Which Home Improvements Payoff Big in Fort Wayne Real Estate

I get this question a lot, while working with potential sellers in the Fort Wayne housing market. While somethings make more sense then others, their is still no simple one all answer to this question. Generally speaking I first advice homeowners to start with the basic home improvements. That being cleaning or replacing old carpet, fixing or replacing a defective roof, replacing old aluminum siding for vinyl, repainting walls and trim, installing energy efficient windows, or repairing or replacing any defective home mechanical systems. If after such repairs if needed are completed then at this time I would recommend making some additional improvements to your property. Now you find yourself with the decision of either remodeling your kitchen, bathroom, adding on a bedroom or bathroom, a deck, garden, garage space, or a combo of these.

The mistake that many homeowners make in the Fort Wayne area is that they figure they will recoup their initial investment for improvements when they sell their home. The problem with this many home owners lack the knowledge as to what sells, and what buyers are willing to pay for the home improvements. This is why it is important to consult an educated Fort Wayne Realtor who knows the buyers and market. Just as an example, lets say you have always wanted your own in ground swimming pool. With some careful savings over the past couple of years you have now saved up the necessary funds to purchase such a pool for around $30,000. Your thinking is that an in ground pool has a very long life span and who doesn't love a pool in the middle of summer? Well this uninformed home owner will never see this $30,000 again. Making a home improvement for personal use is fine as long as you understand that what you see as being worth the extra money, doesn't mean the Fort Wayne home seekers will. Had this gentleman consulted a Realtor they would have learned what most Realtors over the course of showing homes for several years in that swimming pools repel more buyers then attract. All be it swimming pools are great to have during those hot summer months, but they are a pain in the rear if you have to clean and maintain it. Then their is the liability that comes along with owning a pool.

Now back to what makes sense. Aside from the basic maintenance, installing a deck is the most cost efficient way to add some square footage to your home. On average a deck when done by a professional will cost around $6,500 and will generally recoup 87% of their value.

Second on my list would be adding on a second bathroom to your Fort Wayne home. On average when adding on a full bath with all of the trimmings, IE. molded sink, bathtub, marble vanity top, and ceramic tile will run around $20,000. A home owner can expect to recoup 86% of its price tag.

Third I would recommended updating your kitchen. The kitchen has transformed over the past decade to become the heart of the home. Many older homes are still set back in time and don't meet the demands of the modern day family. It is recommended that if your kitchen is small that you either expand on or take down existing walls to open the kitchen up. For those homeowners with a large kitchen, it is recommended that you start by painting and reflooring. You may also consider sanding, staining or painting dingy looking cabinets. Replace your outdated cabinet hardware for something more modern. Update your kitchen appliances, sink and faucet. Don't go on the cheap if you have the funds. Fort Wayne home owners can expect to recoup 79% of the funds invested.

Fourth on my list would be creating new space. Converting an attic into a bedroom suite, or turning your basement into a room for socializing. Generally speaking these improvements hold their value longer then cosmetic upgrades. Homeowners can expect to recoup nearly 80% of their investment with doing either of these improvements.

For those of you in the Fort Wayne market I highly recommended that you speak with a professional who can guide you through this important decision. Please use this information as a general guide, in that no 2 homes are the same and what works for home owner Smith, may not work for home owner Johnson. It is important for you make an informed decision and do as much of the work as you can yourself to make the upgrades more cost efficient. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Courtney Bontempo
BKM Real Estate
260-341-5442
www.ListWithBontempo.com