“I think we’ve been an agent for change, everywhere, and I think change frightens people. They’re going nicely in what seems like a settled industry, and someone comes in and says: “I can do this better. It doesn’t matter how nice that other one is.” That’s one of the distinguishing points of our acquisitions.” -Rupert Murdoch

Home improvements can drastically increase the market value of any home. Even if you are not interested in selling your own home there is a great deal to be gained by maintaining it and occasionally updating the style and structure to make sure your house will continue to appreciate in value. Maintenance and renovation can take two forms – cosmetic and structural. Cosmetic changes refer only to changes to the surface of the house. These may include painting, siding, and landscaping. Structural changes would include putting in a new roof, adding windows, or building another room.

It is extremely important that you maintain all your appliances. Especially if you are planning on selling your house with appliances. You want to make sure they run well and are clean. Sometimes the appliances can make or break a real estate deal. In addition, you should have your heating and cooling systems checked and clean regularly. This will help you avoid repair or even replacement costs. If you are planning on selling your home, get an inspection. The technician will give you a report of all the things he feels need to be changed. Once you have the report, make a list of the most pressing repairs and settle on a budget. Not all repairs can afford, so pick and choose the ones which are most important and work on those.

Remodeling can be extremely expensive. However, with the use color, paint, and re-arrangement of furniture can breathe new life into old rooms at a fraction of the cost. It is better to go conservative then over extend yourself financially. Most home owners are under the assumption that any home improvement will add value to their house. However, most appraisers disagree. For example if you live on as street that has bungalows and the average home has 3 bedrooms, even if you add a second level and 2 additional bedrooms, your market value will probably remain the same.

Cosmetic changes are usually less expensive and express personal tastes. Therefore, they add little value to your home. However, cosmetic changes do make your home more appealing to potential buyers. If your front yard needs to be cleaned up make sure you do, before potential buyers see your property. Structural changes do add value to your house however they can be very expensive. Before you remodel anything make sure that it the increased profit from selling the house out weighs the amount of money put into the renovation.

By: Mika Hamilton