legacyrealtygroup

INVEST IN YOUR HOME

If you're thinking of remodeling or upgrading your home, you're not alone. According to a recent survey, more than 1/3rd of Americans have not moved in the past five years. Instead, they are redesigning and upgrading areas of their home, and minor improvements can make a world of difference. 

>LANDSCAPING:

  Tastefully neat shrubs, trees & flowers, paver stone patios, etc. A few potted plants at the front entrance, can add as  much as 15% to the value of  

  your home and, consider this. If you ever do decide to sell and a potential buyer drives by your weed infested, poorly landscaped home, think of how

  they might imagine the condition of the interior. 

>CALIFORNIA CLOSETS:

  Get more out of the existing space you have by organizing more efficiently and provide your home with a modern, stylish look.

>WINDOWS & DOORS:

  No need to replace them. (unless they are falling apart) Consider modern shades, draperies, designer fabrics & awnings. Paint exterior doors in either

  of four welcoming dark colors. Blue, Red, Green or Yellow.

>KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS:

  Of course you can go nuts here. If you have to replace appliances, consider most popular today, black or stainless steel. If cabinets are in decent

  shape, replace the knobs. Counter tops can be replaced with inexpensive laminates. Granite is not necessary, and expensive. Ceramic tile and wood

  laminate floors are very popular. In the bathroom, consider installing attractive sliding doors & fixtures, and upgrade the lighting.

>HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:

  The single, most important thing to remember is organized maintenance. Change air filters regularly. Don't waste your money on the cheapest filters.

  You'll wind up having to replace them more often. Remember, you get what you pay for. If you're lucky, you might get 15 years out of your A/C

  compressor, so have it checked each season and run it occasionally in the winter for a few minutes, just to get the motor running. Drain some water

  from your water heater into a bucket, using the small spigot at the bottom, at least every six months. You'll probably notice a small amount of dirty

  water at first, then clean. Helps prevent a buildup of rust from the interior liner. Average life span of a water heater is 10-12 years. If you hear it making

  a banging noise, prepare for a new heater soon.

As you can see, most upgrades need not cost a fortune. Not only will you enjoy the changes while you are living there, but a relatively small investment

can potentially lead to a substantial increase in value. Who knows, the house may turn out so nice and comfortable, you may never want to move. On the other hand, why do you suppose the nicest homes seem to always sell for more than the others?

For all your Real Estate, Insurance needs and helpful hints, contact: LEGACY REALTY GROUP, "The New Star in Town",1963 Oak Tree Rd. Edison, N.J. 732-744-0400.