Land Sales Rose 3%: While the COVID-19 pandemic battered the commercial real estate market in 2020, the land market held up to the pandemic’s severe blow, according to survey participants. The 3% increase in land sales contrasts starkly with a 40% drop in commercial sales transactions of properties or portfolios of at least $2.5 million.
Land Sales Prices Rose 2%: Respondents reported that land sales prices increased by 2% on average in 2020. In contrast, the Green Street Commercial Price Index, an appraisal-based index of the properties held by REITS, indicates that commercial real estate prices fell 6% in 2020.
Strongest Price Increases in Residential and Recreational Land: Respondents reported that the sales price of residential land rose 6.8% on average in 2020. Recreational land had the next highest price gain, at 3.6%. The price of land for industrial use rose 3.4% while the price of ranch land rose 3.1%.
WASHINGTON (April 20, 2021) – Thirty-two percent of Realtors® said they had been directly involved with buying or selling a property that had green or eco-friendly features in the past 12 months, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®.
NAR’s 2021 Realtors® and Sustainability Report surveyed Realtors® about sustainability issues facing the real estate industry. The association released the report in recognition of this year’s upcoming Earth Day celebration.
Sixty-five percent of respondents said promoting energy efficiency in listings was valuable, with 36% reporting that their multiple listing service had green data fields. Among Realtors® who did have MLS green data fields, 36% used them to promote green features, 25% highlighted energy information and 13% listed green certifications. More than half of those surveyed – 55% – said their clients were interested in sustainability.
“A growing number of consumers are seeking homes with features that are good for the environment and, by extension, good for their wallets by reducing utility expenses in the long run,” said Jessica Lautz, NAR vice president of demographics and behavioral insights. “The pandemic has led to an increased focus on wellness and sustainability is an important variable in that overall equation for some people.”
A strong majority of Realtors® – 82% – said properties with solar panels were available in their market and 40% said solar panels increased the perceived property value.
Twenty-two percent of respondents said that a high-performance home – defined as a systematic building science approach to home improvements that enhance indoor comfort, health, operational efficiency and durability – increased the dollar value offered compared to other similar homes.
The home features that Realtors® believed were most important to clients included the windows, doors, and siding (39%); proximity to frequently visited places (38%); a comfortable living space (37%); a home’s utility bills and operating costs (23%); and commuting costs (15%).
A quarter of respondents – 25% – had clients who frequently or sometimes requested to see properties close to public transportation. Fourteen percent of those surveyed said that a neighborhood’s walkability was very important to their clients while 8% said the same about access to bike lanes and paths.
Methodology
In March 2021, NAR invited a random sample of 65,471 active Realtors® to fill out an online survey. A total of 5,048 useable responses were received for an overall response rate of 7.7%. At the 95% confidence level, the margin of error is plus-or-minus 1.38%.
The living landscapes of a property(link is external) — grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers — play a critical role in creating a first impression of a home. More time is being spent in the safe space of our backyards, and buyers more than ever understand the value of the yard as a place for children and pets to play. The yard is an extension of the home’s living space and a natural setting in which to de-stress.
1. Spring clean
A good cleanup is the first step. A leaf blower makes quick work of clearing debris from flowerbeds, yards, and mulched areas. Also, fix bare patches in the grass and add a fresh layer of mulch to create a neat-looking outdoor space.
2. Mow the lawn
A carpet of grass is inviting and creates a crisp backdrop for the rest of any living landscape. Proper mowing helps create a beautiful, lower-maintenance, and drought-tolerant lawn. The general rule of thumb is to cut only the top third of the grass blades off at any given time.
3. Trim bushes & trees
Use a trimmer, chainsaw, or pole pruner to cut back any overgrown shrubs, bushes, or trees. Use an edger to form a polished, clean boundary between the lawn and walkways.
4. Keep safety in mind
Review handling and safety procedures for all outdoor power equipment. Follow all guidelines, and get familiar with controls. Lost the manual? Look it up online and save a copy on your computer for easy reference next time.
5. Right plant, right place
Plant colorful flowers in the flowerbeds, along fence lines, and in patio containers, especially near the front door. Selecting native plants (refer to the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map(link is external)) ensures your landscaping will thrive, and it will also require less water and upkeep.
6. Plant for pollinators & wildlife
Native plants attract local pollinators and wildlife, adding an extra-special touch to showings. Family yards are an important part of the connected ecosystem providing much-needed food and shelter for birds, bees, butterflies, bats, and other creatures. The Audubon Society’s database(link is external) can help determine which birds will be attracted to which plants in your region.
Every April, REALTORS® commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 with events and education that shine a light on housing discrimination and segregation. Fair Housing Month signifies a recommitment to expanding equal access to housing.
Implicit bias is often a manifestation of muscle memory. A go-with-your-gut unconscious choice, act, or opinion with immeasurable consequences that can–and have–impacted generations.
Slow down, course correct, and take action. Throughout the year we must remain steadfast in our commitment breaking down biases, holding ourselves accountable, and upholding the letter of the law.
So, refresh your memory, and open your mind. There’s always more to know, and we can all do better.
Fair Housing Book Recommendations
Residential segregation in America didn’t happen by accident. Americans of different racial backgrounds live apart because of deliberate actions by public and private actors. NAR’s Vice President of Policy Advocacy, Bryan Greene, compiled a collection of fair housing titles to help NAR members deepen their understanding of how we became divided, and of the ramifications of living in a segregated society.
Don’t have time to read an entire book? Each recommendation also includes book reviews, interviews, videos and other tools to give you a quick recap.
Like to learn about the world from podcasts? We’ve got you covered. From This American Life to The Bowery Boys, NAR presents podcasts that will educate you on Fair Housing.
Fair Housing Journalism
A compilation of articles featuring the work of investigative journalists who have uncovered critical fair housing stories, along with civil rights scholars who have condensed their books into a shorter form. They’ll help you deepen your understanding of fair housing in less time than it takes to read an entire book.
Spotlight on Local and National Fair Organizations
Fair housing organizations work in communities across the country, as well as at the state and national levels, to educate the public about fair housing, investigate claims of discrimination, and push for policies that promote housing rights. They work in partnership with governments and private housing providers to promote best practices to prevent discrimination and foster diverse, inclusive communities.
What to Know About Your Credit Before Buying a Home
It’s not just whether you pay your bills on time that matters.
Image: Cavan Images/Tanya St/StudioBarcelona/Getty
Like it or not, your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your life, ranking up there with your Social Security number, date of birth, and wedding anniversary. This three-digit number is your financial report card, except there’s no getting rid of it after college.
Your credit score shows lenders just how trustworthy you are when it comes to managing your finances, and it can either save or cost you thousands of dollars throughout your life.
If you’re in the dark about just how significantly this number can impact you and the details behind your personal score, here’s an overview of what you need to know before hitting the mortgage application process.
How Your Score is Calculated
Your FICO credit score is comprised of five elements, according to the Fair, Isaac Corp.
35% of your score is attributed to how you pay your bills. Points are added for paying on time and deducted for late or missing payments. Note: This is a big portion of your score, so if you’re not paying bills on time, it’s best to get that under control pronto.
30% of your score is based on your credit utilization ratio. Translation: How much money do you owe as a portion of the amount of credit available to you? The lower this ratio, the better.
15% is based on the length of your credit history. When did you open your first account (and is it still open)?
10% of your score goes to the type of credit you have. Think revolving credit (such as credit cards) and installment credit (such as car loans and mortgages).
The last 10% is impacted by new credit applications. How often and for what types of credit are you applying?
Where to Find Your Score and Report
To access your credit report, use a website such as annualcreditreport.com, which will give you one free report a year, or creditkarma.com, which will provide you with free access to your score upon signing up for an account.
Once you have copies of your report and score, immediately look for fraudulent or erroneous information. If you find anything, immediately contact both the credit reporting agency and the company that is portraying inaccurate information to determine next steps.
How Your Score Can Cost You
Your score can range from about 300 to 850. You’ll find a variety of breakdowns on what’s considered “good” compared to “excellent” versus “poor,” but in general you’ll want to aim for a score of 740 and higher, which is the “very good” range.
The higher your credit score, the more creditworthy you appear to lenders (meaning they can rely on you to pay your debts and pay them on time), which translates into lower interest rates and more money saved when taking out a loan.
Not sure how this can play out financially? Consider this:
Meet Claire: She’s 35, pays her credit card off in full each month, has all her bills on auto-draft, and never misses a payment. She’s had a positive credit history for 10 years and wants to buy a home. Claire was approved for a $200,000, 30-year fixed-rate loan at 3.75%.
Meet Steve: He’s 32, obtained his first credit card at age 18, ran up some debt in college that he’s still working on paying down, and has no system for keeping track of bills. He has consistent late and bounced check fees. Steve wants to buy a home and was approved for a $200,000, 30-year fixed-rate loan at 5.5%.
What’s all the fuss about if they were both approved? Over the life of her loan, Claire will pay $133,443.23 in interest. Over the life of his loan, Steve will pay $208,808.08 in interest. A small interest rate difference of 1.75% translates into $75,364.85 more paid by Steve! $75,000 is a pretty significant sum of money that could be used toward other goals.
Having a solid credit score is one of the most financially savvy tools for you to have on hand when it comes to buying a home. When managed wisely, your credit score will bring you confidence, peace of mind, and more money saved via low interest rates.
When mismanaged or not cared for at all, your credit score can delay your success in meeting financial goals and result in additional funds and resources spent correcting past mistakes.
“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”
Choosing the wrong type of paint finish could mean a do-over that costs twice as much.
Image: Tanavat/Shutterstock
There’s a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing paint sheens: The higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be.
Flat paint has no shine; high-gloss is all shine. In between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, each with its own practical and decorative job to do.
There’s a basic rule of thumb to follow when choosing paint sheens: The higher the sheen, the higher the shine — and the higher the shine, the more durable it will be.
Flat paint has no shine; high-gloss is all shine. In between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, each with its own practical and decorative job to do.
The most durable and easiest to clean of all paint sheens, high-gloss paint is hard, ultra-shiny, and light-reflecting. Think appliance-paint tough.
High gloss is a good choice for area that sticky fingers touch — cabinets, trim, and doors. High-gloss, however, is too much shine for interior walls. And like a Spandex dress, high gloss shows every bump and roll, so don’t skimp on prep work.
Practical application: kitchens, door, and window trim
Durability: very high
Semi-Gloss
Good for rooms where moisture, drips, and grease stains challenge walls. Also great for trim work that takes a lot of abuse.
Has a yummy luster that, despite the name, is often described as velvety. It’s easy to clean, making it excellent for high-traffic areas. Its biggest flaw is it reveals application flaws, such as roller or brush strokes. Touch-ups later can be tricky.
Practical application: family rooms, foyers, hallways, kids’ bedrooms
Durability: high
Eggshell
Between satin and flat on the sheen (and durability) scale is eggshell, so named because it’s essentially a flat (no-shine) finish with little luster, like a chicken’s egg. Eggshell covers wall imperfections well and is a great finish for gathering spaces that don’t get a lot of bumps and scuffs.
Practical application: dining rooms, living rooms
Durability: medium
Flat or Matte
A friend to walls that have something to hide, flat/matte soaks up, rather than reflects, light. It has the most pigment and will provide the most coverage, which translates to time and money savings. However, it’s tough to clean without taking paint off with the grime.
Practical application: adults’ bedrooms and other interior rooms that won’t be roughed up by kids
Durability: medium-low
Tips For Choosing the Right Sheen
If your paint color is dark and rich but you don’t want a super shiny effect, step down at least one level on the sheen scale. That’s because the darker and richer the paint color is, the more colorant it has, which boosts sheen. Ditto if you’re painting a large, sun-washed, or imperfect wall. The higher the sheen, the more defects will show.
Adding sheen also adds to the cost, usually an extra dollar or two per gallon as you step up on the sheen scale.
“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”
Some tech companies are still betting big on the return to the office once the pandemic fades. Google’s Alphabet Inc. is the latest, with a commitment to spend $7 billion this year on expanding its offices and data centers across the U.S. The company also plans to hire at least 10,000 new full-time staff over the next year as it becomes bullish on a post-pandemic recovery, The Wall Street Journal reports.
“Coming together in person to collaborate and build community is core to Google’s culture,” Sundar Pichai, Alphabet and Google chief executive, said in a blog post this week. “And it will be an important part of our future.”
Soon after the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., Google was one of the first major companies to extend the time so that its employees could work remotely. That date has since been pushed to July. However, the company now expects employees to return to offices, while still leaving the door open to remote work two days a week.
Other tech giants have also committed to growing their office footprint, even at a time when other companies are looking to shrink theirs from the growth of remote work. Amazon announced this summer it would be expanding its physical offices to six U.S. cities, spotlighting the importance of still being able to one day work and collaborate once again in the same space.
Google has thrived during the pandemic as online ad spending rose. Google has more than doubled its data centers since 2018 as it heavily invests in its cloud business. Still, its $7 billion commitment to expanding office and data centers this year is lower than its pre-pandemic office expenditures, which had an annual average spend of $11 billion in 2018 and 2019.
Google said that its investment plan this year will target growing its existing sites. It does plan to create three office sites in Minnesota, Texas, and North Carolina, The Wall Street Journal reports. Overall, that will then expand Google’s presence to 19 states.
From finding an inspector to dealing with surprises — this is your guide to getting a house checked out.
Image: HouseLogic
The first thing you need to know about home inspection: You’ll feel all the feels.
There’s the excitement — the inspection could be the longest time you’re in the house, after the showing.
Right behind that comes … anxiety. What if the inspector finds something wrong? So wrong you can’t buy the house?
Then there’s impatience. Seriously, is this whole home-buying process over yet?
Not yet. But you’re close. So take a deep breath. Because the most important thing to know about home inspection: It’s just too good for you, as a buyer, to skip. Here’s why.
A Home Inspector Is Your Protector
An inspector helps you make sure a house isn’t hiding anything before you commit for the long haul. (Think about it this way: You wouldn’t even get coffee with a stranger without checking out their history.)
A home inspector identifies any reasonably discoverable problems with the house (a leaky roof, faulty plumbing, etc.). Hiring an inspector is you doing your due diligence. To find a good one (more on how to do that soon), it helps to have an understanding of what the typical home inspection entails.
An inspection is all about lists.
Before an inspection, the home inspector will review the seller’s property disclosure statement. (Each state has its own requirements for what sellers must disclose on these forms; some have stronger requirements than others.) The statement lists any flaws the seller is aware of that could negatively affect the home’s value.
The disclosure comes in the form of an outline, covering such things as:
Mold
Pest infestation
Roof leaks
Foundation damage
Other problems, depending on what your state mandates.
During the inspection, an inspector has three tasks — to:
Identify problems with the house that he or she can see
Suggest fixes
Prepare a written report, usually with photos, noting observed defects
This report is critical to you and your agent — it’s what you’ll use to request repairs from the seller. (We’ll get into how you’ll do that in a minute, too.)
The Inspector Won’t Check Everything
Generally, inspectors only examine houses for problems that can be seen with the naked eye. They won’t be tearing down walls or using magical X-ray vision, to find hidden faults.
Inspectors also won’t put themselves in danger. If a roof is too high or steep, for example, they won’t climb up to check for missing or damaged shingles. They’ll use binoculars to examine it instead.
They can’t predict the future, either. While an inspector can give you a rough idea of how many more years that roof will hold up, he or she can’t tell you exactly when it will need to be replaced.
Finally, home inspectors are often generalists. A basic inspection doesn’t routinely include a thorough evaluation of:
Swimming pools
Wells
Septic systems
Structural engineering work
The ground beneath a home
Fireplaces and chimneys
When it comes to wood-burning fireplaces, for instance, most inspectors will open and close dampers to make sure they’re working, check chimneys for obstructions like birds’ nests, and note if they believe there’s reason to pursue a more thorough safety inspection.
Now you’re ready to connect with someone who’s a pro at doing all of the above. Here’s where — once again — your real estate agent has your back. He or she can recommend reputable home inspectors to you.
In addition to getting recommendations (friends and relatives are handy for those, too), you can look for professional inspectors at their trade association websites. The American Society of Home Inspectors’ (ASHI) Find a Home Inspector tool lets you search by address, metro area, or neighborhood. You can also search for inspectors by state at InterNACHI.
You’ll want to interview at least three inspectors before deciding whom to hire. During each chat, ask questions such as:
Are you licensed or certified? Inspector certifications vary, based on where you live. Not every state requires home inspectors to be licensed, and licenses can indicate different degrees of expertise. ASHI lists each state’s requirements here.
How long have you been in the business? Look for someone with at least five years of experience — it indicates more homes inspected.
How much do you charge? Home inspection costs range from $260 to $399. The costs vary according to your location and the size of your house.
What do you check, exactly? Know what you’re getting for your money.
What don’t you check, specifically? Some home inspectors are more thorough than others.
How soon after the inspection will I receive my report? Home inspection contingencies require you to complete the inspection within a certain period of time after the offer is accepted — normally five to seven days — so you’re on a set timetable. A good home inspector will provide you with the report within 24 hours after the inspection.
May I see a sample report? This will help you gauge how detailed the inspector is and how he or she explains problems.
How to Really Read Online Reviews
Take extreme reviews (“she was the best inspector ever”) with a grain of salt; compare a provider’s reviews on several sites; don’t let a few bad reviews cloud the positives; see if a contractor has addressed negative reviews.
Sometimes you can find online reviews of inspectors on sites like Angie’s List and Yelp, too, if past clients’ feedback is helpful in making your decision.
Show Up for Inspection (and Bring Your Agent)
It’s inspection day, and the honor of your — and your agent’s — presence is not required, but highly recommended. Even though you’ll receive a report summarizing the findings later on, being there gives you a chance to ask questions, and to learn the inner workings of the home.
Water: A Home’s #1 Enemy
Besides drainage, ask the inspector about any signs of water damage. Water can destroy the integrity of the home’s structure. So a leaky gutter isn’t just annoying; it’s compromising your foundation.
Block out two to three hours for the inspection. The inspector will survey the property from top to bottom. This includes checking water pressure; leaks in the attic, plumbing, etc.; if door and window frames are straight (if not, it could be a sign of a structural issue); if electrical wiring is up to code; if smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working; if appliances work properly. Outside, he or she will look at things like siding, fencing, and drainage.
The inspector might also be able to check for termites, asbestos, lead paint, or radon. Because these tests involve more legwork and can require special certification, they come at an additional charge.
Get Ready to Negotiate
Once you receive the inspector’s report, review it with your agent.
Legally, sellers are required to make certain repairs. These can vary depending on location. Most sales contracts require the seller to fix:
Structural defects
Building code violations
Safety issues
Most home repairs, however, are negotiable. Be prepared to pick your battles: Minor issues, like a cracked switchplate or loose kitchen faucet, are easy and cheap to fix on your own. You don’t want to start nickel-and-diming the seller.
If there are major issues with the house, your agent can submit a formal request for repairs that includes a copy of the inspection report. Repair requests should be as specific as possible. For instance: Instead of saying “repair broken windows,” a request should say “replace broken window glass in master bathroom.”
If the seller agrees to make all of your repair requests: He or she must provide you with invoices from a licensed contractor stating that the repairs were made. Then it’s full steam ahead toward the sale.
If the seller responds to your repair requests with a counteroffer: He or she will state which repairs (or credits at closing) he or she is willing to make. The ball is in your court to either agree, counter the seller’s counteroffer, or void the transaction.
At the end of the day, remember to check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling about all of this. You need to be realistic about how much repair work you’d be taking on. At this point in the sale, there’s a lot of pressure from all parties to move into the close. But if you don’t feel comfortable, speak up.
The most important things to remember during the home inspection? Trust your inspector, trust your gut, and lean on your agent — they likely have a lot of experience to support your decision-making.
That’s something to feel good about.
“Visit HouseLogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic.com with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.”
Your home isn’t just a source of pride or a place where you can relax after a long day — it’s also an investment in your family’s future. And while it’s natural to want to make improvements to increase your home’s resale value, some renovations will actually cost you money in the long run. Just because you see something as an improvement doesn’t mean a potential buyer will feel the same way.
Lavish Lighting Fixtures
One common home improvement mistake is falling in love with unique or lavish light fixtures, said Alon Barzilay, founder of real estate development company Urban Conversions.
“Whether it be ceiling-mounted lights in a dining room or a hanging pendant, there is a psychological phenomenon that happens when you go to a lighting store … you’re going to pick something exciting and new instead of picking a new addition that suddenly matches the big picture,” Barzilay said.
Further, the passage of trends works against homeowners. “Whatever is in vogue today will look dated 10 years down the road when you are ready to sell,” he said. “Simple is best. Fortunately, lighting can easily be switched out at a low cost.”
Too Much Wallpaper
With its patterns and texture, wallpaper can be an overwhelming design choice for your home. Plus, it’s notoriously difficult to remove. Homebuyers might view wallpaper removal as a potential headache, and it could be the tipping point for someone who wants a more move-in ready home.
Fresh paint and neutral colors are always a good idea to help stage your home when it’s on the market. If you do have wallpaper, think about whether it’s beneficial to remove it and repaint the walls before any showings or open houses, so your potential buyers never have to think about your wallpaper mistakes.
Texture on the Walls and Ceilings
Just like wallpaper, texture on walls and ceilings is difficult to remove. Simply knowing that a time-consuming project lies ahead might cause homebuyers to decrease their offer. Think twice before deciding on a fancy textured painting technique, and play around with textured wall décor instead.
Quirky Tiling
“Many buyers like to upgrade the floors in their homes,” he said. “Adding tile or wood can make an improvement in value — unless you get that person who wants the 1950s diner look and installs black-and-white tile. For their vision, this is the pinnacle of cool. But for a resale value, most homebuyers will see it as a distraction and something they will need to rip out.”
Instead of falling victim to tiling mistakes, consider going with a traditional white tile floor, and buy a rug with the style you’re going for, he recommends. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a professional to replace the flooring, consider doing this home renovation yourself.
Too Much Carpeting
In an interview with Realtor.com, home remodeling expert Alex Biyevetskiy said that new hardwood floors can increase the sale price of a home by up to 2.5%. Compared to hardwood and laminate floors, carpet can quickly show signs of damage. Plus, colors and textures are highly based on personal preference, and any overly personal touches can decrease a home’s value.
Bright and Bold Paint Colors
Bright and bold paint colors can turn off any potential buyer who might lack a bit of vision. Fortunately, repainting a room before putting your home on the market is an easy fix, albeit an important one. Choose neutral colors to present buyers with a blank canvas, which can help them envision the home in their own style.
Combining Bedrooms To Create a Bigger Room
Combining two small bedrooms to create a bigger room might seem like a good idea to a young couple with no children or to empty nesters whose children have left the house. But this is a bad move if you don’t plan on staying in that home forever, said Brian Davis, real estate investor and director of education of renting resource SparkRental.
“Even small bedrooms add value to homes, as most families want children to have their own rooms but don’t mind if they’re on the small side,” he said. “In my experience, each bedroom can add about 15% to the value of a home.”
Removing Closets
Michele Silverman Bedell, owner of residential agency Silversons, told MarketWatch that she’s seen firsthand how removing a closet to make room for another upgrade, such as a larger bathroom or bedroom, can hurt a home’s resale value. “People need closets,” Bedell said. “They’ll walk in and count the number of closets per room.”
A Garage-to-Gym or Living Space Conversion
For a fitness lover, a garage-to-gym conversion might seem like a wonderful idea. To parents of a millennial who just moved back home, a garage-to-apartment conversion probably seems like a money saver. But future homebuyers might not agree.
Many people search for houses with a garage, and what they’re looking for isn’t a gym or an extra living space — they’re looking for a garage to serve its primary purpose of housing cars and storage items.
DIY Repairs
Always think twice before getting into the do-it-yourself home improvement game. Gordon said he’s seen several examples of DIY jobs that have decreased a home’s value. “I’ve seen plenty of houses where you can tell the owner did the work,” he said. “The owner probably feels she made all the right improvements, but buyers quickly see the shoddy workmanship and unusual finished product.”
There are ways you can increase your home’s value with DIY projects, but you need to be strategic. Gordon went on to recommend hiring a pro the first time out. “Then ask to be a part of the process and learn from the professional as they do the job,” he said.
The bottom line is that any over-personalization of your home can lead to a decrease in value. Yes, you want to live in a space you love, but think twice before investing in any major or costly renovations. And always make sure your home improvements are completed with the proper permits by licensed professionals.
“Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission.”
