If you are trying to decide which projects have the best return on investment, Remodeling Magazine

Cost vs Value report shows the top home renovations in 2010-2011 that might add  value to your home. They are:

BASEMENT REMODEL

MAJOR KITCHEN REMODEL

GARAGE ADDITION

ATTIC BEDROOM

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

WINDOW REPLACEMENT (WOOD)

SIDING REPLACEMENT (VINYL)

MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL

DECK ADDITION (WOOD)

GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT

ENTRY DOOR REPLACEMENT (STEEL)…

more…

by Prudential Fox and Roach

As the weather warms, so does the real estate market! What better way to kick of the season than learning about ways to better market your house when selling it?

Staging your house is a necessary step when selling it and many people tend to neglect it.  If done correctly, your house can look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer and, best of all, it makes a home buyer want to buy it!

Here are 4 tips to help you stage your home this selling season: more…

by Prudential Fox and Roach

Given today’s buyer’s market, it’s important for sellers to be aware of certain market trends in order to pique the interest of buyers.  In conjunction, it’s equally as important for sellers to be cognizant of their own home’s market value, a concern for many current sellers.  Whether planning to sell in a couple of weeks, months of years, value is crucially important.  If you have concern about your home’s assessment, there are plenty of ways to give it a swift boost before listing it on the market.

Refurbished rooms, such as basements, always go a long way n adding value to your property.  Most basements are empty storage spaces that are rarely seen to any non-inhabitants.  By turning the room into an entertainment area, bar or poker room, you add both value and character to the home — both traits that will be loved by buyers. more…

by Kirk R. Simmon

Depending on which segment of the market you are in, West Chester is mostly a buyer’s market right now. Prices in all segments have been up 50-100% in the last 5 to 6 years. Small condos and townhomes between $140,000 and $300,000 dollars are still selling strong. Luxury townhouses and carriages between $325,000 and $450,000 dollars are sitting on the market for up to 120 days. Single family homes in the 400-500k range are still in demand. Singles over 500k are sitting a little longer due to the higher costs of jumbo mortgages.

Realty Times – West Chester, Pennsylvania Real Estate Market Conditions from Kirk R. Simmon.

West Chester, PA article

Even though the real estate market has slowed down in recent months, there are still plenty of homebuyers eager to make a purchase. Knowing how to prepare your home for sale, when to allow access for showings, and how you can offer buyer incentives will help you find the right buyer, even in a declining market. more…

By Elizabeth Weintraub, About.com Guide

Prepping and staging a house. Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it’s not luck that makes that happen. It’s careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.

Here’s How: more…