Not all remodeling projects deliver the same bang for the buck when it comes to resale. If you are planning to sell soon and think that renovations will increase the value of your home, then some research might be in order. Studies suggest that most renovation projects do increase the value, however, the increase is typically less than the cost of the project. Generally, a homeowner will experience a return of 60% to 80% on the dollar at resale. Some of the more cost effective improvements are minor kitchen remodel, deck addition, and window replacements. Keep in mind the cost recouped can be affected by the quality of finish and even the type of neighborhood and local conditions.
Probably the biggest advantage that remodeling has is the fact that it increases the appeal of your home to buyers. A gleaming state of the art kitchen with granite countertops and bathrooms with tile and glass can sell a house more quickly than a home with an outdated kitchen and old appliances. Email me at donna@donnaforest.com if you would like a free copy of the 2014 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. 603-526-4116
Looking for maintenance-free living? Take a look at this Hilltop Place condominium. Located within walking distance to Hilltop House with nice woodsy views at back. Sunny and bright unit. Two bedrooms and 2 baths, with a breakfast nook in the kitchen, fireplaced (propane) living room, and a screened in patio. Cheery and comfortable unit. Easy one floor living. Reduced to $112,000. Visit www.NHHilltopCondo.com for more information and photos.
When selling your house, the emphasis is usually on the interior. However, good landscaping can make the difference between a buyer wanting to see the house or not. And since most buyers look on line first, it’s even more important to have good exterior photos. Here are a few do’s and don’ts:
- Keep the landscaping natural with native plants and interesting foliage. Rounded junipers and topiary shrubs are out.
- Steer away from planting a high-maintenance yard. Few buyers want to invest serious time in pruning, mowing, etc.
- Get rid of any lawn ornaments.
- Avoid the “new construction” look – barren yards lack appeal.
- Maintain what landscaping you have. Overgrown hedges, bushes too close to the house, hanging tree limbs over roofs, and roots buckling the driveway send the message that the inside of the house is ill-kept as well.
Properties with high quality plants and mature landscaping create a competitive advantage over homes with bare bones landscaping. An important factor considering today’s market! Contact me to work with a REALTOR® who can help you get a competitive advantage on selling. 603-526-4116, donnaforest.com, donna@donnaforest.com.
Attractively sited, well-proportioned colonial built in 2005. Three bedrooms and 2.5 baths include a second floor master bedroom with private bath. Kitchen is open to a dining room and features natural maple raised panel cabinetry, granite countertops, and radiantly heated porcelain tiled floor. Many upgraded features throughout. Beautifully appointed and impeccably maintained. Beautifully landscaped yard. In the country, yet convenient to the highway, shopping and schools. Offered at $349,000. For more information and photos, visit www.SouthSuttonNHColonial.com
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
A great opportunity to work where you live! Beautifully designed and finished three bedroom, two and a half bath home with in-law suite. Amazing views and privacy. Hand built stone walls and mature perennial gardens. Detached barn style building includes an apartment above and 2800+ sq. ft. of versatile space below. Additional wood shop and barns. Offered at $1,250,000. For more information and photos, visit www.NHPrivacyandViews.com.
Marilyn Kidder, Listing Broker, 603-526-4116
You’ll be moving in the right direction with Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
The Annual Black Fly Open Golf Tournament at the Country Club of New Hampshire in North Sutton is scheduled this year for May 15th with tee-off at 10am. It is sponsored by the Lake Sunapee Region Chamber of Commerce and is one of their biggest events. Funds benefit all businesses in our region. It's loads of fun and offers great prizes for the top three teams.
If you would like to sponsor or volunteer, please call Jen Tockman at 526-6575 or email chamberinfo@tds.net. Registration and sponsorship forms for the event are available online at www.lakesunapeenh.org
With home ownership! Gallup recently released results from their April Economy and Personal Finances poll that asked Americans to choose the best option for long-term investments. Given the choices of real estate, stocks & mutual funds, gold, savings accounts & CDs, or bonds, Americans today think real estate is the best option for long-term investments, ranking it ahead of gold and stocks. As housing prices continue to improve, I believe more and more Americans will consider real estate to be their best course of action for long-term investment.
This belief that home ownership builds wealth is also backed by a study published in 2012 by the Federal Reserve (Federal Reserve Bulletin June 2012 Vol. 98 No. 2) that revealed a homeowner’s net worth is 30 times greater than that of a renter. The average homeowner had a net worth of $174,500 while the average net worth of a renter was $5100. It is a great time to be building wealth by buying a home now so you can take advantage of the low interest rates and spring inventory. Give me a call and put my 20 years of real estate experience to work for you! 603-526-4116; www.donnaforest.com; donna@donnaforest.com.
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.
While this little bungalow sits on a busy roadway, it has a private yard completely fenced in with extensive gardens that offer a quaint outside living space. The inside is as nice with wood floors and walls (at least most), exposed beams, updated kitchen and bath, skylights. A must see if the size fits your needs. Mt. Sunapee is just 4 miles up the road and residents have access to two beaches on Lake Sunapee. Offered at just $115,000! Make your appointment today.
Jane Snow, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Wonderful contemporary on Chalk Pond offers two master bedrooms with baths and plenty of overflow room. Beautiful interior details, decks, and a screened porch. Minutes to Mt. Sunapee Resort and Lake Sunapee State Beach. AND, it's being sold furnished, so just pack your clothes! Offered at $379,000. Make your appointment today!
Emily Campbell, Listing Agent, 603-526-4116
Known for service, trusted for results – Coldwell Banker Milestone Real Estate.