Improving A Home’s First Impression

Realtors say a large percentage of home buyers make decisions about homes before they even walk in the front door. Those decisions are usually based on the initial impression a buyer gets at first sight of a house and yard.

As you might imagine, improving a home’s first impression is an important step in getting top value for your house. Fortunately, simple steps can help. Start by standing across the street and viewing your home with an objective eye. Does it need a paint job? Is the front yard overgrown? Is the roof showing wear? And don’t overlook cosmetic or structural details like the railing around your porch or deck.

Simple upgrades in these types of details can make a world of difference. If your railings need a bit of work, consider installing low-maintenance materials that give a clean finished look. CertainTeed’s Panorama Composite Railing System features the look of freshly painted wood with the durability of a composite, yet requires virtually no maintenance.

The railing is fully wrapped with white polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for a weatherable, colonial white finish that’s impervious to decay and insects. The stylish system also features concealed hardware for a seamless, bracket-free look. Its core is made from a composite formula of PVC and recycled maple wood floor. The affordable exterior upgrade is long-lasting, and because it complements composite, vinyl, wood, or concrete surfaces, it can be a quick way to make a great first impression.

A 10-year limited warranty backs the strong weather-resistant system to ensure years of beauty.

 

Improve Your Home’s Value

Are you thinking about renovating and improving your home, or do you just like a home that needs a handyman? Then before you start spending your money you should know a few things. So you don’t end up wasting any money.

There are many home improvements shows now; so many people expect good quality that is shown on these shows. That is one of the reasons many tend to expect their next house to be as nice as the ones on the shows. Improving your life style is a good investment; it can increase your home’s value. Some improvements can be, improving your master bedroom, media rooms and create outdoor rooms.

Of course, maintenance is the number one improvement, though the value of your home may not increase as a result. Buyers just naturally expect everything to be up to date, and as a result not keeping up with maintenance and appearance of your home can decrease the value. So be sure to have your home up to date, so fix those broken toilets.

It’s a good idea to do some of the cosmetics touch ups yourself, if you can of course. Jobs like painting and stripping wallpaper is something you might be able to do. And it can improve the look of your home.

But be careful of improvements if you plan to sell within 2 to 5 years. If your house is improved beyond the entire neighborhood that surrounds you, it’s possible that the value of your home won’t be recognized when you are ready to sell.

And lastly you should keep track of your home’s value. The best way to do so would be to look at homes that are on sale that are like yours. That way you can compare with the value of your home. If you find out that a house down the street from you sold for $400 000 with an outdoor room and a new kitchen, then you can get an idea about your own home. About the improvements you should consider.

So, consider a few things before rushing into home improvement, otherwise go ahead and enjoy the look of your new home.