Housing and You…Raising the value of your home

Jun 15, 2014 News

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By Leonard Gildarie

Because of the housing demands in recent years, homeowners have mostly been concentrating on getting a roof over their head. More and more, I have been finding that while many have grand ideas and plans on how to convert their new homes into a dream setting, the reality has been much, much different.

Costs of construction and materials have been rising. It is becoming difficult, because of several reasons, to complete the home on budget and on time.
In many cases, persons have been delaying building their fence over installing a kitchen and bathroom or even the protective grill works.
Sometimes it takes years before basic maintenance can be done. Very little money is left over to do anything else but pay the mortgage and live. I have been talking to several homeowners. They love the idea of owning their property, but I seem to be getting an idea that they would want their mortgage payments to be less.
I have already spoken of the lending institutions seeing the need to examine possible regulations that will ensure repayments on mortgage financing do not exceed 30% – just my recommendation.
I am no financial expert, but I understand what it means for citizens to have access to more disposable income… a simple term that says you have more money left over from your salary.
Now, after you would have started living in your home, there may come a point in time when you may need to sell it. However, selling a home is not just advertising it and, hopefully, things will fall into place.
Consistently, we have to care for the home and keep up with the cleaning.
The experts, including decorators, home improvement contractors and real estate agents, have had years of experience in determining what buyers are looking for. There are several things that have been agreed on that can be done to up your value.
Because of the fact that I am selling now, I have been doing some research and I thought I would share what was found. These are in no particular order.
Most folks over the years would collect furniture and other things. It is best to have a home that is clutter-free. It is easier on the eye. It harbours fewer mosquitos in this tropical paradise of ours. Instead of that beautiful piece being hidden away, it will be highlighted. In other words less is better.
It is better to also clear the area around the home of the bushes that will block views. A clean yard and landscaping, all help in the creating that first impression that is a lasting one. In developed countries, landscaping and curb appeal (the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street) is one of the top investments for homeowners wanting to have that initial effect.
A broken or badly hung window can prove to be a major turn-off. A piece of glass or a screw with some paint may be all it takes to change a particular ugly spot to something that looks well maintained.
Now, most folks like bright lights. But the experts say that soft lighting or dimmer bulbs help to create a feeling of warmth. Stepping into a brightly lit room may also bring out the faults. It is better to have the lighting strategically placed to create that cozy feeling. The internet is filled with photographs of what colours would complement.
Repair to plumbing leaks, rain gutters, leaky windows, and cleaning of the flower beds, all help in lending to the overall looks of a well maintained home.
If you are selling, instead of spending thousands to present the most expensive look, think about the basics, instead.
If your home has wooden floors, it may be wise to ensure that squeaks are not there. Not a big thing, but it does lend to the overall feel of maintenance. If you have kitchen cupboards that are grouted between the tiles, there is no harm in cleaning them and using a chemical to remove rust stains. Your kitchen cupboards can look a whole lot different with some new knobs…In the bathroom area, even a new toilet seat can help.
If the walls are not looking so nice, think about a fresh coat of paint. For five thousand dollars, you can up the value by tens of thousands.
Perhaps the biggest tip is about organization. Your stuff in the home does not have to be expensive. The internet is filled with ideas of packing or strategically placing your belongings like books, photos and even the television in a particular area. Strewn clothing or a closed window, for example…all impact on the mood of the buyer.
Topping the list also would be cleanliness. The sense of sight and smell play a big role in helping to nudge the buyer in the right direction.
The bottom line here is that these are simple tips that do not have to be expensive.
In any case, you have to do them over time, and it is part of the general cleaning and maintenance of a home. If you consistently address this, it would not take an entire budget to fix the home to impress an intended buyer.
Please feel free to continue sending those comments to [email protected] or call 225-8473 or 682-1256.
Happy Fathers’ Day to all!

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