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Top 10 Best Bangs for Your Buck in Home Upgrades

Thinking about upgrading? These updates are the best bangs for your buck. They are ones today’s Austin Buyers are most interested in and will give you the best return when selling your home.

1.     Lighting upgrades – replace brass and dated fixtures, update original bathroom light fixtures. Remove any fluorescent lighting.

2.     Painting – neutral earth tones (i.e. beige, sand) for interior, use subtle paint colors to highlight home’s architectural details & fireplace; make sure exterior shows no rotten wood and is painted at least every 7-10 years; avoid bright colors.

3.     Flooring upgrades – tile is most popular in kitchen & baths, use 12 x 12 size in natural materials such as stone or travertine; laminate and wood are great choices for living & formal dining; carpet in neutral colors (do not go too light) for bedrooms.

4.     Fan upgrades: replace any brass; upgrade especially in the common areas, i.e. living, dining. If budget allows, also replace bedroom fans.

5.     Light kitchen remodel – instead of a costly major renovation, consider some or all of the following: upgrade to stainless appliances, resurface or paint cabinets & add stylish hardware, upgrade lighting & flooring. If you can spend a little more update counters: granite & silestone are popular.

6.     Bathroom remodel – upgrade faucets, resurface or paint cabinets & add stylish hardware, upgrade lighting & flooring, upgrade mirror or inexpensively frame with wood, retile tub (use 12 x 12 size and select an attractive border around shoulder height using small tiles).

7.     Landscaping: add curb appeal to the front yard with flower beds, trees, and shrubs. For the backyard, take care of your sod and keep weeds at bay. Whenever you sell, yard maintenance will become a top priority.

8.     Covered patio: Austin is a hot climate and providing a shady area in your backyard is enjoyable to many Buyers (especially those with kids and pets).

9.     Faucet updates: replace kitchen and other bathroom faucets; when purchasing faucets, do not go for the cheapest or you will likely run into repair issues in the future and end up paying more in the long run.

10.   Front door: Adding an attractive front door is a great investment.

Keep in mind there are some home improvements that don’t pay off. In the Austin, Texas market, the following home improvements generally do not see a huge return on investment: gutters, windows, fences, vinyl siding. If you will live in your home for at least 5-7 years and really want the upgrade for your own enjoyment, then go ahead. However you may want to steer away if you are thinking you will get all your money back when it comes time to sell.

Tammy is a licensed Realtor with Horizon Realty in Austin, Texas. An Austin resident since 1978, she's part of a Mother/Daughter Realtor team with over 27 years of combined experience. Tammy & Judy are experts at marketing and staging homes for top dollar. They specialize in the Wells Branch subdivision in North Austin and have helped Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in all parts of the city and surrounding areas.  You can reach Tammy at tammy@familypair.com or (512) 773-3214 or visit her site at http://www.familypair.com/.  

By: tammyle | In: Sellers | Comments: 0 | On: 02/25/2010 12:18:29