Friday, July 2, 2010

How Home Improvements Increase Value - by Tom Brewer

How Home Improvements Increase Value

Thanks to a strong local economy and several special programs, Arlington homeowners are able to make both needed and wanted improvements to their homes. The difference between the 2 types of improvements can sometimes get a little fuzzy but some are obvious.

A new roof to replace an older, less efficient roof would be considered a needed home improvement. This is especially true if the homeowner plans to live in the home for a long time or if they intend to sell the home in the near future.

A new Jacuzzi tub or new built-in shelving would be considered more along the lines of a wanted home improvement even though these also add value to the home. It can sometimes be difficult to discern between what home improvements are really needed and those that the homeowner simply desires to enhance the home.

The trick to maximize any Arlington home improvement project is to weigh the benefits of the project to see if it is a financially sound investment in the property.

If, for example, you want to update your kitchen by adding granite countertops, it may not be a good idea to invest a huge amount of money into some type of specially imported granite when you can order a far less expensive type for thousands of dollars less from a local dealer.

There are many home improvement projects that you can do yourself that will help enhance your home with very little. Painting, landscaping and de-cluttering the home rank among the simplest things you can do to improve the home.

You ROI on your Arlington home improvement project should definitely be taken into consideration before you begin. Making informed, sensible decisions in the beginning can save lots of time and money in the long run. Consult an experienced Arlington real estate professional to help determine what improvements will help increase you home value the most.

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