Home Improvements!

One of the best ways to increase the market value of a home is to make structural improvements or add features such as a deck or an extra room.

A home is usually the single largest investment someone can make. So why not try to improve your home to increase the equity that may be building. Through home improvements, most home owners will see the value of their home increase. Some of the best ways to increase the market value of a home is to make structural improvements or add features such as a deck or an extra room.

For less expensive improvements, you may want to consider what we have detailed below. These tips not only will get an appraiser’s attention if refinancing, but will help if you are considering selling your home.

Yard.  Keep your yard neat, free of debris and with positive surface water drainage away from foundation.. Make sure all fences and gates are in good repair. In fall season, try to keep the yard raked and make sure walkways are clear.  In the wintertime, clear snow from your driveway and walkways.

Home Exterior. Check for straight lines on gutters, shutters, windows, and siding with solid caulking around seams. Apply fresh paint where it needs it. Also, make sure there are no cracked or broken windows or doors.

The Living Room.  Walls and ceilings should be finished and free of cracks, holes and irregularities..Make sure floor cover is free of chips, cracks, etc.  Replace worn, frayed  carpeting.

The Kitchen. All appliances should be in working order. Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips.

The Master Bedroom.  Same as living room.

Bathrooms. Make sure bathrooms are clean.  All plumbing fixtures should be in good working order. Make sure tub/showers ceramic tile and  grout are good shape.

Basement. Clear out as much clutter as possible, especially clutter that may obscure areas of the foundation walls.

Crawl Space. Should be free of dampness and debris.

When You Let The Appraiser Inspect!

When you are  sure that the exterior and interior are both in order!  Make sure all utilities (water, gas and electric) are on and operational.

Several Internet sites offer home-improvement information, from remodeling tips to financing. If you are looking to pump up the price of your home, you may want to first visit one of the following:

• Better Business Bureau
  The site has advice on home-improvement planning, contracting and financing.
• 411 Home Repair
  Select Home Improvement to access resources, calculators and how-tos.
• Homestore.com
  This site contains advice on a wide range of indoor and outdoor home-improvement topics.