THE SCRATCHBOARD

The saying Don't Judge A Book By It's Cover is true in many cases but perhaps not for consumers who are looking to buy a new home. Some homes may be beautiful on the inside but need a good bit of work on the outside. With lots of competition in the market for buyers, a well maintained outside can be just the thing to get the shopper inside. If the inside is great but the outside isn't, one riding by might just pass you by. Therefore, making a good first impression may be key to selling you home. Remodeling just might be just what your home needs and chances are good that most of the money spent will come back to you in the sell of your home. In fact, for the 2nd year in a row the 2008 Remodeling Cost vs Value Report has found that homeowners get the best return on their investment through exterior remodeling. As realtors, we know what catches the buyers eye. Wood deck additions and siding replacement returns more than 80% of their cost upon sale. Upscale fiber cement siding recouped 86.7% followed by wood decks at 81.8%, mid range vinyl siding siding at 80.7% and upscale foam backed vinyl siding at 80%. So in closing, if you are planning to sale your home in the near future, step outside and see what needs to be done to put your home at the top of a buyers list. If you need help in making that decision please call me, Jan McNair at 251-610-0094. I would be more than happy to help. Facts coming from realtor.org.