Adding Value

With thousands of homes for sale in Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky, home buyers have their choice of the most updated houses and condos. In other words, it means home buyers can be picky in choosing only the most updated homes, where all the renovating has been done for them, so they can simply bring in their belongings. The positive news for home sellers is that most updating can be done with little money, and will most times result in a much higher amount in the sales price than if the seller just put the house on the market without updating it. When a purchaser sees a house or condo as-is with nothing re-done, they usually say 'Let's keep looking at other houses that don't need as much work' and will offer a low price. Most times they will tour the property and then not write an offer at all. They will choose another house that looks a little newer. The property will be for sale longer because home buyers will pass it over for homes that have already been re-done. The longer a house sits, the less likely it is to sell for asking price. Houses sell faster and for more money if they are updated and staged correctly from the beginning.
For a home to sell for top dollar in this over supplied housing market, the home seller should spend the time to update the house with this year's hottest trends of neutral tones, and the latest style of kitchen faucets and handles, and the most updated light fixtures in all rooms, especially the entry hall, kitchen and bathrooms, new carpet in a light color. Even if the home is only twelve years old, like some of the newer developments in Florence KY and Jeffersonville IN, popular colors change so quickly that you really owe it to yourself to take a ride to the nearest Lowes and ask what is the trendiest style that people are putting in homes now.
Here are some more tips for older homes, like the beautiful older homes of New Albany Indiana and Fort Mitchell Kentucky. On the outside a home seller should repaint the...

When it comes to energy efficiency, look for smart features and expertise to help you save energy and money and add value to your home.

1. Begin with a Right-Sized Home.

If the home you buy is simply too large for you or your family’s needs or plans, you stand a good chance of wasting energy through excessive heating and cooling costs. If it’s too small, you’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable. It’s a big investment, so seek balance and buy it “right” from the outset. 

2. Purchase Energy Star Appliances Such as Your TV, Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer, and Microwave.

And especially the refrigerator, as it alone contributes about 10 percent of the energy use in a home. Also, unplug electronics not in use or turn off power strips to avoid phantom charges. 

3. Install Efficient Lighting Such as Compact Flourescent (CLF) or LED Bulbs in Every Fixture.

Lighting accounts for about 6 percent of an energy bill each year.

4. Get an Energy Audit and Have Tests Performed to Identify Ways of Improving Your Efficiency.

You can always upgrade your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as your  thermal envelope, which includes insulation, windows, and doors  and the seals or weather stripping around them. Visit energy.gov/energytips for more tips.