Our values.

To all- Speaking with the Steering committee on Monday, we discussed our real estate values and how undervalued we are. Let me give you an example: In Woodland Park a home closed for $117.00 per sq ft across the street from Canada Road- In Stonebridge 8998 Breckenridge sold for $78.00 per sq ft- So how can we get a consistent over $100.00 per sq ft for homes in Stonebridge? Here are a few ideas:

• Consider their entrance- Woodland Park has a hoa that funds and maintains their entrance. We have an entrance, but no organized way of taking care of it, but soon will!!! If we can beautify our entrances and make it appealing- it will help the values. Not only this- but the landscaping that is on both side Davies Plantation running north through Stonebridge has great potential to bring our community to the higher standard.
• Keep the litter out- The visitors to our community seem to like McDonald's and Bud Light,
  
• Home curb appeal is important too- it sets the tone for what the buyer will see inside- I will post some good examples on the blog- and some bad examples outside of our neighborhood (keeping the peace)
• Master Bath
  This is one room in the house that you can ALMOST go overboard and still get your money back when you sell the home. Refinish or replace the cabinetry, put in new tile and sinks - even install a new, stand-up shower! When (or if) you put your home on the market, you should see a good return on investment.
• Kitchen- New appliances and new counter tops- Granite tops cost (if you go with a builder/generic stone, which look great) will cost $2000-$2800 with under mount sink, new appliances (cost $1500) also a tile back splash will help
  
• Keep the services updates- If your AC or Furnace is over 15 years old- you need to replace it. 10-15 years old, it's a good idea to replace the condensing unit unless it you have kept it serviced every year. (keep those coils clean and a new one will last much longer)

• Paint!!!
  It's fairly obvious, but painting your home modern, neutral colors makes a difference in the appearance of the home. And when you factor in the cost - roughly $1.75/s.f. - it would be mistake to forego painting your home when you decide it's time to modernize it. If you're planning on staying in the home for some time, paint it whatever colors you wish, but plan on repainting right before it's time to put it up for sale. If you plan on updating your home in order to sell it, go with neutral colors so that it will appeal to the widest audience.

• Put in Wood Laminate Floors- The products for laminates are getting better and better- the warranty's are great and the installation is easy. Costco has some great products and our local flooring company, Tim Hogan Abbey Carpets has this new Armstrong line that is worth every penny.

I also would like to invite you to an Open House on Saturday from 2:00-4:00 at 9600 Pine Point, take Canada road North and Pine Point is on your right. We rehabbed the home and used some of the same strategies talked about above. If you like Flip that House- than you will like seeing what we did to this home. If that doesn't get you to come- we will have cookies there too. I love free food. Look out for your postcards on the meeting next week- they will be coming Saturday and Monday. If you need any help with the above- let me know ,I use good contractors for the work.

Mike S.