Sell a home

Upgrading your appliances will make everything from cooking to cleaning a little easier and a little more energy-efficient. There's no question that when it comes to appliances, some are worth their weight in gold. And, some will add a little gold to your bank account when you sell your home. As you consider your options, our REALTORS® recommend closely looking at the following appliances that will give you a significant return on your investment. 

• Air Conditioner
  Hot and muggy summer days are not a good time to find out the AC isn't up to the task of keeping you cool and comfortable. Across generations, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers alike all agree that a high-efficiency air conditioner is a premium selling point. Installing a new air conditioner will enhance your comfort, lower your utility bills, and attract buyers when you put the home on the market.
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Furnace
  Most furnaces last between 10-15 years. Over time, they lose efficiency and require increasingly frequent (and costly) repairs. Upgrading your furnace before you sell your home puts a prospective buyer's mind at ease. It also shows that you care about the home's condition and have invested in systems that enhance comfort and reduce utility costs.
  
  
• Built-In Stove
  Standalone stoves are so 1990. As homes and technology have evolved, so too have the ways we use the kitchen. Built-in stoves are designed to minimize the mess and streamline the kitchen. When the stove is not in use, it blends into the background and becomes out of sight, out of mind. 
  
  
• Energy-Efficient Washers and Dryers
  Washing machines and dryers are the hardest-working appliances in your family's home. They're also the two machines that suck up the most energy. Upgrading to a high-efficiency washing machine and dryer isn't cheap, but it's worth it. Not only will you save money on your monthly utility bills, but they will also do a better job of keeping your clothes clean and in good condition, thus keeping your wardrobe nice and sharp.
  
  
• Modern, High-Efficiency Refrigerator
  Water and ice dispensers are nice, but almost every refrigerator has these. If you want your refrigerator to stand out, you'll want to select one that has French doors and an Energy Star rating. As with washers and dryers, refrigerators consume significant quantities of energy each day. Every little bit you can trim pays off in the long run.

Are you noticing a trend? That's because there is an overarching trend that relates to all appliances. Whatever you choose to install, pay close attention to the energy efficiency of the system. As utility rates continue to rise and eco-consciousness grows, the desire for increasingly efficient appliances is a trend that is guaranteed to gain steam in the future.  

Are you considering which appliances to bring into your life? Contact us, and we will be happy to tell you what our clients are eager to see and the trends we see emerging within Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale.

If you're a baby boomer who's close to retirement or already retired, it may be time to sell your home. With current home prices at an all-time high and multiple buyers competing for properties, our REALTORS® are witnessing a seller's market that's booming. Downsizing right now may be a great decision for your golden years.

In Nassau and Suffolk counties, home sales are competitive. Buyers are flooding the market looking for properties that suit their lifestyle and finances. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median price for all types of homes has jumped 14.6% from prices just one year ago, especially in the suburbs where low inventory is pushing prices up even higher. If retirement is on the horizon, selling your home could provide many benefits.

Selling Your Home

Selling your home in such a competitive market can actually save you money. With so many buyers looking for homes, you may save money on home repairs and upgrades. You don't need to do a major renovation to attract interested buyers, just concentrate on necessities.

• Check the Roof
  The roof is an important home feature that protects against inclement weather conditions and interior damages. Before listing your home, inspect your roof for damages such as cracked or missing shingles, water leaks, sun damage, rusted gutters, and signs of tree and insect damages. There's no need to replace your roof just because it's old.
  
  
• Check Mechanical Systems
  It's important to make sure major mechanical systems are working properly. This includes your heating and air conditioning system (HVAC), hot water heater, and all major appliances. Homebuyers are often hesitant to purchase a home with mechanical problems because repairs can be quite costly. If you have mechanical issues, some buyers will accept a home warranty at closing that covers the first year.
  
  
• Invest in Minor Upgrades
  Homebuyers place a lot of emphasis on a home's upkeep. If a home looks run down, buyers may assume the home has major unseen problems, as well as visible cosmetic problems. Before you list your home, spend some time and money on minor repairs and upgrades that buyers will notice. Waxing floors, shampooing carpets, painting walls and trim, and re-caulking sinks and tubs can make a big difference.
  
  
• Declutter Your House
  If you're approaching retirement, you may have lived in your current home for 20 or 30 years. You've likely accumulated a variety of household items that are filling your cabinets, closets, and storage areas. Homes that feel cluttered and unorganized can send potential buyers right out the door. To make sure your home feels comfortable and appealing, get rid of unwanted items, clean out cabinets and closets, replace worn-out rugs and window treatments, and give your home a good cleaning before you put it on the market.
  
  Selling your home may be a good way to fund your lifestyle during retirement. Downsizing to a smaller home may allow you to pay cash for the property and put some money aside for things you want to do such as decorating a new home, buying a new car or boat, visiting family and friends, exploring new hobbies, and traveling to favorite destinations.

If you're interested in Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, we can help you find available properties that fit your lifestyle and finances. Contact us to see how downsizing can create an easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable retirement.

With the chilly winter temperatures and short days, winter is a fantastic time to organize your home. If you're ready to put your home on the market, our REALTORS® recommend decluttering your spaces so that your home is more appealing to potential buyers. Here are a few tasks to add to your to-do list so that your home looks its best. 

1. Go Through Your Seasonal Stuff
   Start by going through your seasonal items, like holiday decor, yard tools, and weather-specific clothing. If you haven't used an item in the past year, consider if it's contributing to the life you want to live. Once you've pared down your seasonal belongings, store them in plastic storage boxes so that they'll be protected from the elements when not in use. Make sure to label what's in each box so you don't have to open several boxes to locate an item. Seldom-used seasonal items can take up a lot of space in your home and even make it appear smaller. If possible, transport the items to another location, like a storage unit or storage shed, when it's time to sell your home.

2. Downsize Your Bedding and Bath Linens
   If you've been hanging onto all your old mismatched sheets and worn towels, it's time to downsize your collection. It's reasonable to keep three sets of bedding for each bed; this ensures that you have sheets and a backup set of bedding when one set is in the wash. Some individuals change their pillowcases more frequently than the rest of their bedding; if so, hold onto a few extra pillowcases. For your towels, aim to have three towels per person in your household. If someone likes to use a separate towel to dry their hair, it's reasonable to add two to three towels for this individual. Have three hand towels for each bathroom, and aim for five washcloths per person in your home. 

3. Empty Out Your Kitchen Cabinets and Pantry
   Take everything out of your kitchen cabinets and pantry so that you can see exactly what you have. Get rid of anything that you haven't used in a year, anything that's worn out, or any item that you clearly have too many of. Tupperware or cookware that's missing a lid should also be tossed. For the remaining items, consider investing in cabinet shelves to better organize your belongings. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for and allow you to maximize the space in your cabinets. 

4. Clear Our Your Toiletries and Cosmetics
   Don't let a surplus of makeup, lotions, and soaps overrun your bathroom. Instead, go through your personal care items and keep only the items that you love and regularly use. Check the expiration dates for your makeup to ensure that it isn't expired. Store what's left in a dedicated case or bag to keep your counter space clear. 

Ready to add your home to the list of Nassau County homes for sale? Interested in a home with more space? Contact us today to get started and start exploring Suffolk County homes for sale!

You're ready to list your home among Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. Naturally, you're eager to present the best face possible for potential buyers. You've read a lot of online tips for getting your home ready, and you've talked to real estate agents about what to do. But now that you've made your decision, it's time to get serious about your presentation. You may be surprised to find some challenges to what you think would appeal to or turn off potential buyers. Here's what you should know.

What Buyers Will Like or Dislike About Your Home

1. Clutter
   You already know this. Clutter and dirt are real turn-offs for potential buyers. Be prepared to either clean your home to the max or hire to have it done. And keep it pristine; potential buyers will not appreciate that "lived in" look you're used to.
   
   
2. Clean Oven
   The kitchen can be the deal-breaker when it comes to selling your home, so pay particular attention to the details. And yes, potential buyers are attracted to stainless steel appliances (we'll get to these in a minute), but more important is how clean your oven is. It should be spotless. If it's too well used to clean up nicely, you might have to consider replacing it. Dirty stoves and ovens really turn off home shoppers.
   
   
3. Stainless Steel Appliances
   They really do appeal if they are maintained with maximum gleam and shine. It turns out their reflective quality helps make the room look bigger, and that's always a plus when showing your home.
   
   
4. Clear Countertops
   Crowded countertops are often necessary as we go about our daily lives, but bite the bullet and eliminate as much clutter, be it appliances, cereal boxes, or cooking utensils, as possible while showing your home. Gather them up in a basket or container or put them away.
   
   
5. Converted Rooms
   Converted rooms, such as a garage that became a workshop or a dining room that became an office or playroom, typically don't present well with potential buyers. Experts say shoppers can't imagine the spaces as intended when they're not being used for their original purposes. Much as it may pain you, clear out the furnishings for the repurposed space and make it look like what it was designed for. When it comes to garage spaces, many home shoppers are looking for a space to park their car, so be advised.
   
   
6. Outdoor Accessibility
   Homebuyers will be drawn to outdoor accessibility. Make sure your outdoor spaces are inviting, and the doors leading to them are clean and appealing. Polish up the glass windows and keep them shiny.
   
   
7. No Collection Zone
   You may be proud of your personal collections of firearms, tchotchkes, or Hummel figurines, but collections or personal interests are distracting and have no place when you're trying to sell your home. Pack them up and store them till you move, sell them or give them away, but make sure they're out of sight when potential buyers tour.
   
   
8. Keep It Impersonal
   A home shopper does not need to know about your personal life. Take down your gallery of family photos and anything that indicates your personal business. This is not only to help buyers focus on your home and how they can imagine themselves living there but for your own security. Besides photos, clean up and put away business papers and remove anything that reveals political or religious affiliations.

Our REALTORS® can share more tips on the dos and don'ts for selling your home. Contact us today. 

Cold winter weather combined with holiday distractions typically makes this the slowest time of the year for the housing market. However, current market conditions point to this winter's "slow" season being super hot! 

Our REALTORS® have been busy helping buyers who are anxious to find the perfect Nassau County homes for sale while interest rates are low. Other factors, like pent-up demand and low inventory, have made this a great time to put your home on the market. Here's a closer look at the reasons why this holiday season may be the best time to list your home.

1. Low Housing Inventory
   In September of 2020, the total inventory of homes hit a record low of just 2.7 months of supply. At the same time, sales of existing homes were up 9.4%. Projections show that if sales continue at this rate, there's a possibility we could actually run out of homes for sale. 
   
   While this might not be great news for buyers, it makes now a very attractive time to put your home on the market.
   
   
2. Pent-Up Demand 
   Spring is usually the best time to list your home since that's when buyer demand spikes. However, in 2020, spring marked the beginning of pandemic lock-downs that caused the real estate market to grind to a halt. Now that things are starting to open back up, buyers are eager to jump back into their home search.
   
   
3. A Need to Upsize 
   The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about the way we live. Many people are working and schooling at home. Almost everyone is spending more of their free time at home as well. This has resulted in a large group of buyers who are fed up with their current spaces and ready to make a move.
   
   Each day, we talk to buyers who are looking for Suffolk County homes for sale with features like large back yards and extra space for a home office. 

4. Low Interest Rates
   Mortgage interest rates also recently hit the 12th record low of the year. This puts them at the lowest they've been in over 50 years! Many buyers who realize they can save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their mortgage by buying now are out on the prowl for a suitable home.
   
   
5. Bidding Wars 
   All of these factors have combined to create the best seller's market we've experienced in quite some time. Not only are many sellers getting top dollar for their homes, but bidding wars sometimes result in offers climbing well above the asking price. In fact, according to Realtor.com, in September of 2020, the median home price was up 11.1% compared to the previous year. The price per square foot was also up by 13.9% year-over-year.
   
   
6. Delayed Economic Consequences 
   It's possible that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will cause a sharp decline in the economy. However, it's unlikely that this will impact the real estate market at least for a few months. If you've been thinking about selling, doing it now before more uncertainty strikes again could be your best bet. 

If a home sale is on your holiday wish list, Coach Realtors can help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

After preparing your home to add to the inventory of Nassau County homes for sale, you've accepted an offer. While it may feel like the hard work is over, you still have to make it through the home inspection. Unfortunately, it's common for real estate deals to fall through due to a poor home inspection. Here are a few tips home sellers should follow throughout the home inspection process. 

1. Leave Your Property During the Home Inspection
   While it's common for homebuyers to attend a portion or even all of a home inspection, our REALTORS® recommend that the home seller leave their home during the inspection. You're only going to be nervous and anxious watching someone spend hours combing your home looking for problems.
   
   Your presence may also be awkward for the buyer. Pack up your family (including your pets) and vacate your home during the inspection.
   
   
2. Declutter and Move Large Items Before the Inspection
   See that you move any clutter or large items that may be obscuring items or areas that the inspector will want to examine. For example, if your electrical panel is usually behind a large set of shelving, move the shelving unit so that the inspector has easy access. 
   
   The inspector can't move your belongings during the inspection. If the inspector can't inspect an area, the buyer may be leery of continuing with the deal.
   
   
3. Decide if a Pre-Inspection is Right for Your Home
   Before they list their home with the Suffolk County homes for sale, some sellers arrange a pre-inspection. As the name suggests, a pre-inspection is a home inspection that occurs before the house is put on the market. 
   
   The idea behind a pre-inspection is that it gives you a chance to fix any issues that might pop up during a home inspection (or at least informs you of potential problems). Aren't sure whether your home is impacted by a specific type of issue, such as an outdated electrical system? In that case, the pre-inspection will let you know if it's an issue. 
   
   An argument against a pre-inspection is that it might uncover a lot of minor issues that won't be a big concern with homebuyers. You're unlikely to recoup all of the money that you spend making repairs for any issues detected by the pre-inspection.
   
   
4. Understand What Is and Isn't an Issue
   Every home inspection reports problems with a home, even if the property has been well-maintained. You need to know what issues are high-level problems; these are the items that are likely to be potential dealbreakers if you can't come to a resolution with the buyer about how to handle them. Any problems that involve code violations or a health issue will likely require your attention before your deal can close. The issues include:

• Water damage
• Problems with the home's structural integrity (like foundation issues)
• Plumbing problems
• Unreliable HVAC systems
• Roof damage
• Damage to the electrical system
• Problems with the subflooring 

5. See That Your Utilities are All Turned On
   If you're still living in the home, this tip might not be necessary, but if you've already moved, make sure that all your utilities (like your water, electricity, and gas) are turned on. The inspector needs these items to work to test your home's major systems. 

Have more questions about selling your home? Contact us today for assistance!

Whether you're fully remodeling your kitchen or just giving it a bit of a facelift, choosing the right backsplash is one of the most important decisions in the design process. When showing homes, our real estate agents find that a kitchen's backsplash can have a make-it-or-break-it effect. It might not be a large space we're talking about, but it puts the finishing touches on your new look and ties everything together.

Here are five tips to help you pick the right backsplash for your kitchen.

1. Try Before You Buy
   How materials and paint colors look in the store, under harsh fluorescent lighting, is one thing; how they'll look in your home is quite another. Never commit to anything before taking samples home with you. Prop the backsplash samples up against your existing backsplash, along with other samples you are considering, and just live with them for a few days. Notice how they look as the lighting in your kitchen changes throughout the day, and how they coordinate with other samples such as paint chips.
   
   
2. Be Practical
   It's natural to want your kitchen to look the best your money can buy, but don't forget to be practical, too. Make choices that will help you stay within budget and also think about your purchases as an investment. What materials will wear the best over time, stay in fashion the longest, be the easiest to clean, and require the least maintenance? For example, some tile is very porous and may be difficult to clean, especially over the stove where grease from cooking is likely to find all the nooks and crannies. And marble, while very attractive, will need to be sealed with special chemicals once a year to maintain its look long term.
   
   
3. Coordinate, Don't Match
   Your backsplash may be an extension of your countertops, but don't make the common mistake of trying to match the two perfectly to one another. Matching makes them blend together, rather than drawing the eye, the way you want to do. Instead, look for something that coordinates with your countertops and other design elements of your kitchen, but stands out a little from the rest.
   
   
4. Choose a Great Grout
   Don't underestimate the importance of grout! Grout does more than just fill the spaces between the tile. A well-chosen grout sets the tile off, showing it to its best advantage. A quality grout is important for a long-lasting quality renovation, of course, but the color of your grout and how well it coordinates with the tile is also important.
   
   
5. Make a Splash
   Most kitchen updates are fairly straightforward. There's not a lot you can do with a kitchen, other than picking out countertops and cabinet colors. Your backsplash is your chance to make a statement! It's a small space, so you can afford to take some risks, especially over the sink and stove, two important focal points in most kitchens. Spring for the better tile or do something a little different, like turning square tile on the diagonal.

The Importance of Kitchen Updates

Most real estate agents agree that the kitchen is one of the top areas of the home to invest in. It's the heart of every home, and everyone loves one that is attractive and well-appointed. If you're interested in listing your house among other Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, we can help! Contact us today to start the process.

Did you know that your behavior and actions can affect the sale of your home? That's right. No matter how much effort you've put into cleaning, scrutinizing, and staging your home, one wrong move can easily put off potential buyers. Our REALTORS® have laid out seven etiquette rules that every seller needs to know to nail the deal.

• Leave the House
  Of course, you're dying to see how potential buyers will react to your kitchen upgrade, but most REALTORS® agree that sellers should not be at home during a showing or open house. Buyers will feel uncomfortable when the owner is around and watching their every move. Leaving the house during those times gives buyers the space they need to visualize living there instead of being spied on. And don't be tempted to drop in to see how your open house is going or to pose as a buyer.
  
  
• Take Your Pets With You
  Aside from you and your family leaving the house, it's also important to have a plan for pets. A playful kitten or barking dog running around the house during an open house or showing can be quite distracting. Not everyone is a pet person, and potential buyers could be allergic. Plus, your pet might be anxious and hostile with all the foot traffic and new faces. Provide a comfortable, stress-free environment for everyone by putting away any paraphernalia and taking your pet for a long walk, to the park, or for a drive.
  
  
• Provide Parking
  Make it easy for prospective buyers to park and view the home. Parking issues are frustrating and a sure way to get a showing off to a bad start. If a potential buyer has to park far away and then walk to your home, they may just skip the home tour altogether. Or if they just decide to take the hike, they may be a little nervous or in a lousy mood. Leaving your car in the driveway also sends the message that there isn't enough parking space. Vehicles should be parked inside the garage with the door closed or somewhere down the street.
  
  
• Provide Important Documents
  Buyers are more willing to put in an offer if they can find information about the home quickly and in writing. It is good selling etiquette to leave copies of necessary documents in an easy-to-find spot. Put out home warranty, home inspection report, monthly bill information, appraisal, and proof of any major repairs for buyers to peruse. Be sure to put away originals and any sensitive personal documents.
  
  
• Respond Quickly to Offers
  When a buyer makes an offer, do your best to respond to it quickly, preferably within 24-48 hours. Take the time to go through the offer and think about it. While making a quick decision is a good gesture, this isn't a matter to be taken lightly either. If you want more time, inform your listing agent so they can try to negotiate an extension. Also, don't be insulted if you get a low-ball offer. Respond with a counteroffer and be willing to negotiate.
  
  
• Listen to the Professionals
  You've done a great job of hiring a real estate agent you trust, but don't shoot the messenger. If your agent provides feedback or some suggestions for improvements that may help sell your home faster, listen to them, and don't allow your emotions to get in the way. This is a business transaction, and you need professional guidance to reach your goal of selling your property. Take criticism positively and move on.
  
  

Whether you're adding your home to the list of Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, our pros at Coach Realtors can help you show it off to its best advantage. Contact us to get started.

Our REALTORS® can tell you that properly staged homes frequently end up on must-see lists and spend substantially less time on the market. Sometimes, the real estate industry has a perception paradox that a neutral minimalist home provides the perfect space for potential buyers to envision themselves living there.

While home staging is all about de-personalizing the space, using eye-catching artwork can help your buyers create an emotional connection with your home. The imagery found in pictures and paintings adds another layer of meaning to your staging efforts. Here's how to use staging artwork.

• Identify Your Target Audience
  While you may never know the particular tastes of prospective homebuyers, it's wise to err on the side of caution when staging your home. Steer away from images of people, family photographs, religious and political artwork, and inappropriate artwork. Your main goal is to help potential buyers envision themselves living in your house. If they see images of people or religious and politically-charged artwork, they will be reminded that they are strangers in the home. To appeal to a wider set of buyers, choose nature images, abstract artwork, figurative renderings, geometric shape, still life subjects, or figurative silhouettes.
  
  
• Complement the Overall Style of Your Home
  You're not just selling your property, you're also selling the lifestyle that comes with it. A complete mishmash of décor can be very off-putting to potential buyers. Consider the mood for each room when hanging your artwork. Is it a bright and busy kitchen or an inviting and relaxed living area? Color is very important in artwork and home staging, with neutrals being the most popular option. But why not add pops of brightness to a room by complementing colors found around your rooms in accessories and pillows?
  
  
• Fit the Scale of the Space
  The shape and size of the art should be scaled to the height and width of your walls. We can agree that the bigger a room looks the more appealing it is to homebuyers. So, putting a large piece of art in a small room is going to make it feel cramped. On the other hand, large rooms can appear uninviting and cavernous if they have blank walls. As such, you might consider using a large scenic piece or clustering several pieces together to make the room cozier.
  
  
• Avoid Art That is Too Busy or Eye-Catching
  What emotions do you want to evoke with your artwork? While buyers will be evaluating many aspects of your home, it's likely that a particular subset of buyers will be more interested. Want to show off a classic wine cellar? An abstract artwork pointing to it will let the eye travel to the adjacent beautiful space. Have an outdoor infinity pool that you want to draw attention to? Complement it with pale blue pieces or art in the rooms leading up to it or with striking outdoor sculpture. Just make sure your art won't distract buyers from focusing on the home itself.
  
  
• Create Balance
  Have you ever walked into a living room with pieces of art or pictures that were hung too far apart from each other, in no particular pattern, or with mismatched colors, styles, and frames? This is a common staging problem, especially with art that was received as a gift or bought without giving a thought to its color or size. In some cases, homeowners with high ceilings will place the art halfway up the wall, which can mean people pass right by it because it was placed higher than their heads. You want to make sure your wall art is hung correctly and the room is balanced. If you're hanging art over furniture, it should be at about 25% the width of the furniture.

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought your home stand out from other Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale? Our realtors can help you choose the best art, highlight your home's best features, and create an inviting vibe that will appeal to the right buyers. Contact us to learn more.

Everyone wants to live in a beautiful home. Warm weather means that most homeowners are making their way into the home improvement stores and dialing up contractors for those special projects around the house. Whether you plan to spend a little or a lot, our REALTORS® want you to get the most for your investment. Some remodeling projects are worth their weight in gold, while others will return pennies on the dollar. It's important to know which is which before you make your plans.

Golden Opportunities

You'll never get every penny you spend on remodeling back when you put the home on the market. However, the following will give you between 60-70% return. Where these investments are most valuable is in the foot traffic they'll generate from the listing.

• Update the Kitchen. The kitchen is the heart and hearth of the home. It's a place to gather and relax, to entertain and enjoy the company of family and friends. Thus, it should be comfortable, open, and updated to reflect modern design tastes. Farm sinks, plenty of storage, and stainless steel will go a long way toward attracting the attention of prospective buyers.
  
  
• Give the Master Bedroom a Facelift. The master bedroom is a retreat from work, family, and all the pressures on the other side of the door. Repainting and redecorating can give the bedroom a comfortable, relaxing ambiance.
       
• Polish the Bathroom. No one wants to take a bath in a dingy, dark, cramped bathroom. updating your bathroom with new tile, updated fixtures, comfortable lighting, and a fresh coat of paint is an investment in your comfort and the home's appeal to prospective buyers.
  
  
• Trim up the Landscape. Landscaping is often overlooked, but the fact is it's the first thing prospective buyers notice. Make sure that your grass is green, your trees are trimmed, and the flower beds look their best. If you don't have a green thumb, hire a professional landscaper to design an easy-to-maintain yard that blends into the neighborhood.

Money Pits to Avoid

• Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs. These flashy amenities are fun. However, they're expensive to install and costly to maintain. Further, most people don't use them as much as they think they will. Most sellers only recoup a fraction of the installation costs when they sell their home.
  
  
• Special-Purpose Rooms. It's great to have a nursery for your kids, a woodworking room for hobbies, and other special-purpose rooms. However, prospective buyers whose needs/interests don't match yours won't be willing to spend a premium for it; in fact, they'll likely ask for a price reduction so they can renovate it for their own special interests.
  
  
• More Garage Space. Unless you have none or extremely limited garage space, most people are content with a one or two-car garage. At most, you'll get 60% of your investment back when you sell the home.

The Final Rule of Thumb

Whether you plan to spend $1,000 or $50,000 on renovations, one thing every homeowner needs to keep an eye on is the value of real estate in the area. There is no limit to how much you can spend, but there is a limit on what buyers will pay. One of the first things they'll look at is home values in the neighborhood. If your home is $100,000 more than a comparable home for sale down the street, they'll get the contract.

Contact us for more information about remodeling projects we recommend to our clients. It's our pleasure to help you choose upgrades and features that will stand out in the market.