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5 Common Homeowner Mistakes

Homeowners will often make improvements believing they are adding value to their home, but in the real world of real estate sales, they are not adding value, and they may even be decreasing the value of their home. Of course, if an investment is made for the sole purpose of providing the homeowners with enjoyment, then recovering these investments may not be important. The following 5 common homeowner mistakes are examples that will help you decide if you want to invest in an improvement:

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Installing wall to wall carpeting may add to the pleasure of living in the home, but it will not be a selling feature. In fact, buyers often view carpeting as a negative issue, because carpet is thought to be full of allergens and general household dirt. There is a growing concern over the chemicals used in manufacturing carpet, and the impact these have on the health of the home’s occupants. Color and style is another issue for many buyers because not every one will appreciate your preferences. As carpet ages, it becomes less attractive, and although you may find the carpet to be just fine, buyers may not.

High Priced Upgrades

Buying stainless steel appliances for the kitchen is a significant investment that buyers are not willing to pay for, and particularly if the rest of the kitchen remains unchanged. Even if the kitchen is completely remodeled but the bathrooms are outdated, the home will have a half-finished appearance. Putting high end tile in the foyer without changing the surrounding floor will be a detraction for buyers. Media rooms with surround sound is not something that buyers will be eager to pay for.

Swimming Pools

A swimming pool may make a home worth less than a similar home without a pool. The upkeep and the liability is a deterrent for many buyers. Families with small children will most likely not be interested in a home with a pool. Besides the danger factor, the cost of insurance and maintenance is money people will want to spend elsewhere.

Elaborate Landscaping

A home that has expensive and elaborate landscaping can cause buyers to believe that it will cost a lot of money to maintain the landscaping. if they choose not to spend the money or commit to the labor, then buyers will know that the landscaping will soon become an eyesore. A neat, well trimmed yard with self sustaining trees and shrubs will work fine.

Home Remodels that are Overbuilt for the Neighborhood

Adding a $100,000 remodel or addition to a home in a neighborhood of homes that sell for far less money than the total investment in the remodeled home, will be money lost. Overbuilding for the neighborhood is not going to attract buyers.

The Bottom Line

Every buyer will expect that the HVAC system works. If it is a new system, then the money is not recoverable in the sale price. Any investment in maintenance is something buyers expect.

Before making any investment in your home, discuss it with a real estate agent who knows the local market. You can get solid advice to help you make an important financial decision

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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Things To Consider When Moving To A New Home

There are multiple things to in mind when moving to a new home, and these begin with considering the family’s needs and the location where the family will be comfortable living. Every other consideration is based on these two. The importance of planning cannot be overemphasized. The family should consider the following 5 things when moving to a new home.

Determine Your Needs

Moving to a new home requires understanding the size of the home that the family needs. The family has certain needs which are determined by the number and age of the children and whether the future will bring more children into the family. Questions about the need for office and craft spaces are important to consider as well as a formal dining room or just a breakfast area. Should the kitchen be well equipped and open to the rest of the living area? Is a family room required in addition to the living room? What size should the yard be? Moving to a new home requires determining whether all of the rooms should be on one floor?

Plan For Living Your Daily Life In Comfort

Focus on the size of the dining room and the living area. Is there enough room to entertain? Can you walk around without bumping into furniture? Is the counter space adequate? Are the bathrooms adequate for the size of the family. Moving to a new home means moving all of the family’s electronics, and the new home should be equipped to handle these. The garage should be of adequate size with an electronic lift mechanism. A patio or deck may be essential for your life style.

The Location

The location is a primary concern when moving to a new home. Check with the police department for safety statistics and for incident reports in the neighborhood. You may want to check for registered sex offenders living in the area. Will the location result in high insurance rates for the car and the home? Are any city or municipal assessments planned that may cost you more money than you planned for? Check the test scores of the students in the neighborhood school. Check for access to family recreational areas. Is the type of shopping you need nearby?

General Safety Concerns

Moving to a new home means the family must be moving to a safe place; not only a safe neighborhood but also a safe home. Check the home for adequate and safe wiring as well as areas where small children could be injured. Hire a HVAC company to check the safety of the furnace and the flue. The home should be wired for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The home should have enough electrical outlets to avoid overloading a circuit. The electrical panel should have circuit breakers and not fuses.

Examine Your Finances Carefully

You want to be certain that moving to a new home does not stretch the family finances beyond the point at which obligations cannot be met. Consider the increased expenses involved in moving to a new home.

For more information regarding real estate tips, visit Kathy McCarthy’s website or Facebook page!

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