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Add Value to Your Home
Ace Hardware's National Home
Improvement Expert Offers Simple Solutions to Add Value
to the Home
OAK BROOK, Ill., -- For the millions of homeowners
pitching "For Sale" signs in their yards, what can make
or break a good deal comes down to well-conceived
improvement projects. Lou Manfredini, national home
improvement expert and Ace Hardware's "Helpful Hardware
Man," advises homeowners to focus their time and money
on the five simple projects that add maximum value.
"Homeowners don't need to spend a fortune on their
home in order to make a fortune," explains Manfredini.
"In fact, homeowners can make a big impact on the value
of their home with simple, inexpensive upgrades and
touch-ups. The key is to make your dollars work the
hardest in the right areas."
With the right strategy and creativity, homeowners
can maximize their home's resale value -- even in the
midst of record home sale declines and pricing
down-turns. According to Manfredini, here are the five
ways how:
1. Renew kitchens and bathrooms Updated kitchens and
bathrooms continue to be at the top of the list for
potential buyers. While costly gut renovations provide
high returns on investment, other smaller cosmetic
upgrades are equally as important. "Homeowners can take
on a smaller kitchen or bathroom remodeling project at
25 to 35 percent of the cost of a major renovation, and
oftentimes the return percentage is higher," adds
Manfredini. Homeowners are advised to replace or
refinish floors, old counter tops and cabinetry, as well
as switch out existing cabinetry knobs and even faucets.
2. Remove the Clutter Uncluttered rooms give
potential buyers the illusion of extra square footage,
which is a key selling point, and a better opportunity
to picture each room as their own. Customized closet,
kitchen and garage systems, which conveniently package
together all the necessary shelving, hanging rods,
hardware and other essentials, can either be built or
bought for under $500 at Ace Hardware stores. Another
big idea is to extend livable space to the outdoors by
creating a simple outdoor living room, which is on every
homeowner's wish list this season. For resale purposes,
a home should come with the basics, such as an
attractive stone patio or deck, so potential buyers can
quickly envision and utilize the space. A garden pond is
also easy to install and adds quick appeal, especially
in favor of more costly professional landscaping
projects. 3
. Touch it up with Paint One of the easiest and most
cost-effective ways to give your home a facelift is with
a fresh coat of paint -- both inside and out. Manfredini
suggests special formulas, such as Ace Sensations(TM)
with Scotchgard(TM) paint, which are environmentally
friendly and stain-resistant for greater durability.
Neutral color palettes show the best during open houses,
but there is some creative license in color selection.
Add a rich, bold color in small doses throughout the
house or in unexpected areas, such as the front door,
entry hallway, guest bathroom, stair risers, or even on
one focal wall in the living room.
4. Create curb appeal First impressions are
everything when it comes to selling a home. Pay special
attention to the appearance and condition of the front
of the home. A few must-do projects include: mow the
lawn; seed bare patches; add potted plants and colorful,
seasonal flowers to the front porch; add sidewalk
lighting; replace the door knocker and address numbers;
and be sure the door bell is working. These easy
improvements make a potential buyer's first welcome and
final goodbye more inviting.
5. Fix the flaws While cosmetic enhancements are
important to a home's bottom-line, nothing will have a
potential buyer running for the door faster than
noticeable damage. "Buyers become wary when they see
small, yet overlooked fixes," cautions Manfredini. "They
can't help but think, 'If something this simple isn't
repaired, what bigger problems might be lurking.'" To
avoid signaling neglect and wear, repair projects should
include: spackling over cracks, holes and uneven wall
textures; refinishing stained or discolored hardwood
floors; stabilizing stair railings; fixing squeaky doors
and tightening or replacing leaky faucets.
For more information, ideas or help
with home projects, visit your neighborhood Ace Hardware
store or go to http://www.acehardware.com for more of
Manfredini's expert advice. About Ace Hardware
Throughout its 80-year history, Ace Hardware has been
known as the helpful hardware store by both customers
and communities. With 4,600 hardware, home center and
building materials stores that generate annual retail
sales of more than $12 billion, Ace Hardware is the
largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the
industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace
currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S.
and its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states
and 70 countries. More information about Ace can be
found at http://www.acehardware.com.
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