To renovate, or not to renovate, that is the question.

   Happy Winter!
 
   February has been a busy real estate month in the tri-lakes with quite a few home sales, meetings with perspective home buyers, and speaking with sellers who are preparing their homes for market after the snow melts.
   “Do I need to do renovations or updating before listing my house in the Spring?” is one of the questions home sellers have today.
   The following remodel ideas may help you add some value to your home.

1. The kitchen is key.

   A “modern/updated kitchen” tops the list of home features considered important to many home buyers. Consider adding new appliances (think stainless-steel), a new sink faucet, a new countertop (possibly quartz, granite, or even concrete) or flooring (tile!), resulting in a fresh, coordinated look. You may want to consider new cabinets, but often times just updating the hardware can also breath new life into the space.  
 
 2. Paint, paint and paint.
  One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated. When selecting paint colors, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number of people, therefore making your home more desirable. This is likely the least expensive and most rewarding work you can do on your home.  
 
 3. Lighting is critical
   Use as much natural lighting as possible.  Ditch the drapes, and go for window coverings that allow natural light to enter the home.
   Installing the right lighting fixtures is an important design element in any home. What they look like and how they illuminate your space sets the mood.  Purchase quality fixtures that show off your home.

 4. Make needed repairs
   According to Robert Dimarco, owner of North Country Artisans, and pictured above (518-637-7781), owners are usually very pleased at having the needed repairs made. “Owners are often times surprised at how affordable the repairs are, and are usually only upset that they waited so long to get the work done”.  Have Mr. Dimarco or another  reputable contractor do a once over and provide a free estimate for work that needs to be done.  You may be pleasantly surprised.
 
 5.  Flooring
   If your carpets are worn or stained, consider replacing them with  prefinished hardwood flooring.  Hardwood flooring appeals to buyers because it is easier to clean than carpets, and has a longer lifespan. Wood floors not only add a touch of elegance to your home, but also a bit of warmth. Many homeowners believe that having hardwood floors even makes the space look bigger and is an easy way to make a quality impression.
   If you’re thinking of investing money to improve your home’s value, it’s important to remember that it can be worthwhile but there’s no guarantee that you’ll make back the money you spend.          
   If you’d like some free advise before investing in updating your home I’ll be happy to have a look so that you may have the best chance of earning a top dollar return on investment.
   Spend wisely my friends.
Cheers.