Page 70 - FOP June 2019 Magazine

A contribution from a Chicago Lodge 7 Magazine sponsor
i
i
m
m
e
e
.
.
W
W
h
Should you move or improve?
It’s natural to grow in and out of a home — after all, what you need from your home changes over
t
hire a contractor to help? It’s never as easy as home remodeling shows make it look, so consider whether hiring a professional
is in your budget.
Will your home improvement plans make your home
the biggest or most expensive in the neighborhood? Expanding in an area of smaller homes or investing in a neighborhood where other homes are not as nice as
your to-be-remodeled home may restrict your buyer pool and resale potential for the future.
t
debate whether they should make a move or invest in major updates. The decision to move or improve your home can be com- plex. If you’re debating breaking ground on your current home or budgeting for a move, there are several things you should ask your- self.
hen this happens, many homeowners
Real Estate
LISA SANDERS
Does the thought of buying a new home seem like an exciting venture, or does the process stress you out? Are you pumped to start a renovation, or would you rather not deal with the dust? While both are very different paths, they lead to the same destination — a home you’ll love. Be honest with yourself if you have reservations about one of the two paths.
Are your dream renovations possible in your current home? Consider the limitations of your remodeling hopes before you make your decision. You can always remodel a room, but add- ing space or knocking down a wall isn’t always an option, espe- cially if you live in a condo or townhouse. Before you start any project, it’s best to see if your homeowner’s association would be on board and confirm with the city that your remodeling fanta- sy meets zoning requirements. If approval for your fixer-upper dreams isn’t in the cards, then you may want to start hunting for a property that more closely fits the vision of your perfect home.
Remodeling a home comes with some hurdles. Will you be handling the renovation DIY-style, or do you have the budget to
How much is your home currently worth? If your home’s value has dramatically increased since you bought it, it may be more beneficial to sell your home and buy a new property than it is to remodel your existing home. If it hasn’t appreciated much, it may make more sense to stay put. Do a search for properties similar to yours in your neighborhood. How much are they sell- ing for? Do the other homes that buyers might consider have something that your home doesn’t?
Still not sure? It’s always best to consult with your local real estate expert before finalizing your decision.
Lisa Sanders of Dream Town has been selling real estate for more than a decade, averaging at least 50 homes per year. Her awards include the Chicago Association of Realtors Top 1 percent Produc- er, the Five Star Professional Award for exceptional client service, as well as being featured in Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the Most Notable Residential Realtors in Chicago. Lisa is also the #1 Realtor in 60656 and a top-selling broker in 60631 who has helped many Chicago Police Department clients buy and sell homes throughout the city.
70 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JUNE 2019