Six Do-It-Yourself Updates that can Increase Your Homes Value

Simple, affordable do-it-yourself projects such as cleaning and decluttering and just adding lighting can help increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGain’s annual home improvement and staging survey.

HomeGain, an online real estate marketing resource, surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals in creating a list of the top do-it-yourself home improvement projects that offer the biggest return for your buck.

Overall, the home improvement projects that boasted the highest price returns were updates to the kitchen and bathroom–an estimated $3,435 price increase for resale. Painting the outside of the home ($2,222 price increase) also offered one of the highest returns, according to HomeGain’s Home Sale Maximizer study.

Here are six do-it-yourself projects–all under $1,000–that made HomeGain’s list, as well as the estimated increase to the home’s price at resale for each project.

1. Cleaning and decluttering: Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.

Cost: $290

Estimated return: $1,990

2. Light and bright: Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.

Cost: $375 cost

Estimated return: $1,550

3. Staging: Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, including artwork and playing soft music in the background.

Cost: $550 cost

Estimated return: $2,194

4. Landscaping: Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and backyards by adding bark mulch, bushes and flowers, and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.

Cost: $540

Estimated return: $1,932


5. Repair electrical or plumbing: Repair any leaks under the bathroom or kitchen sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.

Cost: $535

Estimated return: $1,505

6. Replace or shampoo dirty carpets: Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.

Cost: $647

Estimated return: $1,739

Recent clients share their experience working with Susan Botticelli

08.29.10

Dear Susan,

Dianne and I would like to thank you so much for the outstanding results you provided to us on the recent sale of our home in Rancho San Diego. Most people who own real estate soon come to realize that our homes are much more than a financial investment. Homes are full of fond memories. Memories of children growing up, unforgettable times with family and friends, and holiday memories that will always remain close to our hearts are really what our homes become for us. Susan, your personal touch as our real estate agent preserved for Dianne and I everything our home was for us for fifteen years.

You provided three key factors to our successful closing: First, your marketing plan during the initial phase of the transaction was in complete alignment with current real estate conditions. You adjusted and tailored the details as the market changed, always keeping us well informed.

Second, your advice throughout the process was timely, technically accurate, and always presented clearly and completely. As you know, this transaction had a great deal of complexity involving three lending institutions, legal, tax, building code, and repair issues, as well as a variety of other circumstances unique even in today’s real estate market.

Third, and most critically, your ability to coordinate each and every detail of this complex transaction during the final phase leading up to the successful closing of the sale was tremendous. Your real estate and business acumen, and most importantly, your “personal touch”, provided us with the best service possible, and helped avoid a potential short sale and the resulting consequences.

Susan, I would strongly advise anyone who is interested in buying or selling a home in Rancho San Diego and the greater San Diego area to call you as soon as they possibly can! You and your team came through for Dianne and I, and I’m confident will come through for many other homeowners and future homeowners as well.

Warm regards,
George Fadok

Home Staging Video and Tips By Susan Botticelli

One of the services I love to provide for my clients when they list a home with me is staging and home preparation. It's amazing what a little pre-market preparation will do to help a home look it's best when buyer's come through the door. My clients rave about the finished product and benefit greatly from selling their homes in a shorter time period while reaping a higher profit!

A few years ago I thought it might be fun to video the transformation of one of my listings to show a home in the before and after staging states. Click on the link provided here http://motionmediacommunications.com/botticelli/staging.wmv to view Susan Botticelli's video on home staging and tips on how to enhance your property for sale.

According to Brandon Cornett, editor of the Home Buying Institute, there are 6 key benefits that come with staging a home.

1. Staging forces you to think like a buyer.

When you are staging your home for sale you will be looking at your home through the buyer's eyes. Think of how a buyer walks through a professionally staged model home in a new subdivision. Work from room to room and ask yourself if this room has that "wow factor"!

2. Staging forces you to organize and de-clutter.

Cleaning shelves, closets and cabinets is a big part of the home staging process. It also helps with your moving process because you can pack items away in boxes as you de-clutter.

3. Staging increases the likelihood of a sale.

When you are selling your home you need to do everything you can to increase your chances of selling your home. A professionally staged home gives a seller an extra edge in the marketplace.

4. Staging reduces your home's time on the market.

When you put the extra effort into staging effectively, you are preparing your home for a quicker sale. A quicker sale will net you a higher profit.

5. Staging helps justify your asking price.

A professionally staged home for sale in a seller's market decreases the chances a buyer will haggle with you over price. In a market which leans toward the buyer, you need everything in your favor to justify the asking price. A properly staged home will position your home more favorably in the buyer's mind.

6. Staging can be fun!

While staging may sound like all work and no play, be sure to use your creativity throughout the process to make it more enjoyable.

So next time the thought of selling your home runs through your mind, think first about how important proper staging and presentation of your home is. Then call Susan Botticelli at 619-441-8473 to enlist her professional expertise in staging your home and selling your home for top dollar!