West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake

West Michigan Home Improvements that Could be a Mistake

Don’t over improve your home or price it out of the neighborhood.

If all the homes in your neighborhood are priced in a category, don’t

try take your home to the next level with home improvements that

are unwise investments.  We see homeowners do this all the time.

They figure they will get the money back because buyers will

pay more for a home with valuable additions.  Not necessarily so.

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A perfect example is pools, indoor and outdoor.  Pools are great for

summer recreation here in Michigan, for people that want them.

Many do not.  In fact, most buyers will discount your home if it has

a pool.  They will estimate the cost of removal or filling it in as an

added expense they weren’t planning on.

 

Another example of over improvement is adding a basement bedroom.

This can be a great way to add another bedroom.  But don’t plan on buyers

paying more for your home, they won’t.

 

Also included in this list is finishing a basement.  A finished basement

has added appeal for many homeowners, but they won’t repay your

construction costs.  This is another item that you should plan on

enjoying while you live in the home, not as a return on investment.

 

Expensive improvements that don’t fit the home could be on the top

of the Don’t Do It List!  If you live in a $100,000 home in a $100,000

neighborhood of homes, don’t put in a $30,000 kitchen.  Buyers will

expect a kitchen, but will not repay you for granite countertops,

top-of-the-line cabinetry and a Viking range.  Use common sense and

remember, you will probably want to sell your home someday.

 

Related articles:

NAR Cost VS Value 2010 Report

Do I Need a Permit for my Home Improvement Project?

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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

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