1. Fixing up and Staging
Your House to Sell
Mike Ford
Licensed Home Improvements Contractor
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(703) 589-3848
www.TheModelHomeLook.com
mike@themodelhomelook.com
2. Course Outline – 1st Session
• Introduction
• Reasons for Improving
• Improvement Options
• Buyer Expectations
• Group Discussion
• Case Study
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 2
3. Who is Mike Ford
Northern Virginia Native
Bachelor of Sciences degree in Business
Administration from Old Dominion
University.
Licensed Real Estate Agent - Coldwell
Banker Residential Brokerage.
Corporate Experience – Fortune 500 Companies – Motorola
Communications & McKesson Healthcare, National Healthcare
Trade Association
Entrepreneur – Owner of The Model Home Look
Community Volunteer – Youth Sports, Home Owners Association
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 3
4. The Evolution to Non-Real
Estate Clients
We don’t want to sell our house, but would like
it to look like a Model Home.
Can you help us?
YES!
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 4
5. A New Approach
Home Improvements
& Real Estate Sales
We offer our real estate clients the opportunity to
make improvements that make their homes
more appealing to prospective home buyers.
We help all of our clients identify the
home improvements that will have the biggest
impact on their home’s values.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 5
6. The Model Home Look – Real
Estate Knowledge is Key
Our clients have been particularly pleased with
our knowledge of real estate, and appreciate
the guidance to improvements that provide the
most significant returns when the time comes
to sell their homes.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 6
7. Understanding Home
Values – Trade License
www.themodelhomelook.com
We help all of our clients identify the home improvements that
will have the biggest impact on their home’s value.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 7
8. The Importance of
Project Management
Many of our clients believe Project Management is
one of the most valuable services that we provide.
The Project Management Professional (PMP®)
designation is the profession’s most globally
recognized and respected credential.
We handle of every detail of getting homes
ready for sale!
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 8
10. Course Objective
In this course, we’ll discuss the
importance of making cost effective
improvements to improve chances
of selling in today’s difficult real
estate market.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 10
11. Reasons for Improving
Your Home
• Pure Enjoyment
• Maintenance - Small problems often
lead to large expenses
• Increase probability of selling
• To appeal to homebuyer expectations
• To replace the low quality ―builder
grade‖ fixtures & amenities
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 11
12. Avoid Costly Mistakes
• Missing out on big money by not
making the proper upgrades.
• Ignoring simple repairs often lead to
big problems.
• A job done right the first time is
always less expensive.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 12
14. Minimum Expectations of
Today’s Homebuyers
Reoccurring Buzz Words in Real
Estate Advertisements
• Updated Kitchen & Baths
• Granite Countertops
• Stainless Steel Appliances
• Hardwood Floors
• Open Floor Plan
• New Carpet
• Fresh Neutral Paint
• Show’s Well
• Great Curb Appeal
• Finished Basement
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 14
15. Minimum Expectations of
Today's Homebuyers
What Sellers Can Control
• Keep a very clean house
• Eliminate pet or food odors
• Remove clutter
• Maintain the lawn and landscaping
• Keep bushes and trees trimmed
• Make sure your furniture fits properly in the rooms
• Clean windows and remove screens
• Turn on lights
• Open blinds & curtains before every showing
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 15
16. Did you you Know?
Within 15 seconds a buyer has
developed an opinion of the
property they visit.
Buyers must say ―Wow‖ when they
enter a home!
• Must reflect today’s homebuyer’s tastes.
• Must capture the buyer’s emotions!
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 16
17. Public fascination with
Interior Design!
The world is fascinated with interior design. If you
have any doubt, you need only tune into HGTV, or
visit Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware and
other retailers.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 17
18. Kitchen
When remodeling your kitchen for resale,
steer clear of highly personalized looks
and outrageous color schemes.
What to look for:
• Traditional Materials
• Quality Cabinets
• Commercial-look Appliances
• Natural Wood or Stone Floors
• Granite Countertops
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 18
19. Bathroom
A bath remodel may
be a sure-fire
investment, often
returning the highest
percent of the cost.
• Must be clean, with no visible signs of water
of mold.
• Caulk and clean grout.
• Replace pink or blue fixtures
• Remove wallpaper
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 19
20. Tip
Tub & Tile Re-Glazing
A fairly inexpensive way to update a
bathroom is to re-glaze the tub and
wall tiles.
Re-glazing a typical tub and shower
will cost less than $1,000.00.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 20
21. Paint
Buyers spend more time
than you would think
staring at ceilings.
They are looking for signs of a leaky roof,
but what you don't want them to see are
stains from water, grease or smoke and
ceiling cracks. Same for walls.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 21
22. Paint
It's the most cost effective
improvement you can make!
• Fix nail pops & cracks
• 3-color with neutral paint color
Hire a professional. A
bad paint job will turn
off prospective buyers.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 22
23. Wallpaper
It's not that all buyers hate
wallpaper. They hate your wallpaper
- because it's your personal choice,
not theirs. And they hate all dated
wallpaper. Get rid of it
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 23
24. Wood Paneling
Even if your wood paneling
is not real wood but
composite, you can paint it.
Dated paneling must go. Older wood paneling
such as walnut, mahogany, cedar and pine, it's
all gone out of style.
Paint it a neutral and soft
color after priming it.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 24
25. Textured Ceilings
Older popcorn ceilings with the "sparkles"
often contain asbestos and if disturbed are
health hazards. Say goodbye to it. But
even recently sprayed ceilings turn off
buyers.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 25
26. Hardwood Flooring &
Carpeting
Hardwood Floors
If your home has hardwood floors, that's what
buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting
removed and the floors refinished.
Carpeting
If your sub-floor is plywood, then replace the
carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your
best bet for resale.
•Worn or outdated carpet should be replaced
•Dirty carpet should be cleaned
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 26
27. Tile – Ceramic & Porcelain
The options are truly endless with respect
to color, texture and style of ceramic and
porcelain tiles. The hardest part is deciding
which one best fits with your space!
The best option for wet
environments and durability
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 27
28. Roof & Exterior
If your home needs a new roof, bite the bullet
and do it. Even though most roofing tear-off jobs
take one to two days, buyers shy away from
buying a home if the roof needs to be replaced.
• Patch cement cracks in sidewalks
• Resurface asphalt driveways
• Plant flowers
• Caulk windows and doors
• Replace doorknobs and locks
• Fix or paint fences
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 28
29. Landscaping
If people drive by your home and are not
impressed they’re not going to walk inside.
• It’s all about curb appeal!
• Fresh Mulch
• Mow the Lawn
• Trim Bushes
• Weed
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 29
30. Tip
Mulch Dye
Applying mulch dye, which can be
purchased from a specialty landscape
supplier, is a low cost way of making
the mulch look new again.
Expect to pay about $80.00 per gallon.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 30
31. Tip
Your home must be clean!
To achieve this level is usually only
feasible by hiring a cleaning crew. In
fact, having a cleaning service return
weekly while your house is for sale is
probably a pretty good investment.
Get your windows professionally cleaned
inside and out too.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 31
32. Tip
Eliminate Clutter
Clutter makes homes seem smaller and
disorganized.
Have you ever noticed that the really expensive
stores seem to have an expansive, clutter-
free layout, while "cheap" stores are often a
jumble of merchandise?
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 32
33. Tip
De-Personalize
Remove objects that your potential buyers won't be able to
identify with. For example, political and religious
items may turn off whole groups of buyers, because
they cannot "imagine" your home as their home.
Buying a home is an emotional decision, and you want
potential buyers to make an emotional connection with
your home by being able to "see" themselves in it.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 33
34. Staging
Staging is what you do after you've
cleaned, de-cluttered, painted, made
repairs; it's all about dressing the
house for sale.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 34
54. Builders have MODEL
HOMES – Why?
TO CREATE SALES
They understand that buyers want a
home in near-perfect ―model home‖
move-in condition where all the buyer
must do is turn the key in the front
door and move in.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 54
55. Reasons Homeowners
Do Not Invest to Sell
their Home?
• Don’t have the time
• Think it is too costly
• Unsure of which improvements yield the
highest return
• Believe their personal decoration style is
appealing to today’s homebuyers
• Believe that a price allowance can be made
when the home is sold
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 55
56. Fixing Up Your House
to Sell – Session 2
Mike Ford
Licensed Home Improvements
Contractor
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(703) 589-3848
57. What Buyers Want
Highlights from the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®
2007 Profile of Buyers'
Home Features Preferences
58. 1. What single home
feature do buyers say
they want most in a
new home?
a) Walk-in closet in master bedroom
b) Central air conditioning
c) Backyard
d) Fully finished basement
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 58
59. 2. What’s the median size
of homes purchased
between late 2005 and
early 2007?
a) 2,230 square feet
b) 1,840 square feet
c) 1,450 square feet
d) 1,000 square feet
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 59
60. 3. Repeat buyers tend to be
choosier than first-time
buyers. In particular, repeat
buyers place much more
emphasis on these home
features:
a) Fireplaces and air filtration systems
b) Bay windows and finished basements
c) Oversized garages and master bedroom
walk-in closets
d) Backyards and proximity to entertainment
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 60
61. 4. Within three months after
buying a home, nearly half
of all buyers remodeled or
made improvements to
which part of the house?
a) Master Bathroom
b) Backyard
c) Kitchen
d) Home office
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 61
62. 5. Which home feature saw
the biggest jump in buyer
popularity since 2004, when
NAR conducted its
previous buyer preference
survey?
a) High-speed Internet access
b) Media room
c) Eat-in kitchen
d) Oversized garage
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 62
63. 6. What three features did
buyers say they’d be most
willing to pay extra for in a
home?
a) Proximity to work, a wooded lot, and a
backyard or play area
b) Whirlpool baths, proximity to schools, and a
deck
c) A corner lot, a lawn sprinkler system, and
high-end kitchen appliances
d) Central air conditioning, walk-in closets, and
hardwood floors
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 63
64. 7. A home’s energy
efficiency is most
important to which
segment of buyers?
a) Repeat buyers
b) Second-home buyers
c) New-home buyers
d) First-time buyers
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 64
65. 8. Where do first-time
home buyers tend to
purchase a home?
a) Rural area
b) City or urban area
c) Suburb or subdivision
d) Small town
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 65
66. 9. What’s the most
common type of home
purchased?
a) Single level
b) Split level
c) Two levels
d) Three levels
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 66
67. 10. What did new-home
buyers most wish their
home had more of?
a) Storage
b) Bedrooms
c) Kitchen space
d) Bathrooms
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 67
68. What single home feature
do buyers say they want
most in a new home?
a) Walk-in closet in master bedroom
b) Central air conditioning
c) Backyard
d) Fully finished basement
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 68
69. What’s the median size of
homes purchased between
late 2005 and early 2007?
a) 2,230 square feet
b) 1,840 square feet
c) 1,450 square feet
d) 1,000 square feet
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 69
70. Repeat buyers tend to be choosier
than first-time buyers. In
particular, repeat buyers place
much more emphasis on these
home features:
a) Fireplaces and air filtration systems
b) Bay windows and finished basements
c) Oversized garages and master
bedroom walk-in closets
d) Backyards and proximity to entertainment
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 70
71. Within three months after
buying a home, nearly half of
all buyers remodeled or made
improvements to which part
of the house?
a) Master Bathroom
b) Backyard
c) Kitchen
d) Home office
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 71
72. Which home feature saw the
biggest jump in buyer
popularity since 2004, when
NAR conducted its previous
buyer preference survey?
a) High-speed Internet access
b) Media room
c) Eat-in kitchen
d) Oversized garage
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 72
73. What three features did
buyers say they’d be most
willing to pay extra for in a
home?
a) Proximity to work, a wooded lot, and a backyard or
play area
b) Whirlpool baths, proximity to schools, and a deck
c) A corner lot, a lawn sprinkler system, and high-end
kitchen appliances
d) Central air conditioning, walk-in
closets, and hardwood floors
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 73
74. A home’s energy efficiency
is most important to which
segment of buyers?
a) Repeat buyers
b) Second-home buyers
c) New-home buyers
d) First-time buyers
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 74
75. Where do first-time home
buyers tend to purchase a
home?
a) Rural area
b) City or urban area
c) Suburb or subdivision
d) Small town
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 75
76. What’s the most common
type of home purchased?
a) Single level
b) Split level
c) Two levels
d) Three levels
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 76
77. What did new-home buyers
most wish their home had
more of?
a) Storage
b) Bedrooms
c) Kitchen space
d) Bathrooms
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 77
78. What Buyers Want
Highlights from the
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS®
2007 Profile of Buyers'
Home Features Preferences
79. National Association of
Realtors Survey
• Home buyers were asked about 75 features and room types
to assess the importance of each
• Buyers who didn’t get a feature they desired in the home
they purchased, were asked how much extra they would
have been willing to pay to get it
• The survey examined home improvement or remodeling
projects undertaken by recent buyers
• The survey is based on 2,530 responses from buyers who
purchased a home in between late 2006 and early 2007
• The sample was obtained from Experian, a firm that
maintains an extensive database of recent home buyers
derived from county records
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 79
80. What was Important while
searching for a home?
It was “very important” to find a home with:
Central air conditioning 74%
Garage with 2 or more spaces 57%
Walk-in closet in master bedroom 53%
Backyard or play area 50%
Cable/Satellite TV-ready 46%
High-speed Internet access 40%
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 80
81. Oversized Garages are
The New Big Thing With
Buyers
• The most significant
change between the
previous & current survey
in what buyers consider
very important is oversized
garages (up 16 points)
• Hardwood floors, granite
countertops, and cable-
readiness follow
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 81
82. Change in Preferences
in Time
It was “very important” to find a home with:
74%
Central air conditioning 73%
57%
Garage with 2 or more spaces 41%
53%
Walk-in closet in master bedroom 51%
50%
Backyard or play area
46%
Bedroom on main level 42%
46%
Cable/Satellite TV-ready 40%
40%
High-speed Internet access
28%
Hardwood floors 21%
23% 2007 survey
Granite (or similar) countertops 17%
2004 survey
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 82
83. Age Makes the Biggest
Difference in What Buyers
Want
Walk-in closets for
older buyers
Back yards for younger buyers
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 83
84. Examples of Differences in Desired
Features by Age of the Buyers
Separate shower enclosure in master bath Eat-in kitchen
59%
55%
47% 44% 43%
38% 37% 35% 35%
33%
26% 24%
20%
12%
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 or 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 or
older older
Backyard or play area
Walk-in closet in master bedroom
71%
60% 59%
62%
53% 57% 58%
53%
45%
44%
35% 35%
17%
14%
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 or
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 or older
older
2/10/2011Mike
Ford
(703) 589-3848 The 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers' Home Features Preferences 84
85. Energy Efficiency is Most
Important to New-Home Buyers
As buyers age, this becomes more important
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 85
86. How Important was a Home’s Energy
Efficiency When Searching for a Home?
ALL BUYERS 46% 46% 8%
First-time buyers 41% 49% 10%
Repeat buyers 50% 44% 6%
Buyers of new homes 65% 31% 4%
Buyers of existing homes 39% 52% 9%
18-24 32% 48% 20%
25-34 38% 53% 10%
35-44 42% 51% 7%
Age of Home Buyer:
45-54 55% 41% 5%
55-64 57% 39% 3%
65-74 56% 37% 7%
75 or older 63% 31% 6%
Very important Somewhat important Not important
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
The 2007 NAR 589-3848
(703) 589-3848
(703) Profile of Buyers' Home Features Preferences 86
87. Bigger and Younger
From 2004 to 2007, the
size of the typical home
purchased increased by
about 100 square feet
The median age of
homes purchased
decreased from 15 to 12
years
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 87
88. Characteristics of Homes Purchased
2007 2004
Medians
Size of home 1,840 sq. ft. 1,730 sq. ft.
Age of home 12 years 15 years
Number of levels 2 1
Number of bedrooms 3 4
Number of full bathrooms 2 2
Number of fireplaces 1 1
Central air conditioning 83% 83%
Garage 82% N/A
Basement 41% N/A
Previously owned 71% 71%
Purchase price (median) $205,000 N/A
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848of Buyers' Home Features Preferences
The 2007 NAR Profile 88
89. Detached and Suburban
Over four-fifths of homes purchased are
detached single-family homes
More than half are located in the suburbs
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 89
90. Type and Location of Homes Purchased
Detached single-family
82%
home
Townhouse/row house 7%
Apartment/condo in 5 or
5%
more unit building
Duplex/apartment/condo
5% Resort/
in 2 to 4 unit building Recreation
Rural area,
area, 1%
10%
Urban/ Suburb/
Central city, Subdivision,
15% 53%
Small town,
20%
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
The 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers' Home Features Preferences (703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 90
91. From the Closing Table to the Home
Improvement Store
Sixty percent of buyers
undertook home
improvement projects
immediately after the home
purchase
Median amount spent on
home improvement or
remodeling projects
undertaken within three
months of the purchase was
$4,350
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 91
92. Who Did Home Improvement Projects
Within Three Months of Purchase?
ALL BUYERS 59%
First-time buyers 57%
Repeat buyers 59%
Buyers of new homes 42%
Buyers of existing homes 65%
Buyers who purchased homes aged:
One year or less 42%
2 to 5 years 50%
6 to 10 years 57%
11 to 20 years 64%
21 to 30 years 71%
31 to 50 years 72%
51 or more years 73%
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848of Buyers' Home Features Preferences
The 2007 NAR Profile 92
93. Which Home Improvement or
Remodeling Projects?
Rooms where improvements were undertaken:
Kitchen 47%
Bathroom(s) 45%
Bedroom(s) 43%
Living room 31%
Family room 22%
Garage 18%
Home office 14%
Features added or replaced:
Appliances 39%
Lighting 39%
Floor coverings 36%
Landscaping 35%
Additional storage 15%
Windows 12%
Fencing 12%
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
The 2007 NAR Profile of Buyers' Home Features Preferences (703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 93
94. Very Important Home
Features on the Rise
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Granite Hardwood Cable Whirlpool closet/master
bath
2007 2004
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 94
95. Where Buyers will Pay
for Key Features
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Hardwood Floors Granite Countertops Oversize Garage
2007 2004
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 95
96. Improvement Justification
When you consider its value at resale, a
home improvement project costs only 20
cents to 25 cents on the dollar.
The other 75 cents to 80 cents spent on a
project goes directly back into the home
through increased value — not to
mention increased owner enjoyment.
Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at
the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 96
97. What to Expect to Pay for
the Improvements
• Kitchens
• Countertops
• Bathrooms
• Flooring
• Painting
• Decks
• Landscaping
• Maintenance
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 97
98. Kitchens
Basic improvements to your kitchen could be
the key to getting your house sold. For most
buyers, the kitchen is the heart of the house.
• Paint the walls and update the floor if
necessary.
• Replace old cabinet hardware — a low-
cost improvement that makes a big
difference in appearance.
• Be sure to go with a classic design and,
if possible, use high quality materials.
Replace dingy-looking or dated cabinets.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 98
99. Kitchen Cabinet Refacing
Expect to pay $130 to $150 per
opening. This means every single
opening in your kitchen... doors,
drawer fronts and false fronts. Each
door is an opening. The average price
for materials and labor, runs
anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000
depending on door style, wood
species, stain choice, and decorative
trims.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 99
100. The Downside to Cabinet
Refacing
1. Limited to existing layout
2. Materials limitations - There generally
are three finish options: plastic laminates,
rigid thermofoils (RTF) and wood veneer.
3. Other conditions that rule out refacing
include existing cabinets that are
beginning to fall apart or aren't well built
to begin with; metal cabinets that are
rusting; and larger structural issues, like
floors that have settled and left cabinets
out of kilter.
www.themodelhomelook.com
(703) 589-3848 100
101. Kitchen – Midrange Major
Remodel
The average amount spent on a
midrange update in the U.S.
is $58,897.00.
Resale Value - $43,456
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 101
102. Kitchen – Midrange
Major Remodel
• Update 200-square-foot kitchen
• 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets
• 3-by-5-foot island
• Laminate countertops
• Standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with
standard single-lever faucet
• Energy efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation
system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage
disposal
• Custom lighting
• Resilient flooring
• Painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 102
103. Kitchen – Upscale Major
Remodel
The average amount spent on a
major kitchen-remodeling
job in the U.S. is $115,436.
Resale Value - $69,048
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 103
104. Kitchen – Upscale
Major Remodel
• Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen
• 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with
built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories
• Stone countertops
• Imported ceramic- or glass tile backsplash
• Built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade
range and vent hood; built-in warming drawer, trash
compactor, and built-in combination microwave and
convection oven
• High-end undermount sink with designer faucets
• Built-in water filtration system
• General and task lighting including low-voltage undercabinet
lights
• Cork flooring, cherry trim.
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 104
105. Countertop Types
Type Price Per Square Foot
Granite $49.00 to $100.00 +
Corian® $40.00 to $85.00
Laminates $15.00 to $30.00
Engineered Stone (Silestone®) $70.00 to $120.00
Marble $69.00 to $79.00
Limestone Approximately $100.00
Soapstone $55.00
Polished Concrete, Glass Approximately $80.00
(Icestone)
Volcanic Lavastone Starts at $250.00
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 105
106. Countertop Types
Granite The most popular choice. Durable and lots of
color choices
Corian® Not too popular in the Northern Virginia
market. Has a ―plastic look‖
Laminates Low end countertop
Engineered Stone Gaining popularity! More color choices than
(Silestone®) in the past
Marble Italians have been using it for years. Not as
durable as granite
Limestone Looks great, but not very durable
Soapstone Looks Great – Scratches easily
Polished Concrete, Glass Glass (Icestone) – Requires more
(Icestone) maintenance
Volcanic Lavastone Very Expensive
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 106
107. Bathroom – Midrange
Major Remodel
A midrange full-bath
remodeling job in the U.S.
has an average price tag of
$17,167.
Resale Value - $12,052
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 107
108. Bathroom – Midrange
Major Remodel
• Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom
• Replace all fixtures
• 30-by-60 inch porcelain-on-steel tub
• 4-by-4-inch ceramic tile surround
• Single-lever temperature and pressure-
balanced shower control
• Standard white toilet
• Solid-surface vanity counter with integral
sink
• Recessed medicine cabinet with light
• Ceramic tile floor
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 108
109. Bathroom – Upscale
Major Remodel
The average amount spent on a
major upscale bathroom
remodeling job in the U.S. is
$55,398.
Resale Value - $32,547
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 109
110. Bathroom – Upscale
Major Remodel
• Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate
all fixtures
• 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower
• Ceramic tile walls with accent strip
• Recessed shower caddy
• Body-spray fixtures
• Frameless glass enclosure
• Customized whirlpool tub
• Stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting
• Compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet
• Humidistat controlled exhaust fan
• Color fixtures
• Larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding
• General and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture
• Custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look
• Extend HVAC system
• Electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.
Source: Remodeling 2010–11 Cost vs.
www.themodelhomelook.com
Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com)
(703) 589-3848 110
111. Flooring
Hardwood Floors $7.00 to $12.00 per
square foot
Ceramic Tile $6.00 to $10.00 per
Floors square foot
Carpet $18.00 to $30.00 per
yard
Laminate Floors $6.00 to $12.00 per
square foot
Vinyl Floors $18.00 to $30.00 per
yard
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 111
112. Paint
For most exterior paint jobs, labor makes up about
75-85% of the cost of painting your house, while
actual paint and supplies makes up only 15-25%.
Do not skimp on paint quality when choosing your
paint. Paying a few extra bucks per gallon might
add $200 to the total job, but if your paint lasts
for 8 years instead of 4 years, that is a pretty
minor expense to incur.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 112
113. Paint
Costs typically average $1,500-$3,000
for an average single-story, three-
bedroom home, but easily run $3,000-
$5,500 or more for a multi-story or
multi-level larger house.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 113
114. Inexpensive Tip #6
• Adding crown molding, wainscoting
and coffered ceilings can have an
immediate impact on your home.
• Replacing baseboard, casing and chair
rail can have a dramatic effect as
well.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 114
115. Decks
Installing a deck may be the most cost-
efficient way to add square footage to
your house, and of all the outdoor
home improvements except painting,
it may be the most reliable value.
Deck additions average $14,728
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 115
116. New Space
As a rule, improvements that increase the
functional space of a home hold their
value longer than ones that just make a
house look better. It's also significantly
cheaper than adding an addition to your
home.
Converting an attic into a bedroom, for
example, usually costs about $35,960
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 116
117. Basement
Turning your basement into a room
for socializing will set you back,
on average, $56,724
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 117
118. Landscaping
Fancy gardens — which will require time and
money to tend — usually won't add to the
offering price.
• In general, landscaping is for your own
enjoyment. It may be a $40,000 investment,
but it will not add $40,000 to the value of
your house.
• The same goes for expensive fences and
stone walls. They look nice, but buyers
don't pay up for them.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 118
119. Home Maintenance
It may not be all that enjoyable, but it's the basic
improvements that may have the greatest return on
your home's value. "You could have a beautiful
new kitchen, but if your roof is leaking, you have a
real problem. So if you're thinking of putting your
house on the market in the next year or so, be sure
to tackle any problems with the home's structure or
mechanical systems before you, say, install that
hot tub you've always dreamed of.
2/10/2011Mike
www.themodelhomelook.com
Ford
(703) 589-3848
(703) 589-3848 119