3 Home-Renovation Projects for Impact and Investment

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If you’re like many homeowners, the start of the new year finds you ready to finally tackle those home-improvement projects that have lingered on your wish list. But where do you begin?

First, prioritize those renovations that will have a maximum impact, both in terms of aesthetics and investment values. Also prioritize the projects that will enhance the livability and enjoyment of your home.
Next, decide whether or not it makes sense to handle these projects on your own or call in a professional for help. According to the experts at Sears Home Services, while taking on home remodeling yourself can seem daunting , enlisting the right help can make the process simple and seamless.
Here are three areas of the home to put at the top of your list this year:

The Bathroom

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, one of the best investments in a home is a bathroom renovation. Remodeling a bathroom that’s more than 25 years old substantially increases the value of your home. While your bathroom may not need a complete makeover, updating cabinets, lighting, tiling or countertops can go a long way toward improving design and functionality. Or, consider a few quick fixes, such as a new towel bar, shower-curtain rod, robe hooks or showerhead.

The Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home. And kitchen renovations don’t need to be dramatic to be impactful—updates such as new countertops, cabinets, appliances or flooring can all dramatically improve the kitchen. These improvements can also help yield increased functionality and space throughout the kitchen. For a simple refresh, homeowners can give their kitchen a new look by replacing the hardware on cabinets, painting or updating fixtures. The Floors A great way to upgrade an area of your home and pull a room together is to install new floors. There are myriad options to choose from: carpeting, tile, laminate, porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl or hardwood. Consult a home-improvement retailer or flooring expert to help make the best choice and to ensure proper installation.

Why Buy New Home Construction?

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When you are in the market for a new home, you may be going back and forth about whether to buy a newly constructed home or a pre-owned home. What are some of the benefits of newer homes?

Advantages of New Construction

New homes have always had the advantage of modern amenities. The same can be said of today’s energy efficient homes. Thanks to improved building codes and the evolution of green technologies, today’s new homes are far more efficient than homes built just ten years ago. Energy efficient insulation and windows prevent heat loss in winter and maintain cool temperatures in summer. Tankless water heaters and low-flow plumbing fixtures help conserve water and lower utility costs.

New homes with geothermal heating and cooling systems also enjoy greater savings. Geothermal HVAC systems take advantage of the natural heat stored underground, and they are up to 60 percent more efficient than conventional electric or gas systems. Solar electric photovoltaic systems convert sunlight to electricity for more energy independence. With fully integrated systems, some new homes achieve a Net-Zero qualification, which means the structures produce as much power as they consume.

Even if a home you are considering doesn’t have solar panels or geothermal HVAC systems, odds are they are still more efficient than their older counterparts.

New Homes Offer Custom Design Options

If you think the freedom to pick and choose design elements is only reserved for custom-built homes, think again. Builders who work from existing stock plans usually provide buyers with the opportunity to choose cabinetry, flooring and paint color. Some builders even allow buyers to make layout changes or add room additions. Builders like customization because it engages buyers and encourages them to stay involved in the construction process. Buyers appreciate the chance to make design decisions that reflect their own special tastes.

There’s Nothing Like Buying Something New

Let’s face it – there is nothing like buying something brand new. That feeling of “newness” brings with it its own sense of pride. When you buy a newly constructed home, it really feels like it’s yours. No one else has ever lived there. You are the first person to hang pictures on the walls, cook food in the kitchen and shovel snow in the driveway.

Can Be More Economical

In addition to monthly utility savings, often times newly constructed homes are a better value for the dollar. You get new and up to date amenities, and when you do the math, many newer homes are less money per square foot than older homes.

Contact Prudential Preferred Realty

The real estate professionals at Prudential Preferred Realty in Southwestern PA have many newly constructed homes available for sale. Contact us today to learn more about the Prudential Preferred Buyers Advantage and to find out how we can help you find the new home of your dreams.

5 Small Improvements To Help You Sell Your Home

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The phrase, “It’s the little things that count,” applies to so many aspects of life, but it also plays important part in selling your home.  Taking the time to make small improvements can make your home seem more inviting and appealing to potential buyers.

Make Your Entrance Way Appealing

One of the very first things that someone will notice when they approach your home is the front door and entrance area. Make sure that your door and the surrounding trim have a fresh coat of paint. Sweep walkways, trim back bushes, and place a welcome mat at the door. A person that feels as if they were invited into your home will feel more “at home” when they enter.

Check the Garage Door

A shabby garage door leaves the impression that the property is not cared for, and a broken door indicates to potential buyers that other improvements probably need to be made elsewhere on the property. Paint and repair your garage doors and take the time to straighten up the garage before placing your home up for sale.

Bathroom and Kitchen

These are two of the most important rooms of your home when it comes to selling. Replace old fixtures and make sure that the cabinets are organized and the counters are spotless. Fresh paint, new switch covers, and clean windows in these areas will also give your kitchen and bathroom an instant update. Many sales are made or lost based on the opinion the buyer has on these two rooms.

Personal Clutter

When a potential buyer walks into a home they try to picture themselves living in that home. It is an automatic reflex. If you have family pictures displayed everywhere and if personal belongings are strewn about, potential buyers cannot “picture” themselves in the home. It is important to make your home as neutral as possible before you begin to show the home. Make sure that personal belongings are packed away and minimize unnecessary furniture.

Landscaping

You do not have to re-landscape your home to make it attractive to buyers, but you do need to make sure it is well groomed and clutter free. Make sure the grass is cut and bushes are trimmed. Remove dead plants and tree limbs. If there are children’s play-things in the backyard, make sure the area is tidy. You want to make the impression that maintaining the yard is very easy, and the only way to do that is to make sure it is neat.

Small Improvements Go a Long Way

If you take the time to make some small, inexpensive improvements to your home, you can make potential buyers feel more at ease and at home when they view your property. When it comes to real estate, a little can go a long way when buyers decide what to offer for your home.

The real estate professionals at Prudential Preferred Realty in Southwestern PA can offer you even more tips on how to make your property attractive to buyers.  Contact us today to learn more about the Prudential Preferred Sellers Advantage and to find out how we can help you sell your home.

Greater Pittsburgh Area Real Estate Market Report – October

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Pittsburgh Real Estate Market ReportDouble-Digit Increase in October Home Sales

October Market Overview October 2011 versus October 2010
16.33% increase in Homes Under Agreement versus October 2010 (2,792 homes versus 2,400)
3.89% decrease in New Listings versus October 2010 (2,716 homes versus 2,826)

County Specific Increases October 2011 versus October 2010 homes under agreement
Allegheny County 22.59% increase (1,460 homes versus 1,191)
Beaver County 33.57% increase (187 homes versus 140)
Butler County 12.57% increase (206 homes versus 183)
Washington County 12.84% increase (246 homes versus 218)

“Home buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates. And, smart home sellers are getting results by working closely with their real estate agents on the best pricing strategies.” said Ron Croushore, President & CEO of Prudential Preferred Realty

Improving Your Home: Budget Basics

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Whether you’re making renovations to the home you’ve lived in for years, refinishing a fixer-upper or making improvements to a property you have just purchased, there are a few things you should keep in mind when starting out on a new home improvement project.

Have a Plan
It’s always a good idea to have a home improvement plan. This includes any repairs you think your home could use in the future, from six months to six years. Knowing that in three to five years it will be time for a new roof will help you decide if you really need, or can really afford, to install a luxury shower or a new patio right now.

Know the Value
If you have a home improvement plan, and it shows that yes, you can budget in the renovation you are planning—say, adding an extra bathroom downstairs—next, you should focus on the value of your home. You will most likely recover at least two-thirds the cost of any upgrades on your home when you sell it. Knowing that might make your budget a bit more flexible. However, also keep in mind that it is possible to add too much value; meaning if your home is suddenly worth more than every other home in your neighborhood—because you added a master suite, a pool, patio and outdoor kitchen—it might be harder to sell later on. And if you are improving solely for the intent of resale, remember to keep all improvements neutral.

Professional or DIY?
Unless you have done the project you are planning before or have some professional training, don’t try and do a major project yourself. While you may think it will ease your budget, if you make a mistake you could wing up spending a lot hiring someone to fix it. Budget a little snug for a professional? Consider hiring someone to do the bulk of the job and then finishing on your own, like getting a contractor to put up the walls of your new mudroom, and then caulking, painting and decorating yourself.

September 2011 SW PA Real Estate Market Report

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September Homes Sales Are Up in Southwestern PA!

Market Overview
These numbers represent the 13-county area serviced by the West Penn Multi-List, Inc. (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette, Greene, Clarion, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset and Indiana Counties)

Homes Under Agreement up 15.9% from September 2010
Average Sale Price up .19% to $154,660 from September 2010

“Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to buck the national trends. These new numbers show that homes throughout our region are selling, which should instill some confidence in people who are considering putting their homes on the market.”- Ron Croushore, President & CEO of Prudential Preferred Realty

Other County Specific Increases
Allegheny County Homes Under Agreement up 14.5% from September 2010
Beaver County Homes Under Agreement 25.3% up from September 2010
Washington County Homes Under Agreement 32.9% up from September 2010
Westmoreland County Homes Under Agreement up 20.6% from September 2010

Data source: The West Penn Multi-List, Inc

Keeping the Kids at Bay When Selling Your Home

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Homeowners with young children face a common challenge when their house is on the market: How do you keep the home clean and ready for prospective buyers while maintaining a kid-friendly and safe environment? Keeping that “staged look” as the kids create instant messes can be overwhelming.  Your primary focus should be the kids’ bedrooms, according to two home stagers.

“Children’s bedrooms are often problematic when getting a home ready to sell,” said Külli Yee, founder and president of Ilus Design Home Staging and Re-design, Port Coquitlam, B.C., Canada. “They tend to have more clutter than most rooms in the form of toys and activities, and out-of-season and hand-me-down clothes and toys are often stored in the child’s bedroom.”

Ye suggests limiting the number of toys and activities that children play with each week and adding and subtracting as the kids get bored.  “Most kids only actively use three or four favorite toys at a time and the rest just sits there collecting dust,” Yee said. “Pack away extra toys, stuffed animals and books. Organize the remaining toys neatly in baskets, boxes and bins and display only a few items on the shelves.”  Alice T. Chan, a Fremont, Calif.-based home stager and author of the book 8 Steps for Creating an Irresistible Market Ready Home that Sells, recommended keeping a child’s bedroom floor and closet free of clutter by lightening the load.

“Reduce the amount of items stored in the closets,” she said. “Pack, store or give away anything that the child doesn’t need for the next two to three months. This is also the perfect time to get rid of unused or broken toys and old clothes.”

For those with infants, a nursery should be kept tidy with all extra diapers, wipes, lotions, baby bottles and clothes hidden away in a dresser. Make sure that the diaper pail is emptied frequently. Moreover, remove any furniture that doesn’t serve a purpose in the nursery. Anything beyond a crib, dresser, rocking chair, changing table and small accessories should be packed away.

If your kids have their own rooms, consider asking them to share a room for a couple of months until the home sells. This allows you to set up the other bedrooms as a guest room or home office, adding extra value to your home. Unlike pets, you can’t simply pack up the kids and send them away for weeks at a time. Remind your children that once your current home sells, the new home will bring them exciting new adventures. If that doesn’t make them more cooperative in helping keep the place then there’s always plan B: bribe them with ice cream, outside!

How to Maintain Your Roof

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Roof

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A top quality roof is the biggest investment a homeowner can make. While a roof should be replaced every 20 – 25 years, proper maintenance can lengthen the life of your roof and proactively ward off common problems.

Many homeowners don’t realize that their roof requires regular maintenance but routinely inspecting and making minor repairs can pay off big in the long run. Inspecting your roof twice a year, and after any major storm or natural disaster, is a great way to expand the life of your roof, and you don’t need a professional contractor to do this.

Loose, worn or missing shingles is a common roofing issue. Check for and replace loose shingles, or any shingles that look particularly worn—patch faulty shingles with roofing cement, negating room for water leakage.

Cleaning debris buildup is a simple task that can have a major impact. Leaves, branches and other environmental matter can collect on your roof, creating extra weight and making way for water to accumulate and cause leaks. Also be sure to clean out gutters seasonally.

Roof flashing, the galvanized metal or aluminum placed over surface intersections and edges, provides extra protection from weathering. Most major flashing repairs should be left to a professional. However, there are some simple DIY tricks most homeowners can manage, including repairing or replacing bent, loose or rusted nails; replacing crumbled or dry roofing cement and recaulking.

Major roof repairs can be costly. Make major mishaps less likely and get the most out of your roof by inspecting it twice annually and making any necessary small repairs along the way. While you can conduct most of your inspections yourself, hiring a professional once every few years is a great way to ensure you aren’t missing anything, and elongate the life of your roof.

Pittsburgh Named in Top 10 Recession Proof Cities in the US!

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By Forbes MagazineWhich cities are the most recession-resistant for real estate? Forbes.com and Zillow.com pinpointed 25 metro areas ushering in a steady rise in home prices since the beginning of 2011. For this list, Zillow scoured through home price data for 154 metro areas, assessing values for homes both on and off the market using list prices, final sale prices, tax records and property histories.

What your paint colors are saying about you

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Agents frequently suggest that homeowners paint before placing their homes on the market. Don’t be offended! Using Paint Colors to Sell Your HouseAgents understand “color psychology,” which focuses on color’s effect on human behavior and emotion. Since people’s reaction to color is immediate, color has a tremendous influence on the choices they make every day.

“Color choices are very personal and when selling your home, it’s critical to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers,” said Allegra Dioguardi, president of Styled and Sold Home Staging in New York. “With so many people beginning their search for a home on the Internet today, your home and listing photos must stand out from your competition. Color is one very simple way to do this.”

Added Eric Brown, one of the authors of House Selling for Dummies: “Painting your house’s exterior before you put it on the market will give the biggest bang for your fix-up buck, as long as you are using colors that conform to the neighborhood’s decorating norm.”

Colors affect human beings in many ways, and by using the principles of color psychology, you can make your home stand out from the competition, sell more quickly, and at a higher price. In short, the stimulus and effect of colors normally cross cultures. Blues will feel cool, reds and oranges feel warm. Deeper shades of color imply intimacy and serenity.

Your home’s exterior color is the first thing most potential homebuyers see when they drive up or inspect the property on the Web. The correct color may be the most powerful and cost effective design tool at your disposal.

What is “correct” these days? Brown’s research shows that homes painted in pale yellows with cream or beige accents have sold fastest during the past few years.

In general, lighter colors are favored for exterior as they make the property seem larger. Conversely, painting your sideboards with a darker color will make the house seem smaller, though dark colors can draw more attention to home’s details.

For those painting an older home, you may want to consider historical accuracy, as this could be a big selling point as well. When choosing interior colors for the home, consider the purpose of each room. Kitchen and dining areas painted in “food colors” such as coffee browns, celery greens and scrambled-egg yellows will make the rooms feel more natural.

Hallways are a great place to bring in the exterior colors for overall harmony.

According to Jeanette Fisher’s book Joy to the Home: Secrets of Interior Design Psychology, since, deeper shades of color imply intimacy and serenity, she recommends painting master bedrooms a medium shade of green or blue for warm selling seasons, and rouge red for cooler weather. Other bedrooms can be painted in creamy tones of green, blue, or a pale shell pink.

For your bedroom and bathroom, cool colors can form a relaxing atmosphere with paint. Consider shades of blue, green or even lavender.

Of course, common sense should help you with any color choices. You need to match other things in your home and keep a comfortable environment as well.

What is your favorite color for an interior room?