How do I add the most value to my home, and sell it quickly?
Question:I live in Idaho, but in a city in a subdivision. i am remodeling a home with my dad, and he wants to put wood siding on the house, and make the exterior rustic looking. i personally feel that that would be out of place because we live on a cul de sac, and that if anything we should just paint the siding. the siding is in monderate shape, nothing that demands change now, but it is a little cookie cutter. i am consurnd (sp?) that wood siding is going to be unappealing to most people, and that it wont fit with the rest of the house. the interior is modern, with stanlees appliances, bamboo floors ets. any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks!
Answers:
Definite no-no on the siding. The first impression is critical when people see your house. Instead, spend some money on the front garden, walkway, door or something else to make the house look less "cookie cutter". And, when you do new siding you really don't get your money back out of the house (unless is HAS to be replaced due to age or damage).
I would paint the siding and trim if it is still in good shape. Invest your money in good windows, especially since you live in such a cold climate. Update the heating unit, if needed. You will get 100+% back in any landscaping you do, so make sure the yard is attractive. If you don't have a porch already, and if the style of your house will allow, consider adding one. Also, the backyard needs to be user friendly, so add a patio with a cover.
Wood cost too much - paint & clean, remove any clutter (furniture if necessary). Put the money saved towards fixing up your next purchase, because you'll never get back ($) what you put into a house.
Are there any homes in the area with wood siding? Do some research to see if the homes in the area with wood siding are selling higher, if so, how much higher. Will you get a return on the siding, that the ultimate question. If you won't, then just repair and paint it for half the price. I have learned that you never put to much $ into a home that you can not recover in selling. While curb appeal is very important, the Kitchen and bathrooms are the big money making rooms.
I agree that making the house look too rustic will not do anything to sell it quickly. The best thing you can do is to make sure everything is in good repair & maintenance is up to date - painting, fixing screens/broken windows, fixing any cracks in walls, walks & driveway. If the landscaping is sub par, adding/enhancing it will aid in selling the house. Make sure the inside is spotless & nonpersonalized - no clutter or family pics/items.
The most common area of the house to renovate before selling would be bathrooms and kitchens. Wood siding is so not in these days. Needs a lot of up keep. Have him install vinyl instead.
This day and age most people want a home with minimun care. I really wouldn't think about wood siding as it can be lots of work.
Clean, prime, and paint the siding that's there. Inexpensive compared to other remodeling efforts and immediately improves curb appeal.
I wouldn't replace the siding because it doesn't really add value to your home. If your in a cookie cutter development like you stated than the home would appear odd to most buyers. They would not want to own something that unique unless you find an artistic buyer. Chances are your buyers are going to want to fit in on the exterior but be unique within. If you have ss appliances and bamboo flooring already I would make the bathroom modern as well. Think spa or just a relaxing place to take a shower or bath. Soft not harsh light would work for a dramatic effect.
Don't get me wrong, curb appeal is important but most people look at landscaping instead of siding.
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