Smart Upgrades are worth it! 

This year’s Cost vs. Value Report, by Remodeling magazine, provides ample support. The annual survey uses input from REALTORS® in 80 cities to rank home remodeling projects according to those that bring the greatest cost recovered at resale. And looking at the five projects that topped the list, it’s clear that first impressions really do matter when sellers list their home. 

Big-bang projects can make or break a sale from the moment potential buyers exit their car. A midrange entry door replacement brings the highest payback at a national average of 102.1 percent, followed by a midrange garage door replacement, at 83.9 percent, and an upscale redo of the siding at 80 percent of the cost. Step into the home, and a midrange kitchen remodel recoups an average 72.8 percent. Gaze into the backyard, where a wood deck addition also generates a 72.8 percent return. 

Also noteworthy in this slow-growing economy is that four of the top five projects are “midrange” projects aimed at budget-conscious sellers. 

 PROJECT 1: Entry Door Replacement (Steel)

Cost $1,218     Resale value $1,243      Cost recouped 102.1%      National averages

PROJECT 2: Garage Door Replacement

Cost $1,291   Resale value $1,083   Cost recouped 83.9%   National averages

PROJECT 3: Siding Replacement  (Fiber Cement)

Cost $13,382   Resale value $10,707   Cost recouped 80.0%   National averages

PROJECT 4: Kitchen Remodel  (Minor)

Cost $21,695   Resale value $15,790   Cost recouped 72.8%   National averages

PROJECT 5: Deck Addition (Wood)

Cost $10,973   Resale value $7,986   Cost recouped 72.8%   National averages

If you are considering  improvements so that you can place your house on the market, we would be happy to come by and give our professional opinion about which improvements would make the most difference.  Contact Coldwell Banker Island Living at 360-293-4511 today!