Owning your home

Answer: Here's a few tips on cost-effective improvements; upgrades that can make the difference in the sale price and add value to your property. As a rule, kitchens and baths are the two areas that most often make the difference in a sale. They make the most impact on Buyers, and definitely impact what Buyers perceive the property is worth. But, kitchens and baths are not inexpensive to upgrade.

The national average for remodeling an entire kitchen is more than $20,000 with some running upwards of $30,000. Complete remodeling can include cabinets, floors, counters, sinks, appliances, lighting fixtures, and new windows.

But, there's a way to put a new look on this important area without spending significant monies. For a relatively low cost, homeowners can make spot improvements. For example, for as low as $1,000, the existing countertop can be replaced with a Formica top. For $2,500 to $3,000, the existing cabinet faces can be replaced with solid oak faces. Homeowners can buy a new sink at a home furnishing store and have a contractor install it for approximately $300 to $400. The end result is improved appearance -- and usually a higher selling price for minimal expenditure.

Other areas that influence price: Central air conditioning is an important feature for which Buyers will usually pay extra. Room additions, on the other hand, may add value but may not end up paying for themselves. Upgraded carpeting, top-of-the line windows, and vaulted ceilings can command higher resale prices, but it is unlikely that the Sellers will be able to recoup their original expense.

Existing features that have diminished with age can usually be repaired without a lot of added expense. Hardwood floors, for instance, cost $1.50 to $2.00 per square foot to refurbish, but it is a good investment because Buyers are willing to pay more for the refinished appearance.

For older homes, people are more energy conscious, so improvements in the insulation of windows, doors, and storm doors are smart investments.

In general, neutral, light, and bright are the best rules to follow -- a neutral decor, freshly painted walls, and clean carpeting also help to sell a home faster.

Answer submitted by Robert E. Hubbell, Coldwell Banker Hubbell Real Estate

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Question: Why are people stopping in front of my house and taking pictures?

Answer: If your home sold within the past 12 months, the pictures are very probably being taken by an Appraiser. He or she is simply using your home as a comparable property to help estimate the value of someone else's home that is similar to yours in your area. The Appraiser already has access to most information about your home. They simply need an original photo of your home for the lender who is providing the financing for a new Buyer.

Appraisers have been reported to the police by puzzled Homeowners, chased, yelled at; and some of us have even had large dogs sent after us! So, if Owners are informed what this picture-taking is all about and that it does not affect them in any way, perhaps they will come to expect it. We can use a home as a comparable property for up to one year after the closing date; and with many Appraisers using it, and some of us using it several times, we could be taking several pictures.

Answer submitted by Ronald V. Wheeler, CFRC, RAA, Appraiser, R.J. Scott Appraisal Company