Connections - March 2009 - (Page 19) Tackling the Appropriate Project “When it comes to choosing the right home project, making the home energy efficient should be your first priority. Then work on items in order of importance. Ask yourself, is it more important to fix the roof or replace the carpet?” said Reese. Reese advises calling a local realtor before beginning large home projects. “Realtors can help them decide if it’s an investment, improvement or regular maintenance,” said Reese. n local perspective hoMe inveSTMenT Whiz naThan MounTain before you go spending a fortune on that home theatre basement remodel, listen to what nathan mountain, seven-year real estate veteran at Castellum realty, llC has to say about your so-called “investment.” Mountain’s inside scoop on basement remodels: people think that by spending $50,000 on trendy basement remodels they’re going to get their money back. they’re wrong. basement additions don’t add to a home’s square footage. if you spend $50,000 you may only get $10,000 back on the resale. Furthermore, if you think you’re going to recoup the costs of a sunroom addition, you’re wrong. if you have a $250,000 house and you spend $30,000 on a sunroom you’re not going to magically have a $280,000 home. Mountain’s ideas to increase equity: an attic remodel increases the square footage of a home as well as provides additional living space. third floor additions count as added square footage as well as other climate controlled additions. if they don’t have heat, they don’t count. Key to success in making smart home investments: look around the neighborhood and find out what everyone else is doing. it’s not a good idea to add $25 a square foot travertine floors to a $150,000 starter home. plus if that’s your price range you shouldn’t overspend on sub-Zero appliances when your neighbors own ge and Whirlpool. pay attention to price levels so you can make intelligent investment decisions. Mountain’s best home investment tip: Consider purchasing 30-40 year architectural shingles as opposed to the standard three-tab ones. they’re worth the investment. Click to recommend a financial solution Connections To receive your free subscription, simply fill out and submit this form. Name: E-mail: Company: (company name not required) SuBScriBe Today! Please notify me of other Chamber of Commerce activities. SUBMIT March 2009 | Connections | 19 http://www.servicemagic.com/rfs/resources/media/viewVideo.jsp?vid=41 http://www.servicemagic.com/rfs/resources/media/viewVideo.jsp?vid=41 http://www.castellumrealty.com/ http://www.castellumrealty.com/
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