Bathrooms

When getting into a bathroom renovation, it is always better to start from scratch! Newer homes are easy if the builders did everything right. Older homes is another story.

In this chapter we will be referring to older homes that are in serious need of help. The reason is if you can do a bathroom renovation in and older home, you can do any home with a lot less work.

First thing you should do is always access the situation. This is a process that can apply to every renovation project that you decide to take on.

Keep in you mind to remember the first rule it is better to start from Scratch. I always tell people they should gut the Bathroom completely.

You probably already knew I would say that so get the hammer, pry bar if you even know what they are, if not stay away from the local hardware store and go straight to the nearest Home Depot or Lowes store.

You bought this book to renovations in your home so you need good tools that you will need for this job and the next.

Take your hammer and start smashing a straight line down the middle of the back walls first, be careful there is wiring and copper pipes behind those walls. Do not even bring a hammer close to a pipe or wire. Use a little pry bar for those area’s.

Then if you should replace the tube so disconnect the drain and the vent cap. If it is a really old tub that is made of cast iron. Buy a Sludge Hammer and smash away and make sure you were your safety goggles.

Don’t leave anything that you can trip over, you will thank me latter for that.

Now that you have a bare naked bathroom. You can check to see if the wiring is old and the plumbing is leaking. If the plumbing looks old change it! If the wiring is old change it! It is always better to start from scratch! Make sure all drains are vented trough the roof because the smell is toxic and you will not be able to live in that house.

99% of the time when a drain has a really bad smell it is because it is not vented or the pipes are old. Older homes didn’t put vents in back more than 25 years ago. Use PVC drain pipe instead of iron our cooper. It lasts forever. Don’t forget the glue!

Wen soldering cooper water lines make sure you use new pipe, not the you got from a friend. Lead free paste and solder, no 50-50 here you are asking for trouble, and it is against code. You solder all pipes to the shower taps and shower head before you can put anything back together.

I always put in shut-off valves on every tap and line. Lets say you have a leak somewhere. The store is closed and you have to shut the water off to the hole house to fix it. Think first, if there is a shut off on every tap they you can isolate the problem area and still have plenty of water. Sounds better does it not.

Wiring is easy if you can remember a few things. Shut power off to any lines you are working on. Run all wires first before you put up the gypsum board. Make sure all wires have merited ends and all have a proper ground, ground the box too. Why not drywall in the bathroom or the green drywall that they say is water proof. Gypsum board is the blue stuff, just in case somebody tells you different. It is water and mildew resistant.

For the shower tile area use Denishield Boards. They are more expensive but they are water resistant and mildew resistant. Better than cement board that falls apart after 10 years. Cement produces moisture.

Make sure that every joint is taped and adhesive.

Now you can start putting the tub first after running the boards all the way to the floor. The tub should always be anchored to the wall.  Hook up drains and use plumbers putty, even if it has a gasket! Now it will never leak. Always check tapes and joints for any leaks before you close up the walls. Sometimes it may drip just a little, redo the job. At least you have a shut off valve this time.

No leaks you are on your way to freedom now! Drains don’t leak taps don’t leak what are you going to fix? TV remote!

If your going to install a standing shower use the kerdi system. It will be the best 600 after tax you ever spent. I personally use this system all the time. Shower boards should be on top of it, not behind like the tub.

Install a water proof membrane for the floor. If the subfloor needs replacing do this before you do anything you heard before. The membrane should be adhesive to the subfloor and allow 24 hours to dry.

Now the hole bathroom is safe and waterproof.

Choose a tile you wish and tile from the tub to the ceiling. Let dry for 24 hrs. Same thing for shower tiles. If you are using heavy tiles use a product that is made for it. When using marble tiles always use white adhesive. Grey adhesive will change the color of the marble!

If you can tile the floor the same day, if you wish but it is always better to do one area first. If you do the floor at the same time do not walk on the floor for 48-72 hrs.

After installing tiles, grout every joint and push the grout all the way to the wall backing board. This will last forever, if you seal the tiles and grout the next day. You can find different types of sealer and cleaners at the home depot store. For marble the adhesive and the sealer should say right on the bottle for marble. If it doesn’t go somewhere else.

After grouting wait about 20-30 minutes and use a lot of clean water, changing it every time it gets really dirty. You should see a light film on the tiles. Before sealing take a dry towel and dust it off, then seal. For marble seal before and after you grout.

Hey that bathroom is starting to look like something special. 24 hrs after that you can install the vanity and toilet, pot lights, vanity lights, mirror. Make sure all pot lights in the bathroom are waterproof pot lights. Yes you can pot them in the shower too. For a tub install a whirlpool tub for two if you can more room the better. Silicone the grout lines at the lowest joints and everywhere you think water might get in and cause damage.

Congratulations! You now have a spa bathroom remember to install glass shower doors at the end.



Sell and Rent Back

Some people have a knack when it comes to home decor. They can throw just about anything up on the walls, and it looks great! With so many home decor styles to choose from, there must be something all of us can do to make our homes unique and beautiful.

Let’s take shabby chic decor. It’s so charming and relaxing, the perfect decor for the home of a true southern belle. The romantic style of shabby chic lends itself to the relaxed, unpretentious personality. Can you paint? If so, this may be the perfect home decor for you.

In shabby chic decor, most furniture and accents are worn looking, with a distressed finish. Put a light coat of white paint on a few picture frames, an end table, or a rocking chair. Sand lightly, until the finish looks a little worn. You’ve just added a personal touch to your unique style of home decor!

Love country decor? This is one of the most loved styles, especially in the south. People are absolutely crazy about roosters, sunflowers – anything with lots of warm colors. Country decor is so warm and welcoming, especially in the kitchen. This is actually my favorite style of home decor (and I am from the south, I’ll admit).

When decorating with country decor, lots of wood really adds to the look. Pine wood floors are especially gorgeous, with the glowing reflection of everything in the room. Want to add your own personal touch to country decor? Crochet a few doilles, build a country style wall shelf to hold some of your knick knacks. Add your personal touch to your own home decor!

If western decor is your favorite, this one’s easy. You love horses, cowboy decor, horseshoes, everything western. A big Texas star hanging on the wall, metal wall decor and candleholders in western shapes such as horses or horseshoes. A campfire cowboy figurine setting on the coffee table, along with some old western book favorites.

Western decor is a popular home decor style in many states like Texas, Wyoming and Montana. Big open spaces is what western is all about. To add your own personal touch to western decor, go outside! Find an old wagon wheel, some old horseshoes, some rope – and make something unique to add to your home decor! Use your imagination.

There are many other styles of home decor, too many to mention. But you get the point. Everyones style is unique and different, and each person likes their own thing. Whatever you love – country decor, shabby chic decor, western decor or something altogether different, make it your own! Add your own distinct touch to your style of home decor.



Repossession

The biggest appeal of corporate housing or executive suites is that it’s a home from home. A lot of business executives who come to Mexico are sometimes here on month-long stays and find the experience of staying in a cramped, sparsely-furnished hotel room that is located on the outskirts of a city unappealing.

In general, corporate housing suites are spacious, have all the benefits of an apartment or house and can work out cheaper than staying in a hotel. They are also situated near the city center offering the opportunity to walk to and from your work place and thereby allowing you to get to know the city you’re living in.

Another big plus of corporate housing for the continuously travelling executive is that it allows spouses and children to accompany them on their trips. Guests can store and cook their own food, eliminating the need for expensive outside dining. Visiting executives can also entertain guests or hold private meetings away from the office.

In Mexico, the phenomenon of corporate housing is a relatively new one but it is growing rapidly with more developers funneling money into new projects especially in the nation’s three major urban centers – and now here with us at ProCorp in Cancun, Quintana Roo Mexico. 

The industry itself made more than US$3 billion in 2007 globally and with a saturated hotel market that has certain drawbacks – location, space and cost – corporate housing is becoming a popular alternative for business travellers. The premise being that a relaxed and happy executive will work more effectively than a tired and depressed one.

Corporate housing is usually offered through real estate agencies and other property rental businesses. Extended-stay hotels and suites generally advertise their suitability for corporate housing as well. It may be especially helpful to work through a rental agency in order to get the best terms for temporary housing or short leases.

Contact us today and recieve summer corporate specials, or you may visit our website at www.procorpinternational.com for all corporate or vacation rental stay.

You may also call Linda Luciano at my toll free number 866.331.4022



Sell and Rent Back

Bajaj Allianz, ICICI Lombard in talks with American company to launch the product.

Property transactions in India will soon have an insurance cover to fall back in case something goes wrong in the deal. The country’s two large private sector insurers, ICICI Lombard General Insurance and Bajaj Allianz General, are planning to launch title insurance covers this year.

Title insurance is a cover that protects a potential owner of a property against loss from defects in title. The policy is a retrospective one, where the insured is protected against losses arising from the events that occurred prior to the date of issuing the policy. Globally, the policy is bought by investors, occupiers and financiers.

At present, none of the property transactions, be it large acquisitions or a simple sale of a land or a flat, is covered through an insurance policy by an Indian insurer.

The reason is that Indian insurance companies do not have the underwriting expertise to offer title insurance products. Indian insurers require reinsurance support to be able to offer the product.

Both Bajaj Allianz and ICICI Lombard are in talks with First American Title Insurance Company (FATIC), which will be offering reinsurance support for Indian insurers to offer the product.

FATIC is the largest title insurer globally, with a revenue of $8.4 billion in 2006.

Says Swaraj Krishnan, CEO, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, “We have had a preliminary discussion with First American Title Insurance. We have asked them to give us the product details. We will be doing a market study, verifying the titles and will file the product with the regulator in the coming months.”

The value of the title insurance cover will be equal to the price of land that has to be acquired. The premium rates will be a function of the value of property, the nature of transaction, which means the size of the purchase, the past history of the real estate property, costs relating to title search and the legalities involved in the title search.

Howden Insurance Brokers is also in talks with real estate developers, financial institutions, law firms, insurance companies and reinsurers to culminate into the next few insurance policies being sold.

Says Anoop Mathur, vice-president of Howden Insurance Brokers, “The value at risk has grown proportionally as the land cost has increased for the real estate developers. Title insurance makes a project bankable and saleable to customers.”

According to Akshaya Kumar, chairman, Park Lane Property Advisors, consultants during due diligence discover 20-30 per cent cases have title defects in them.

Property consultants believe that the availability of title insurance products will boost private equity investment in Indian real estate since most of the institutions are very particular about clear titles.

According to accounting and business consultancy firm Grant Thornton India, private equity firms have invested nearly Rs 25,000 crore in Indian real estate and infrastructure in 2007and, according to industry estimates, the investments are set to grow in the coming year.

“Institutions do not buy even if they have the slightest doubt about the titles. More private equity funds will flow in the Indian real estate if title insurance products are available in the country,” says Anuj Puri, chairman, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj, an international property consultant.

Adds Anshuman Magazine, managing director, CB Richard Ellis, South Asia: “Title insurance products give a lot of comfort to international investors to invest their funds in the property markets of developing markets such as India. Since these investors do not invest directly and do joint ventures with Indian developers, the local partners will take care of title issues. But we have also seen foreign investors demanding these products before signing the agreements to develop properties.”

According to Mathur of Howden Insurance Brokers, the two Bills — Land Acquisition Amendment Bill, which has been introduced last month in the Lok Sabha, and the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Bill – will make corporates acquiring land for SEZ or other reasons buy title insurance covers.

Explains Mathur, “After the amendement of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, the government will not be able to acquire land and make it available for companies. As a result, corporates will have to acquire the land directly from land owners at a higher price. In such a scenario, title insurance would protect project developers from any financial loss arising from any defects in title to real property.”

There are two types of title insurance policies: the owners’ policy and the lenders’ policy. Owners’ title insurance is bought by a buyer of the property. It protects the buyer from all loss or defects in a title.

On the other hand, the lenders’ title insurance is bought by lenders such as banks and financial institutions. Experience in other global markets is that all institutional lenders require title insurance to protect their interests in the collateral of loans secured in real estate.

The policy amount decreases each year in proportion to the loan paid off each year. The policy has a provision for defence cost if a title to the real property is challenged in a court of law up to the actual amount of indemnity provided under the policy.

Land records in the country are not computerised and are not easily accessible.

The deeds registration system is not guaranteed by the state government and is inconclusive; typically leaving buyers with 30 years of title deeds to assess. Besides, the level of fraud in Indian real estate transactions is very significant; and the legal process is slow.

According to insurance officials, four to five foreign title insurance companies are keen to do business in India on this product. They may set up a dedicated company in India or could provide reinsurance support to Indian insurers to offer the policy for this line of business.



Quick Property Sale

As the cost of developing video games amplified, it became hard for the gaming addicts to buy these costly games. At this point of time, some online game-rental services came into existence to let the gaming enthusiasts play their favorite games on rent without shelling out a huge sum of money. Though these online game-rental services offer a wide range of online games to choose from, a preferred choice of many seems to be the ps3 games. You can rent ps3 games from the following game-rental services (though this list isn’t an exclusive one):

Gamefly.com

Cost of Membership – For a single game on rent: $15.95 a month

For 2 games on rent at a time: $22.95 (plus tax that’s applicable)

PS3 games offered: 293

Gamefly is considered the leader of online game-rental services. They led the way by applying Netflix method to games. Once you borrow ps3 games on rent from them, you don’t need to return the same in a hurry as no late fees or shipping charges will be asked for. Moreover, if you like the game that you have borrowed, you can even procure it by paying the requisite amount. Gamefly delivers a game within two to three days from its four shipping centers situated in Austin, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and Tampa. However, the delivery time between returns may extend up to a week. With a rental library having an enviable stock of 6,000 titles, Gamefly provides popular new releases as well as classics that are difficult to get. So, it is quite natural that Gamefly reigns supreme when you want to rent ps3 games.

Gamerang.com

Cost of Membership – Special offer for a single game on rent: $14.95 for the initial month and $17.95 thereafter

For 2 games on rent: $24.95 per month

For 3 games on rent: $49.95 per month (together with a refundable deposit of $75)

For 4 games on rent: $59.95 per month (together with a refundable deposit of $100)

PS3 games available: 188

A remarkable thing about Gamerang is the affirmative response given by most of its users. With delivery centers located at Oklahoma, New Jersey, California and Minnesota, Gamerang distributes the games to its members in speedy ship times. However, its games’ library is yet to include some niche games that the epic catalogue of Gamefly offers.

Gottaplay.com

Cost of Membership – For a solitary game, you can use a free trial period of 10 days; the cost is $12.95 per month after this period

For 2 games on rent at a time, you can use a free trial period of 10 days; the cost is $20.95 per month after this period

The rental arrangement for borrowing 3 games at a time has a price tag of $28.95 per month

Gottaplay has numerous PS3 games available though the accurate count is not stated on the site. With shipping centers placed all over the United States, you can expect to get a game within 2 to 3 days.

Lastly, what matters the most is your distance from the distribution centers of these online game rentals. Unless you are located nearby, delay in delivery may happen. Nevertheless, if you want to rent ps3 games, these online game rentals are your best bet.



Passive Income

Officially known as the Portuguese Republic, Portugal is situated along the peninsula of Iberia. It is found in the southwestern part of Europe. Compared to the other countries within the continent, Portugal is among the warmest. The country has a Mediterranean climate and the temperature of the coastal areas can reach 40?C during the summer.  Summer and spring in the country are generally sunny and warm, while the autumn and winter can be windy and rainy.

 

Because of the wonderful weather along the coasts of Portugal, especially during summers, its waterfront properties are highly sought after. Property by the beach is in high demand. Both buyers and investors seek real estate in the country because of the obvious benefits the country provides. The main advantage of a coastal property is its warm climate all-year round.

 

If you opt for a renovated property, you should be able to buy at an affordable price. If you are buying waterfront real estate for investment purposes, you are guaranteed good profits because of the high demand for those coastal properties.

 

Property sales in Central Portugal have been good for several years. As with other countries worldwide, buyers have to follow specific steps during the process of buying real estate. The first thing you need to do is to execute the preliminary sale contract which is drawn up by a notary. This agreement legally sets the conditions for the sale. During the execution and signing of the binding contract, the property buyer is called to settle the transacted deposit. This means that you have to have a deposit amount before the preliminary contract is prepared for signing.

 

Central Portugal property sales usually require a deposit amount of between 10 and 12 percent of the total purchase price. When the seller of the Portuguese  property decides to stop the sales process, the deposit paid will be forfeited. There are instances however where the buyer is entitled to stop the signing of the contract and not forego the return of his deposit. This is true especially if the property seller is not able to provide a clear and free title to the buyer. If this is the case, the purchaser has the right to cancel the contract. If he or she has already settled the payment of the deposit, he or she can get it back.

 

If you want to buy a property in Portugal, you are required to acquire a “Fiscal Number” from the local tax office. This is a requirement for foreign as well as local buyers. The application for a Fiscal Number during property sales in Central Portugal is fairly simple. You do not have to go through much hassle. All you have to do is fill out a form and submit it to the tax office.

 

Three or four weeks after the execution of the initial contract, the deed and the final contract are signed. This is when legal possession of the Portuguese property is transferred to the buyer. The last step for property sales in Central Portugal is settlement of the tax which is imposed on the transaction. The buyer should also register the deed within the Office of Land Registry.



Rent Back Fast

 

* While America and the world hold their breath, waiting for the Presidential and Legislative Branches of the United States Government to take action, that will hold off and help correct the mistakes of the “sub-prime meltdown,” there are some progressive Real Estate Loan Agents providing mortgages from exclusive leads from the opportunities provided in their counties from the daily marketing efforts by the team at Myhomesearches.com. These loan agents, providers of mortgages during the boom days are making deals today because of their membership.

 

* The American Spirit is alive and fighting back with aggressive on line marketing, led by the team of dedicated professionals working daily writing and funneling critical action oriented materials at Myhomesearches.com.

 

* This exclusive web site service since 2006 has been trafficking qualified buyers to their site, then directing them to their member web sites or company web pages so the providers of mortgages in this now reversed market, from the sellers market to the buyers market, are locking up valuable qualified buyers and investors in the counties they have staked a claim on from Myhomesearches.com.

 

* Today, the staff is busy optimizing on the giants of search engines: Yahoo, MSN, and Google. Their efforts are keeping My homesearches.com consistently in the top of the searches, beating out the vast majority of web-based services, as well as, more the traditional forms of advertising; Newspaper, Radio, and Television. In fact, it’s a widely known fact that 85% of homebuyers will do Internet research before they ever speak with a Real Estate sales agent or loan agent. These searches are the principle factors in deciding which of the mortgage lenders they will contact for that very important opportunity to earn their business.

 

* With two success guaranteed promises, Myhomesearches.com backs up their members with proof positive commitments to their client’s success. The first guarantee is that if the Agent does not close a deal with the quality leads provided the next year is absolutely free. The second guarantee is the member will not receive in fee increase for a three-year period. When every penny spent is of critical importance during this Real Estate bust the value offered by Myhomesearches.com is an unequaled value in the market place. The provider of mortgages has the opportunity to lock up all the generated qualified leads in their counties of business. Today loans will be made to those who meet the stringent new qualifications to obtain a mortgage and the are all strong buyers with cash and credit seeking out the readily available opportunities in the wake of the “sub-prime market melt down.”

 

* If you’re a Real Estate Loan Agent who is committed to writing mortgages, it is to your benefit to become a member of Myhomesearches.com. Take five minuets, and learn about the simple and effective trafficking procedure of getting those qualified buyers to your web site. You do not have to meet with a representative; you don’t have to make a phone call; you won’t get pressured. After taking those five minutes to look at and navigate the web site, take a little time if you need it, don’t hesitate to make sure your county is still available. If it is, then you should, right then and there, lock it up and become a member of Myhomesearches.com.

 

* Winners take action and losers will wait for forces not in their control to decided their future. Take control of your success and get those exclusive buyer leads to web site today!

 



Sell and Rent Back

The property market is falling and house prices are over 8% lower than this time last year. It’s a buyers market and here we look at the property opportunities.

The falling property market makes it a buyers market and in parts of the UK there are 15 sellers for every buyer. If you are in a position to buy, perhaps you have a deposit and mortgage secured, or you are a property investor, then you have the opportunity to buy a bargain. Every market has a winner: with property rises the sellers are the usual winners, with property falls the buyers are the usual winners. Of course it is not as black and white as this – both parties have to gain enough to go ahead with the deal so you have to find the right deal to make it work.

Factors for buyers to consider are: sellers are afraid about how much the market will worsen and therefore may accept a very low offer. Some sellers are prepared to pay your stamp duty saving you more thousands. Some sellers may then also add in more extras such as bonus house and garden fixtures, furniture or even cars. It could be well worth buying before the property market has bottomed out because with these extra bonuses, your offer might well be lower than it would be once the market has bottomed out.

If you are after an even bigger bargain then you could buy a property to renovate. There will be bigger savings on property that requires any updating or modernising because there is less demand from buyers. It’s not a quick way to make money but if you are willing to wait until the market is on the rise you will have a better investment. You would buy the property at a bargain price, renovate it and then cash in once the market has turned. After all, remember prices are predicted to rise 25% by 2012. To find property in need of updating try http://www.renovatealerts.com.

If you are a first time buyer and you have secured a mortgage then buying a property to update is likely to be a good investment. First time buyers are currently hard to find. You will be a very attractive buyer and can make a very low offer. You can then update the property as you are living in it, and when the market picks up you could sell, or rent it out and start the process again.

If you are a cash buyer then again, the falling market is an opportunity for you. You will be highly sought after by sellers and an excellent deal may be had. Keep looking for properties, using search engines such as http://www.WheresMyProperty.com and wait for the right property. Let agents know that you are looking in case they have a potential seller on their books – knowing their property might sell quickly to a cash buyer might be enough incentive to put it on the market.

It is a buyers property market, a deal can be struck and buyers can buy a bargain.



Quick House Sale

Should you renovate?

If your condo or townhome needs some work, making smart renovations can yield a good return on your investment. And doing some work on your condominium or townhome prior to listing can be a great way to get your unit looking its best and to help you sell faster and for more money. But before you get started on renovations or repairs there are a few things that you should think about first:

Will the results justify the time money and effort? Whenever you think about breaking out the hammer and paint brushes you should stop and consider this question carefully. Many renovations do not justify themselves. They fail to increase either the speed with which your home sells or the selling price of your home.

Do the results look professional? Painting your home can make it more saleable, but only if the finished product looks professional. Buyers will not pay more for a poorly applied paint job. Lines must be smooth and finishes must be even. Similarly, an uneven or poorly laid tile job will wind up costing you time and money.

If your inclination and skills are such that you want to take on these tasks on your own then go for it. But if you are uncertain aboutthe quality of your finished product it might be better to get a professional or to pass on the project entirely.

What to renovate:

Unfinished jobs – If there is a partial repair or renovation that you have started but haven’t yet finished then this definitely needs to be addressed. The average buyer is generally not a visualizer or innovator – they won’t see the value of a ¾ finished project. They will just see a big mess. It is always a good idea to finish repairs and renovations before listing your home.

Dark, dated or dingy painted interiors – Paint is arguably the best value for your dollar spent so long as the finished job looks bright and professional. Light or neutral colors are usually a safer bet. Some research indicates that darkly painted homes may take up to twice as long to sell as homes painted with light colors. Light colors also make rooms look larger.

Signs of water damage – repair them immediately. Few things turn off potential buyers more than the possibility of water damage. If you have marks from a minor issue that was addressed in the past then take the time to paint and refinish to remove the signs of water damage.

Kitchens and Bathrooms – other than painting, nothing will give you a better return on your investment then making sure that your kitchens and bathrooms look sharp. If either of these rooms is looking worn or dated, you may benefit from investing some of your time and effort in these rooms.

All cupboard and closet doors should open smoothly. Doorknobs should be tightened where needed. Loose or rattling items leave the impression that maintenance might be low on your list, so fix or replace them.

Faucets and light switches should be shiny clean. If a good cleaning cannot give you this effect then replacing them is inexpensive and easy to accomplish.

If your cabinetry is looking worn or dated and you can’t afford to replace it, think about refinishing and repainting the doors, or swapping old, dated cupboard hinges and handles for more stylish ones.

What Not to Renovate

Don’t jump into big scale renovations without careful thought. If your house is already well maintained, then you probably won’t get your money back by making things even nicer. Yes, it’s usually a money loser… so don’t do it.

Keep consistency in your renovation efforts with the lifestyle of the audience most likely to buy it. A renovation effort where it seems clear that the seller has tried a little too hard to save money will not have a positive effect and will likely just have wasted your time and money.



Quick House Sale

“Should I renovate my home before I list it?” This is a question that many home owners have to answer and it can be a difficult question to answer honestly. Usually the logic is that a newly renovated home will command a higher price on the market, but a major concern should be the fact that in raising the price you are narrowing your market. If your home is already sitting around the top of the market in terms of comparable homes, making that renovation could easily mean a lot more time on the market and everyone wants to have a quick and easy sale. So what are the major things you should consider before starting renovations?

-The local market : This is going to be the major mitigating factor in your choice to renovate or not. Have a look at what else is out there in the same price range as your home. What are they offering that your home does not? What assets does your home have they they don’t? Think about who is going to be buying your home and what their likely income bracket is. Will renovations really distinguish your home from others while keeping it in an affordable price range?

- Cost: Cost is always a factor in renovations and much of the time costs run a bit higher than expected. The main think to consider here is whether or not the renovations can justify the outlay of money to have them done. If you don’t stand to profit in a big way from the renovations then are they really necessary? Moving is also a big cost and if the profit is not good enough then you may want to keep that money aside for the new home.

- Time: Time is one thing that can easily dictate whether you renovate or not. If you have to move quickly to start a new job or get into that new home in time for the kids to start school then trying to renovate quickly can be a disaster. Rush jobs have a way of going badly for all involved. This is not to say that they can’t be done, but when things are rushed, it is easy to overlook small details.

Really take your time when considering a renovation prior to a move. Moving is a stressful experience and the further you have to move, the more stressful it becomes. Adding the excitement of renovation may be a bit of a distraction from the relocation and everything that needs to be done before it happens. Consider carefully and good luck with the move!



Quick House Sale