Page 4 - Allisons Newsletter, Lakewood Edge - Jan 2019 Issue

Q & A with the real estate expert
ASK ALLISON VAN WIG

REMODEL NOW, SELL LATER?

Q Dear Allison, My will generally put more money remodels produced a 102% rule of thumb is to only do this trends, city codes and can advise

husband and I and in your pocket than making return to home homeowners. if you plan to remain in a house you about the cost vs. value
our two children live improvements or embarking on For resale purposes, replacing for at least five more years. angle of remodeling projects, as
in a home that was a large remodeling project. In outdated cabinets, fixtures, Since you are planning to move it relates to your unique home
built over 30 years ago and have fact, a recent study published counters and backsplashes in three, I would advise against and neighborhood.
never updated or remodeled. by the Harvard University Joint are all relatively inexpensive replacing any windows unless Feel free to call me anytime
We’re planning on selling our Center for Housing Studies, improvements that will please they are not functioning. For and I would be happy to answer
home in three years when both recently reported that only your family and certainly people that are looking to sell any other questions about
of the kids are in college but, 30% of homeowners in the past appeal to buyers later. Although immediately, the money spent buying or selling a home or to
until then, we would like to year have remodeled, and this these types of projects won’t on replacing windows is rarely set up a time for me to come
make some improvements that includes urgent repair projects necessarily add a lot of extra recouped after closing. walk-through your home and
we can all enjoy now and will such as cracked foundations or value to the home, it’s safe to Removing lighting instead suggest more specific low-risk
also increase the resale value pipes. say you’ll be able to recoup of replacing fixtures is, in remodeling projects for your
down the road. What type of It’s also important to keep in most (if not all) of the money most cases, a bad move. Even family. n
updates or remodeling projects mind that there are all types of invested. Just be sure to steer distasteful lighting is generally
do you recommend that will buyers out there that want vastly clear of anything too busy or better than none at all. In
hold their value and raise the different things, from fixer- eccentric and choose colors, fact, many cities have codes
overall worth of our home uppers to move-in ready, right patterns, materials and designs that all rooms must have a
when it comes time to sell? now there’s a likely someone out that give the room an open, switch-controlled lighting so
- Katie there looking for your home— modern and natural feel. removing a ceiling light for

With that said, there are cosmetic reasons may result in
exactly as it is at the moment.
A Dear Katie, Thanks However, since you’re planning many other types of remodels being asked to replace it when
for writing and this on staying put for a few more that are notoriously poor at it comes time for an inspection.
Consulting with a seasoned
is a great question! years and are ready for a change returning the investment and
Right now, it is a seller’s market now there are updates you can may end up costing you more in real estate agent is always best
and many people, just like you make that you will love and will the long run. Areas that tend to when considering making
and your husband, have owned generally hold their value, as well not to have good resale value are changes to your home,
their homes for decades and are as many that are not worth the media rooms, theaters, offices, especially if you’re planning on
thinking about listing for the time or money. basements, attic remodels, taking out a home equity loan Allison Van Wig
first time. For starters, updating the decks, and extensive backyard or intend to put the house on (CA DRE #00985700) is the
I typically stress to kitchen or a bathroom is, work. Garage conversions are the market soon. Owner of Van Wig & Associates
homeowners that getting more often than not, a pretty typically not held in high regard As a licensed local real estate you can call or email her at:
it listed as soon as possible, safe investment. Last year, on by buyers, either. agent, I am up-to-date with our 562-882-1581 or
while the market is still hot, average, kitchen and bathroom With replacing windows, my area, current housing market Allison@superbroker.com

Go to: www.LakewoodPrices.com

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