10 Remodeling Projects that Pay Back Most

Remodeling a home can add to property value, according to MSN, and remodeling costs are dropping. The average remodel cost has dropped 10% to 15% in the past 5 years. Here are ten remodels from MSN that pay back the most.

1. Replacing exterior siding

2. Replacing an entry door

3. A midrange attic bedroom remodel

4. A midrange minor kitchen model

5. A midrange garage door replacement

6. A high-end garage door

7. A new wood deck

8. New foam-backed vinyl siding replacement

9. New midrange replacement vinyl siding

10. Upscale vinyl replacement windows


For more on these remodels visit the MSN Real Estate article!

Protect Your Home From the Snow

We are supposed to be getting snow this weekend, so I thought I'd share some tips I found for protecting the value of your home during snow storms. Thanks to Homeinsurance.com for the article! 

Clear the snow off from around your doors and windows so that melting snow doesn’t enter your home

Make sure drains and gutters are clear of dirt and debris

Test your down spouts to make sure that they carry water far from your home so that melting snow doesn’t cause flooding issues

Clear snow mounds from around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers

If you leave home, do not turn off the heat as this can cause frozen pipes which can burst and flood your home

Real Estate Tips for 2012

I came across a great article from Steve McLinden on Bankrate.com with 12 tips for 2012! Here are the tips:

1. Price it right from the get-go: In a relatively slower market, holding out for a better offer may not come.

2. Put your best footage forward: Prep your house by cleaning, painting, etc.

3. Be flexible: Don't break, but bend a little bit

4. Get over your technology fears: Don't be afraid to use the Internet or social media to sell

5. Don't fall for scams: Research any "investor" who promises to help sell your home fast or offer loan modification

To see the rest of the tips and more on these tips, follow this link to the article!

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays and a safe and happy New Year to you and yours!

10 Tips for Winterizing your Home

It is December, and while we haven't had too much cold yet, I wanted to share these tips for winterizing your home!

1. Insulate your attic

2. Turn off exterior water lines

3. Insulate your water heater

4. Open the blinds in sunny rooms

5. Get a programmable thermostat

6. Consider lowering the temperature setting on your thermostat

7. Replace your HVAC air filter

8. Flip the switch on your ceiling fan

9. Install window insulators

Thanks to Bargaineering.com for the advice! Follow this link for the full article! 

New House Market is Slowly Moving Up

According to a recent CNNMoney article, new home sales were higher in October than September. While sales are still down compared to a year ago, there was a 1.3% rise in sales from month to month. The raise in sales is generally attributed to the large number of homes on the market. The recession has caused a surplus of houses, leading to lower prices. The report also says that the sale of existing homes are up.

The surplus of homes make it a great time to buy a house. Contact me for more information on buying or selling your home! 


Click here for the full CNNMoney article!