Curb Appeal

Landscaping can add 7-15 % *  to your home’s value. Taking time to improve your curb appeal can add value to your home in many ways. If you are trying to sell your home, having a great impression can draw a buyer into the yard to get them into the front door of your home. That’s really big first step in getting your home sold.  Another way it adds value is just for feeling good about entering your home with an inviting atmosphere while residing there.  We are just coming into spring when opportunities arise with nice weather to work in our yards. 

Get your entire family involved because when it’s done, it builds camaraderie with each other and pride in their home.  Here are some steps you can take right away that can dramatically improve your yards appearance that add a big impact.

• Clear away tree limbs and leaves that have fallen to the ground.
• Keep shrubs trimmed, add color with plants and keep the soil free of weeds with mulch or ground cover.
• Make sure walkways are in good condition and free of cracks.  Paint or stain concrete walks, steps and porches.
• Replace your porch light with a new fixture that complements your home’s style.
• A new mailbox and handsome street numbers will yield a great return on your investment (plus it helps emergency aid locate your home quicker too!).
• Give your front door a fresh coat of paint or stain. Paint the trim if you have a tight budget.
• Small garden areas should not feature too many different kinds of plants and materials. This will make your landscaping look cluttered- keep it simple and clean.
• Using an edger along paths or borders of flower beds usually makes the yard look clean.

Here are some other interesting notes that will solidify your reason for getting out in nature and doing these suggestions.  Mature landscaping can lower energy costs, dampen noise and help reduce air pollution.  Create an Outdoor Space.  Adding a deck or patio for entertaining or relaxing year round can be a great investment for your home.  A 2008  Cost vs. Value Report produced by Realtor® Magazine stated that installing a deck provides up to 81.8 % return on investment.  I’ve seen some really nice patio areas that have created an extended room outside of the home just off the dining area which were covered and nicely decorated with cozy outdoor furniture.  Run with your imagination or if you get stuck, call me! Since I’m a Realtor, I can definitely give you ideas and suggestions for improving that first impression. 
*(source-Gallup Organization)

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  Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters

  A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read
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  Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

  Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500. Read
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  Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

  Replacing your roof with a qualifying energy-efficient metal or asphalt roof can cut your cooling bill and earn you a $1,500 tax credit. Read
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  Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

  A federal tax credit makes adding insulation an even cheaper way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read
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  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

Concrete countertops in some regions are currently very popular in the very upscale homes, but it is becoming a fading fad. Having concrete countertops installed can sometimes be more expensive than granite. They are more porous, less refined, and can wear unevenly- but to some that is part of the charm of having this type of counter top. It’s important that it is sealed properly because if not, oil and water can seep in staining the surface making it darker than other areas. If you were to replace the concrete in the future, there is the risk of damaging the cabinets because of the rebar in the concrete.

Tile countertops are also a very nice countertop and can vary in price depending on the individual tile chosen. Tile is non-staining and will not scratch, but it can chip and break easily. It is heat resistant, grout can be a problem with cleaning or wearing away, and is slightly more expensive than laminate.

Solid surface countertops are usually acrylic and polyester plastics. They are usually non-porous and stain resistant. Scratches can usually be repaired easily. It is fairly durable, requires proper sealing to prevent staining, and comes in wide variety of colors (sometimes even trying to resemble granite). It can be expensive, sometimes more than granite.

Granite counter tops are an excellent choice in my opinion. Granite is quarried all over the world with many various colors and patterns to choose from. Some of the natural patterns are quite beautiful and are definitely one of a kind. They are usually more expensive than the other products, but their longevity adds value. This is the most common stone used for countertops. It doesn’t scratch easily or burn and is very durable. I love the fact that you can put a hot pot on the countertop and not have to worry about damaging the surface. But beware, don’t put a hot ceramic item on granite because it will crack the item(hot tile on cold stone). Granite will need to be sealed at least once a year to prevent water stains in areas where it is wet often. Granite slab in my opinion is better than granite tile for resale value because again- you have a grout issue with it being tiled. Granite tile is less expensive and you can easily install it yourself versus granite slab. But I personally know that you can have granite slab installed fairly inexpensively if you shop around. The beauty of granite will always sell itself.

Whatever countertop you choose, please think of the future such as is this countertop surface going to enhance resale value and/or can it be easily replaced when it’s no longer in good condition. If you would like to give your comments about the pros and cons of each of these countertops-feel free to do so here. If you would like me to share more information about how to improve your home for resale, I’d love to hear from you.