly, check on all the things that needed repair (roof, floorings, windows, etc). Third, dump or sell unnecessary stuff. When you already did everything and you still think that your house needed a renovation, you might want to check on a few reliable local home builders or renovators. Ask for estimates. If you think that the price is reasonable, then go for it.

construction companies in springfield mo of MO 1:21PM March 02, 2013

That is very true. We just sold our house...which by the way need the roof to be replaced in at least to year, garage door to be fixed, and we should do painting, almost all rooms. We did not have that kind of money. Instead we de-clattered the house; we did cleaning of our best features, such us: garden and kitchen, and we did staging (beautification of the house). However, the house next to ours, same kind and size, was on sale too, but they did remodeling in the house. The price of the house was forty thousands more then ours...And, it did not sale, because of the market price of the houses in our area, so they took the "sale" sign off the curb.

Theodore Oisin 6:18AM May 12, 2012

Bought a new AC/heating unit energy saver a couple of years ago and it did help, changed out all the old bulbs to energy efficient, energy saver hot water tank, best was the roof, it is foam. Helps so much cut the power bill by a minimum of 25%. Next are the windows but all in good time since it is a out of pocket expense, no cash, no carry. Saves on interest to pay cash so saving up is the best way for us. We live in the desert and it is hot so all the windows are open at night AC is off and does not come on till the house temp reaches 78 that is our standard a bit warm but it helps keeps the costs down. I do not agree with turning it up and down as everything gets warmer, furniture, walls just everything so for us a even temp year around works best for us. Winter time is a pellet stove and it is great keeps the big unit from coming on and heats 90% of the house which is 1950 sq ft, good investment.

Sandra Hawkins of NV 9:41AM May 03, 2012