MyHouseValue.com

One of the biggest questions i get as a real estate agent is what can i do to improve the value of my home and at the same time one of the biggest mistakes i see home sellers make is spending money in the wrong places before they put their home on the market to sell.  So when you are ready to determine your homes value know what makes a home sell!  Your ready to get your homes value!!!  You are ready to net top dollar on the sale!!!   Then follow these steps because here are 4 major guidelines that every homeowner should clearly know before they fix-up their property for sale:

1. Cost Doen’t Equal Value- if you finished off your basement last year for $50,000 - that does not mean that you can simply add $50,000 to the value of your home.  In other words, it does not necessarily add the value of what you spent in the eyes of your home buyer.   It could be more or less.  Before making any major improvements, take the time to discover what home buyers want in your market.   For example: spending big money on a fancy upgraded 40 year or more roof single will not bring you nearly the return on investment that putting in a new kitchen will (if done right)
2. Put Your Money Where Buyers Will See It!!!   For example - fresh paint, new carpeting / flooring, new countertops and re landscaping the yard.  I would not expect a great return on, for example, fresh insulation or new plumbing or wiring.
3. Do Not Over Improve!!!  The addition of a master bedroom and a private full bath in a community of home that does not have 2nd baths will get you a nice return but doubling the size of you home will just burn your money!
4. Most Quality Home Improvements Cause a Property to Sell Quicker but Not Necessarily for More Money.  A timely sale will lesson the carrying costs and stress.  Don’t underestimate the overall value of “smart” improvements.  For example : fresh landscaping, mulching and such may not bring you more money money but your home will stand out and sell faster than if you did nothing to make the exterior shine!

Before you sell you home get great advice from a proven professional as to how you can “stage” your home for sales success.  Then, determine the fair market value and price it to sell.  Follow these simple steps and your home selling experience will be a pleasant one!