But local real estate experts say to use caution and common sense before dropping a bundle of cash on your home because sometimes the expectations of return can be greater than the market will bear.
"All those shows were based on houses in California, Nevada, Florida," said Steven Walther, broker and owner of Steven Walther Inc. in Irondequoit. "I didn't see any of those shows focused on homes in Rochester, Buffalo or Syracuse."
Home improvement is not a cold, impersonal business decision because while a house can be an investment, it is also a roof over the head and the cradle of family life. So the lesson is about expectation — just because you invest in the dream of having a gourmet kitchen or an in-ground swimming pool does not mean it will pay dividends when the house is sold.
"If you are making improvements to a home that you plan on living in for five years or more, you will probably think about more than just your return on investment," said Leona Piro of Act Two Home Staging in Mendon.
"Convenience, pleasure, and quality of life are important considerations. However, a homeowner should be aware of certain improvements that are the least likely to increase the value of a home," she said.
Swimming pools, home theaters, high-end kitchens and bathrooms, and three-car garages might not significantly increase the selling price of a home, but they are the kind of improvements that could price a home out of what is now a very competitive market.
"Adding features above and beyond what is the norm for the neighborhood are not smart investments," Piro said.
People who are trying to prepare their homes for sale should keep in mind a couple of thoughts about homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers:
First, they are going to be attracted to a home that catches the eye from the street.
Source http://www.democratandchronicle.com/
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