Monday, December 28, 2015

Top 5 Home Design Stories of 2015

Looks matter in real estate, and the best-dressed properties are likely to hold the biggest sway with home shoppers. But what projects offer home owners the biggest bang for their buck at resale? And what should you take the time to stage -- and not to stage? These were key questions our readers looked to REALTOR® Magazine for this year. Here, we highlight five of our top home and design articles for 2015.
New data: For the latest information on the value of remodeling, check out the new Remodeling Impact Report from NAR and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
1. Remodeling Cost vs. Value: Less Is More
The most cost-effective way for sellers to improve a home’s value can be through smaller replacement projects, notably ones that can boost curb appeal. This report offers insight into which remodeling projects offer the largest returns at resale.
2. 9 Modest Fixes for the Problem Kitchen
Home shoppers place high value on the look of the kitchen. But what if your seller has a dated, dingy one? A total kitchen renovation can be pricey. But a few cosmetic changes for a lot less can instantly transform a kitchen and freshen up its look to appeal to today’s home buyers.
3. 9 Real Estate Myths That Need Debunking
Have you been duped? What popular real estate myths have you been falling for? Some questions we looked at with a critical eye: Should you always change bold paint colors to neutrals before selling? Should sellers really expect to earn everything they invested in remodeling projects back at resale time? Sort out fact from fiction.
4. Top 10 Stupid Staging Ideas
Staging can bring out the best in the home, but some things professionals or home owners do to prep a home for sale just don't make sense. Home stager Justin Riordan offers up what he believes to be some of the oddest staging tricks and myths.
5. What If Your Listing Stinks? 
One real estate professional shares how the smell of her listing cost her one deal and eventually led to the home owners getting $50,000 less for their home when they sold it. You also might be surprised to learn that the old cookie-baking trick may do more to hurt a sale than help it. Here are some surprising findings on the smell of a home and how you can fix a home that really stinks.

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