THE A LIST: TOP HOME IMPROVEMENTS TO SELL

August 6, 2010

Homeowners are usually well aware of all those nagging repairs that need to be done around the house. But some improvements are more important to potential buyers than others.

A recent study by HomeGain asked over 2,000 REALTORS® nationwide to list the ten top home improvements
that buyers look for in a new home. They put "llight” first. By simply washing the windows, pruning light blocking
foliage outside, and adding wattage to lighting, sellers can get as much as 355 percent back on their investment!
De-cluttering your home is next on the list. You can earn a price increase of up to $2,000 if you just get rid of all those old magazines, golf trophies and dead plants. A homeowner who landscapes the yard, repairs plumbing problems and damaged flooring, cleans the carpet, upgrades the kitchen and bathrooms, and puts on a fresh, neutral colored coat of paint inside and out can add as much as $22,000 to the asking price. Before you put your house on the market, ask your REALTOR® to help you prioritize the improvements that will bring you the highest return on your investment.