Salvaged Building Material Savings - Working With Salvage

Working with salvage

To effectively integrate salvaged items, Arne Mortensen, owner of Mortensen Design/Build in Seattle, recommends choosing a contractor who has a particular interest and experience in working with recycled building materials. Salvage yard staffs may be able to recommend someone; other sources for ‘green’ contractors include online sites like Angie’s List.

Nonetheless, the time-consuming legwork of finding good pieces generally falls to the homeowner. To make the process easier, spend time thinking about and researching online what you want before you begin to shop. And be prepared to be persistent; happy hunting takes patience.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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Salvaged Building Material Savings - The Value

The value of salvage building components

Salvaged elements may not add to a home’s appraised value.  An appraiser probably won’t include a home’s reclaimed heart pine beams in the kitchen or the bathroom’s antique plumbing fixtures when calculating the house’s value.

But that doesn’t mean the seller can’t use those amenities as selling points and boost the asking price accordingly.  Homebuyers may be willing to pay more for authentic elements that give a house personality.

Talking with a local realtor before making changes; they’ll have a good sense of the housing market’s current demands and should be able to tell you whether a vintage element will boost your home’s market value.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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Salvaged Building Material Savings - Sample Price Comparisons

Sample price comparisons for various salvaged materials

Salvaged oak flooring: $1 to $3 per sq. ft.
New oak flooring: $4 to $10 per sq. ft.
Average savings for 12x16-foot room: $960

Salvaged interior solid panel door (basic): $20 to $50
New interior panel door: $100 to $200
Average savings: $115

Secondhand pedestal sink: $20 to $250
New pedestal sink: $100 to $800
Average savings: $315

Recycled crown molding: $.30 to $1 per lineal ft.
New crown molding: $.90 to $3 per lineal ft.
Average savings for 12x16-foot room: $72.80

Don’t forget to add in transportation costs. Not all salvage yards deliver, and those that do aren’t necessarily cheap: the cost of getting materials across town could be $100 or more. It might make more sense to borrow or rent a truck on your own.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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Salvaged Building Material Savings - Lead Paint

Dealing with lead paint

Some old items need to be treated with serious care such as items that appear to be lead paint hazards—that is, anything painted prior to 1978, when the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned lead in paints.

Nevertheless, buyers of old painted items need to be aware of the potential hazards. Older paint doesn’t mean the pieces are unusable, but the paint must be thoroughly removed or sealed—never scraped or sanded. The CPSC offers guidelines for treating lead paint in the household.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials

If you’re looking to improve your home on the cheap, consider using salvaged building materials. Besides being less expensive than new materials, secondhand features can add character, quality, and value to your home. But note that the savings in dollars may require a greater investment in time and effort.

Remodeling with secondhand building materials has many fans. Some are owners of historic houses who improve their homes by adding period elements. Others follow green building practices and appreciate conserving resources and keeping materials out of landfills. And still others are looking for quirky elements that will break their homes out of cookie-cutter molds.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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How to Make $5,000 Stretch in a Kitchen Remodel

How to Make $5,000 Stretch in a Kitchen Remodel

A “minor” kitchen remodel will cost home owners, on average, $21,695, according to the Cost vs. Vallue survey, an annual report by Remodeling magazine, in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine, that reveals the top remodeling projects offering the highest returns at resale. Home owners stand to recoup about 72 percent (or $15,790) of that investment from a kitchen remodel when it’s time to sell too.

So the kitchen can offer some big payback at times of resale, but for the average home owner, $21,000 nowadays may be too much for their budget. So what should you do when a dated kitchen is still in desperate need of some TLC?

Here's how to transform a kitchen for less than $5,000. Paint the cabinets, add new countertops, replace the faucet, add a stainless steel kitchen island, and accessorize to give the kitchen an updated, fresh look. What are your best ideas for remodeling a kitchen on a tight budget?

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

4 Updates Every Home Seller Should Avoid

4 Updates Every Home Seller Should Avoid

The secret to successful pre-sale home remodeling is to keep up with the Jones', but never surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell your home, know what's standard in the neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood? Put in laminate countertops and your house will sell for less than full value, or worse yet, linger on the market for months.

Never be the last homeowner on the block to remodel. Homebuyers will pass up your property in favor of the one down the street where everything is already updated. Your home will sell slowly and for less money.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades).

The three main things in real estate are location, location and location.  Some homes will sell no matter what they look like depending on the location and, of course, the right price. The main things to keep in mind when remodeling are: neutral, clean, and classic. That will always recoup your money.

You may need a home office and your kids may want a playroom, but you're not likely to recoup the costs of either of those improvements.

Kiss some cash goodbye when you do these money-draining updates:

• Home Office
• Upscale Master Addition
• Family Room Addition
• Upscale Kitchen Remodel

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

4 Updates Every Home Seller Must Do

4 Updates Every Home Seller Must Do

The secret to successful pre-sale home remodeling is to keep up with the Jones', but never surpass them. Whether you want to make more money than you spend, or just recoup your remodeling expenses when you sell your home, know what's standard in the neighborhood.

Does everyone have laminate kitchen countertops? Splurge on granite and you'll be the envy of your friends, but you won't get your money back at resale. Is your home in a high-end neighborhood?  Put in laminate countertops and your house will sell for less than full value, or worse yet, linger on the market for months.

Never be the last homeowner on the block to remodel. Homebuyers will pass up your property in favor of the one down the street where everything is already updated. Your home will sell slowly and for less money.

Before you pick up a hammer, visit real estate open houses and new home communities. Ask the builder to show you a spec home (that's an already built home without the model home's decorative features and upgrades).

The three main things in real estate are location, location and location.  Some homes will sell no matter what they look like depending on the location and, of course, the right price. The main things to keep in mind when remodeling are: neutral, clean, and classic. That will always recoup your money.

via frontdoor.com

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

What Not to Do When Your Home Is on the Market

What Not to Do When Your Home Is on the Market

 

There is a lot of advice available for those looking to sell their home these days. Instead of telling you want to do to sell your home in today’s market, let’s focus on what not to do.

1.) Do not defer on basic home maintenance. Slacking on basic home care can be extremely risky and is likely to attract the wrong kind of buyer. Best case scenario, houses that need a lot of work will attract a property flipper, known for their low offers. A house that is run down almost always makes a negative first impression and tends to seem like a headache to buyers.

2.) Do not leave up wallpaper and borders. These personal décor elements, along with murals and specialized painting applications, only work to narrow the seller’s buyer pool. Sellers need to remember the importance of neutralizing their home with modern paint hues that appeal to a broader audience.

3.) Do not block the front of the house with shrubbery. Prospective buyers often drive by homes for an initial viewing, before they decide whether or not they want to make an appointment for a showing. If the house is blocked by trees and bushes, buyers do not get an accurate or appealing view of the home. Curb appeal is an essential aspect to getting the best possible offer.

4.) Do not try to sell an unfurnished home. Builders don’t spend thousands of dollars staging model homes for fun; they do it because it helps sell more homes in less time at a higher price. Buyers want to picture what their lives will look like if they buy your house and if there isn’t furniture they tend to lose concept of size and space. Homes lacking furniture seem sterile and lack appeal and warmth; furniture also helps define a room’s function.

5.) Do not stick around for showings and open houses. When sellers are present during showings, prospective buyers tend to feel awkward and will rush through the appointment. Having the seller present might also discourage buyers from commenting or asking important questions about the house. In addition, sellers in the majority of cases are personally attached to the home and will tend to point out the wrong things to buyers. Agents are trained to showcase selling qualities, not their personal favorites.

Unfortunately there is no perfect formula to getting your home sold, but by following these tips and working with a skilled agent, sellers will heighten their chances at closing the deal quickly at the right price.

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

Housing Upgrades That Aren’t Worth It : Styled, Staged & Sold

Housing Upgrades That Aren’t Worth It

When upgrading, home owners often seek features that aren’t only desirable to them but also what will add value to the home when it comes time for resale. Certainly, the annual Cost vs. Vallue Survey can be one of your biggest assets in helping to advise clients. The annual survey by Remodeling Magazine, in conjunction with REALTOR Magazine, reveals specific remodeling projects that offer the biggest returns at resale.

But what is some more general advise to help guide home owners when it comes to upgrades?  Here are a few general tips on housing upgrades for resale that may or may not be worth the expense:

Too high maintenance. Many buyers aren’t looking for homes that require too much upkeep and maintenance (hence, part of the reason behind the small-home, downsizing movement). In-ground swimming pools are a prime example of a high-maintenance feature that may turnoff many buyers as they look at the upkeep of it as too costly and too much work.

 

Over-the-top. Home owners don’t necessarily want to have the most upgraded home on the block. That’s because when they go to sell it, they likely won’t make all their money back on the upgrades if the home becomes overvalued for the neighborhood. So while granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and all the top finishes are always an attraction, home owners need to ask whether such features are too much for their neighborhood, particularly if the other homes just have moderately priced cabinets or features.

Too personal. Too much customized design choices, such as a Tuscan theme taken to the extreme, may turn off buyers or attract low-ball offers at times of resale because buyers who may have differing tastes see the decor and finishes as something they have to do-over. Any time you deviate, no matter what the improvement is, from what is a fairly traditional, single-family house, you run the risk of improving in a fashion that will not lend itself to additional dollars.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

 

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4 Don’ts When Selling a Home : Styled, Staged & Sold

4 Don’ts When Selling a Home

1. Don’t slack off on home maintenance. Houses in need of TLC often attract investors or property flippers, which are known for submitting low-ball offers. To attract offers and the highest bids, sellers should attend to any upkeep and maintenance issues before putting the house for sale.

2. Make sure the home isn’t being overshadowed outside. Nothing kills curb appeal more than a home you’re selling that you can’t even see. Be sure to trim trees or bushes to ensure they aren’t blocking any windows or the exterior of the home.

3. Remove wallpaper. Wallpaper and borders can be a nuisance to remove so you might want to take these personal decor touches down before you list the home. Neutralize the homes in subtle colors that will appeal to the most buyers and allow buyers to better visualize their personal decor moving in.

4. Don’t keep an empty home empty. Buyers can struggle in picturing themselves moving in if a home is left empty. Vacant homes can feel cold and rooms can look smaller than they really are. That’s why why builders spend thousands of dollars staging model homes. If your listing is vacant, consider staging it to bring in furniture and accessories to help define the various rooms functions.

Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbner.com

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Selling Your Home In A Down Market - Intro

In a declining real estate market where supply outstrips demand, a person can generally sell a house faster by lowering the price. But there are other ways to enhance a home's attractiveness besides lowering the asking price. If you're looking to sell your home in a cooling real estate market, read on for some tips on how to generate interest and get the best price possible.

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

4 Types Of Home Renovation: Which Ones Boost Value? - Part 4 Personal Preference/House and Home

Personal Preference
Personal preference projects are nifty items that you want but that other people may not like or be willing to pay to get. In most areas of the country, these include amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, hot tubs, wine cellars, basement game rooms and ponds. There's certainly no harm in adding these items to your house, but don't expect potential buyers to be willing to pay a premium to get them when you are ready to sell.

 

House and Home
Regardless of the project that you are considering, remember that your primary residence is not just a house, it's your home. If you plan to live there for many years to come, add amenities that you want to have regardless of their impact on resale. When it's time to sell, do the basics to get the property up to par for the neighborhood and add some curb appeal, but don't bother undertaking an extensive array of projects strictly in an effort to increase the value of the property. Even with the projects that are known to add value, the chances are good that you will spend far more money than you will get back in return.

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

4 Types Of Home Renovation: Which Ones Boost Value? - Part 3 Curb Appeal/Adds Value

Curb Appeal
Items that add curb appeal help the property to look good when prospective buyers arrive. While these projects may not add a considerable amount of monetary value, they will help the place sell faster. Curb appeal items include a nice green lawn, attractive landscaping, fresh paint inside and out, new carpet and new appliances. If you know that a prospective buyer is due to arrive at a certain time, baking an apple pie just before the arrival is an easy way to set the stage, make your house smell good and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

 

Adds Value
The projects that add considerable value are big favorites of fix-it-and-flip it advocates. While most of these efforts will not recoup their costs, some will come close. Projects that offer the most bang for the buck include new siding, kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, new windows, decks and the addition of living space. The  National Association of Realtors cites siding, kitchens and windows as some of the most beneficial projects, often recouping 80% or more of their costs during resale.

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

4 Types Of Home Renovation: Which Ones Boost Value? - Part 2 - The Basics

The Basics
The basics are the things that buyers expect when they purchase a home. This includes a roof that doesn't leak, functioning gutters and downspouts, a dry basement, a good furnace, solid floors, walls that are in good repair, retaining walls that work and all of the other common-sense items that you expect to find in a home.

 In upscale properties, this includes air conditioning, a certain number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garages, and any other amenities that are common to the neighborhood, such as a swimming pool.Adding these items to a home that lacks them doesn't add value, it merely brings the property up to the standard level of the rest of the homes in the area. Money spent on these items is unlikely to be fully recovered, but should at least result in ensuring that the home sells for a price that is comparable to other homes in the area.

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com

4 Types Of Home Renovation: Which Ones Boost Value? - Part 1 The Difference Between Investors And Owners

"Fix it and flip it" is a phrase often associated with real estate investing. The idea behind the concept is that the completion of a few choice remodeling projects will add significant value to the price of a home. With this in mind, many homeowners undertake major renovation projects before putting their homes up for sale with the idea that sprucing up the place will result in big bucks. More often than not, these upgrades fail to pay for themselves. Read on to find out how to renovate strategically and which renovations really add value to your property.

The Difference between Investors and Owners
Updating an investment property is generally a sound strategy because successful advocates of the fix-it-and-flip-it philosophy buy run-down homes at bargain prices and save money on the repairs by doing most of the work themselves. A little sweat equity goes a long way toward making a real estate investment profitable.Investors carefully choose their remodeling projects, focusing on those that will result in the most value for the least amount of effort and cost. Part of the process includes paying attention to the other homes in the neighborhood to avoid over-improving the property. If none of the other houses in the area have crown moldings and Corian counter tops, adding these amenities is unlikely to result in a significantly higher selling price.Owners, on the other hand, often take a less strategic approach to remodeling when sprucing up their homes prior to putting them on the market. As a result, they can end up putting significantly more money into the project than they will get back out of it when they sell.To make the most of your remodeling projects, it pays to keep four types of projects in mind : basics, curb appeal, value added and personal preference.

 

 

 

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Bob Abner (Huff Realty) is a well-respected, top Realtor in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati real estate market with vast experience in the real estate industry. For Northern Kentucky Real Estate Listings and Home buying and selling Information visit: http://www.BobAbnerHomePros.com