Inexpensive ways to boost resale value

Homegain.com just released the results of its 2011 home improvement survey, showing which less-costly home improvements tend to produce the biggest return on investment (ROI):

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...the top five home improvements (under $5,000) that real estate professionals recommend to home sellers based on average cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are:

·         Inexpensive Ways To Boost Resale Value

·         Cleaning and de-cluttering ($290 cost / $1,990 price increase / 586% ROI)

·         Lightening and brightening ($375 cost / $1,550 price increase / 313% ROI)

·         Home staging ($550 cost / $2,194 price increase / 299% ROI)

·         Landscaping ($540 cost / $1,932 price increase / 258% ROI)

·         Repairing electrical or plumbing ($535 cost / $1,505 price increase / 181% ROI)

Cleaning and de-cluttering continues to rank as the top suggested home improvement (since the survey was originally conducted in 2000), recommended by 99 percent of real estate professionals, costing less than $300 and returning a value of nearly $2,000 to the home's sale price, or a 586 percent return on investment.
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To read the entire article summarizing the survey, CLICK HERE.

[SOURCE: Homegain.com]

Who says it doesn't snow in Tennessee?

Whenever I am showing properties from buyers out of the area, one question always pops up-Does it snow in East Tennessee? My answer is yes, it does snow, but not usually enough to write home about. This has been a very different year, with colder temps and more snow than usual. It's funny after living here for so long how different the winters are. One thing you can't deny, even with all the snow, is the beauty of East Tennessee. Picture compliments of Paul Norton, from his back yard...Gorgeous!

$8,000 Tax Credit still available for some buyers...

Although the first time home buyer's tax credit ended for most people in mid 2010, there are a few folks that still qualify!
Did you serve on official extended-duty service outside of the U.S. for at least 90 days beginning Jan 1, 2009 through April 30 2010??? (This includes military service) If so, you may be eligible for either the:

First-time home buyer credit amount up to $8,000. (haven't owned a home in three years)
Repeat homebuyer credit amount up to $6,500. (owned your home for five years of the last eight)
The sales contract must be signed by April 30, 2011, and the home purchase must close by June 30, 2011.
Available on single-family detached homes, townhomes and condominiums — newly constructed or pre-existing homes.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know!