ERA JUSTIN REALTY REVIEWS BEST 2019 DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR IMPROVEMENT BENEFITS

Wouldn’t it be nice if you were able to earn back every dollar that you invested in renovations when you sell your house? Most people actually hope for more than a dollar-for-dollar return. In reality, many improvements return less than the amount they have invested.

For example, in a past Cost Versus Value Report, published by the National Association of Realtors, as reported by Inman News, nationally the average percent recouped on a bathroom remodel was 90.1 percent. It was 88.1 percent for a deck addition, 81.2 percent for a family room addition, and 79.4 percent for a major kitchen remodel.“It’s important to do due diligence investigations before embarking on a remodel project, just as you would if you were considering buying a new home. There are many variables to consider,” stated Ron Darby, Realtor Broker with ERA Justin Realty Co. “Consider that the figures quoted are national averages. The amount recouped on a remodel depends in large part on where you live. There’s significant variability from one city to the next, according to the NAR report.  For instance, nationally, homeowners recouped only 90 percent on a bathroom remodel. But, the amount recouped for the same job was 109.7 percent in New York City, 100 percent in San Francisco, and only 61.3 percent in Denver, on average.  The return on a remodeling investment will also depend on the value of your home, particularly in relation to the value of homes in your neighborhood. If you have a small home in a neighborhood of larger, more expensive homes, you could come out ahead by enlarging your home. However, it’s important to keep costs in line so that you don’t end up over-improving your home for the neighborhood. Buyers tend to discount a home that’s priced above the value of other homes in the neighborhood. Before remodeling, it’s also important to consider your competition. In some areas, certain remodeling projects are taken for granted. For instance, if you’re in an upscale neighborhood of older homes where most homeowners have remodeled their kitchen and bathrooms, you may be penalized price-wise by the market if your home is outdated. In areas where home prices are stable, you’re likely to gain more on your remodel investment than you would during times of meager appreciation.

There’s a subjective factor that can’t be overlooked when remodeling. This factor is often referred to as pride of ownership. And, don’t discount the value of creature comfort. There’s a certain sense of well being to be derived from a home that suits your lifestyle while aptly reflecting who you are. Despite these factors, from an investment standpoint, it makes sense to consider resale value before making an investment in a major renovation. This doesn’t mean that you should remodel your home with someone else in mind. But, if you’re aim is to recoup as much of your investment as possible, it’s wise to consider homebuyer preferences in your area. If your remodeling is not in tune with what buyers want, it could actually decrease the value of your home. Also keep in mind that while trends change, quality and good taste are timeless.  The NAR Cost Versus Value Report was based on professional judgment rather than on actual sales data. Therefore, the report is somewhat subjective. However, it does point out the importance of carefully considering before remodeling.” 

Darby concluded, “At ERA Justin Realty the words, ‘There is a difference in real estate companies’ is more than a phrase. ERA Justin Realty has been selected by thousands of buyers and sellers as their Realtor of choice since 1950 when beginning its years of operation and 18 consecutive years as Rutherford’s #1 agency in closed transactions.” 

All of the ERA Justin Realty full-service Realtors can be reached at either of their two Rutherford offices at 118 Jackson Avenue and 57 Park Avenue.  By office phone (201) 939-7500, (201) 438-0588 or (201) 438-SOLD.  Additional cutting-edge real estate technology and information await you at their websites.