• Buyers View Point
• Remodeling Ideas
• Work with your Agent

• Does your yard look well maintained?
• Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
• Is your lawn mowed and edged?
• Is your lawn free of weeds?
• Are the decks and patios clean?
• Does your house need painting?
• Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
• Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
• Does your roof leak or sag?
• Are any shingles or tiles missing?
• Is your chimney in good shape?

• Are your carpets clean and in good condition?
• Do your carpets need stretching?
• Are there any pet or smoking odors?
• Do your walls have any cracks or holes?
• Do your walls need painting?
• What about that wallpaper?
• Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks or peeling?
• Do your ceilings need painting?

• Are your appliances clean and in good working order?
• Are your cabinets in good condition?
• Are your countertops in good condition?
• Is your tile grout clean?
• Is your sink stained, chipped, or in need or re-caulking?

• Do your faucets shut off completely?
• Do your sinks drain freely?
• Are your toilets in good condition?
• Are your shower doors shiny?
• Do your tubs need caulking?
• Is your floor in good condition?
• Are your vanities and mirrors in good condition?

• Is your fireplace clean?
• Is the fireplace screen in good shape?
• Are all drapes, shutters and shades clean and working properly?
• Are any window screens bent?
• Do all the windows open and close easily?
• Are the window sills clean?
• Are your doors in good condition?
• Do any doors sag or stick?
• Do the locks work?
• Is the paint in good condition?
• Do the doors seal tightly?

• Is your basement/attic organized?
• Are they well lit?
• Are they clean?
• Are the stairs in good repair?
• Do the doors open and close easily?
• Are there any signs of insects or rodents?

• Is your garage organized?
• Is it well lit?
• Is the floor swept?
• Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?

Remodeling Ideas
A home is arguably one of the largest financial investments a person will make in their lifetime. While property values over time are determined by national variables, the economy and local market conditions, the care and upkeep of a property is also a crucial element toward achieving a solid re-sell. Whether you are planning on adding more rooms to create extra space, upgrading your kitchen with new appliances or are thinking of putting your home on the market, Sandia Peak Realty offers the following home improvement tips that might increase the value of your home.

Kitchen Makeover: Out of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen is the most popular to remodel. Money spent to upgrade a kitchen produces the highest return on investment. Current kitchen makeover trends include adding dual sinks, cooking stations, extra-long dishwashers, under-cabinet lighting, warming ovens and wine coolers.

Bathroom Fixer-Upper: Upgrading a bathroom is also a sound choice and will usually provide a significant return on investment. Large bathrooms are typically on the top of the list of priorities for those seeking to purchase a home. Adding skylights, glass block windows, ceiling fans and sunken whirlpool baths are also attractive selling features. If you don't have the room to expand or to accommodate larger appliances, or you don't think you'll be living in your home long enough to enjoy the changes and/or see a return on this kind of investment, stick with neutral, mid-builder level updated cabinetry, refreshed flooring and shower/tub, or a new sink and toilet.

Room to Grow: Adding a room or two, such as a spare bedroom or a study, is a significant home improvement that you will be able to take advantage of every day. In addition to the much-needed extra space, it can also potentially provide you with a good return on your investment when it comes to selling the property.

Landscaping: A professionally landscaped yard will certainly increase the "curb appeal" or desirability of a home. In fact, beautifying your lawn can be one of the most inexpensive home improvements. Additional simple landscaping projects include trimming and edging the grass, manicuring the trees and shrubs to open up the view of the house, removing any dead plants and planting flowers to brighten up the yard.

Repair Jobs: While many homeowners may want to update and remodel their kitchen, if the roof needs fixing or the chimney has to be reappointed, then they should prioritize these necessary repairs over any cosmetic changes. This applies to both sellers and those who plan to stay in the home for years to come, as these essential repairs must be taken care of before they cause the house to lose value. It is vital to look after the minor problems such as a leaky faucet or a loose cabinet to ensure that your house doesn't undergo any long-term damage. As soon as you notice a problem, fix it since this will help avoid a larger expense later on.

Cosmetic Touch-Ups: A paint job, new double-paned windows and new carpeting will increase the price of a house virtually dollar-for-dollar. Neutral colored paint and eliminating clutter can make a world of difference. However, don't go overboard with home improvement projects that will push a house too much above the current average value of homes in your neighborhood. It is important to make sure that your home has standards that are in-line with the other houses in the neighborhood, but you do not want to price yourself out of the market.

When remodeling, pay attention to mass appeal. Buyers prefer neutral, mainstream design. Play it safe with colors and materials: Avoid wild colors, bold patterns and kitchen schemes.

Keep additions and improvements compatible and consistent with the existing design of the home. Additions and improvements that look "tacked on" may detract from a home's appeal. Choose materials and design elements that match or blend in with what's already there.

Remodeling of kitchens and baths generally offers the highest percentage return on initial investment, while energy saving projects (insulation, heating systems) gives smaller returns but require a substantially lower initial investment.
First impressions are lasting impressions. That's why the appearance of your home's exterior and landscaping, its curb appeal, is so critical in marketing your home and attracting buyers.

Painting pays off. A lot of scraping and a little paint go along way in beautifying the outside of your home. Once again, choose colors that are neutral and consistent with the style of your home and neighborhood. And be sure to consider the color of your roof. A top-quality painting job is a sure way to increase the value of your home.

Enhance the landscape and spruce up the lawn. A well-manicured lawn and attractive garden also enhance your home's curb appeal. Simple, inexpensive planting projects and regular lawn maintenance are often all it takes to perk up a landscape.

Both interior and exterior remodeling adds beauty and value to your home. If you do not have the time or money for these improvements, general upkeep will maintain the splendor of your home, and it will require a much smaller commitment.

How to work with your agent

1. If you are selling, create an information sheet that lists your home's features and best qualities, especially those that people might otherwise overlook. Give this to your agent, who may be able to use the information when marketing or talking with potential buyers.
2. When selling, talk to the agent about upgrading. Your home may need fresh paint or new carpet.
3. If selling, keep it clean. Eliminate cobwebs and dust. Keep the bathroom counters and mirrors wiped down. Vacuum and sweep daily during the selling process.
4. If buying, be clear about what you want. Make a list of your priorities numbered one through 10 and give it to your agent. You can always revise the list, but give your agent something concrete so he or she can research available listings effectively.