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Simple and affordable do-it-yourself projects can greatly increase a home’s resale value, according to HomeGain’s annual home improvement and staging surveys for instance.

 The marketing company surveyed nearly 600 real estate professionals to discover which DIY home improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their buck. Here are six projects under $1,000 (amounts are estimated) that made the list.

1. Cleaning and decluttering. Remove any personal items, unclutter countertops, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.
   • $290 Cost
   • $1,990 Return
2. Brightening. Clean all windows inside and out, replace old curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows.
   • $375 Cost
   •  $1,550 Return
3. Smart staging. Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork, and play soft music in the background.
   • $550 Cost
   • $2,194 Return
4. Landscaping enhancements. Punch up the home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding bark mulch, bushes, and flowers and ensuring current plants and grass are well-cared for and manicured.
   • $540 Cost
   • $1,932 return
5. Repairing electrical or plumbing. Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition. Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.
   • $535 Cost
   • $1,505 Return
6. Replacing or shampooing dirty carpets. Steam-clean carpets, replace any worn carpets, and repair any floor creaks.
   • $647 Cost
   • $1,739 Return

Excerpted from HomeGain’s 2011 Home Sale Maximizer Survey: www.homesalemaximizer.com.

While the holiday season is a hectic time to show and sell your house, there are distinct advantages to staging and showing your home during the holidays – you have a chance to show your home at its very best, adorned with warmth and cheer sure to charm.

Nothing is more inviting than a home brimming with greenery, twinkling lights and holiday decorations.

So as you set out to win over a holiday homebuyer during this traditionally slow time of the year, keep the following in mind as you prepare to show your house:

• Curb appeal. First impressions are important. If you live in a snowy area, make sure walkways are cleared. Or if late fall leaves are littering the ground, be sure to clear them away. Also make sure the path to the stairs is free from ice.
•  A few exterior holiday lights or decorations shows pride in ownership and seasonal cheer, but keep in mind that while exterior lights are beautiful at night, they don’t add anything during the day when potential homebuyers will be looking at your home, so you don’t want to overdo it. Another thing to consider: would-be buyers may view it favorably if the homes are brimming with lights – it shows unity and neighborliness – so you’ll want to find a tasteful balance.
• Trim outdoor trees so unexpected winds don’t knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt anybody.
• Place a nice welcome holiday mat outside your front door.
• Make sure your door area is clear from bicycles, toys or parcels left by the mail carrier.
• Hang a festive wreath on your door.
• Play holiday music in the background.
• Keep the house cozy. Entering a cold house could leave a lasting chilling impression. Instead, set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.
• A toasty fire. If you’re only stepping out while an agent is showing your house, start a fire in the fireplace. Nothing says home more than a nice cozy fire. But never leave a fire unattended.
• Your tree. This year you’ll need to think about your tree more than you usually do. For starters, if your house is on the small side, get a smaller tree. You don’t want the tree to appear to take over the entire living or family room. Likewise, you don’t want to cram too much furniture into a room just to get the tree to fit. Remove furniture if necessary.
• Keep decorations on the conservative side. Not all home shoppers may celebrate the holidays in the manner you do. You don’t want to overwhelm anybody with abundant displays of holiday cheer. You want your house to be noticed, not your decorations.
• If your house is being viewed in the evening, let your agent know which tree and other holiday lights should be turned on. And be sure the agent turns the lights off or you have a plan to be home immediately following the showing.
• Bake holiday cookies and treats often. The enticing smell will be welcome to those viewing your house.
• Be especially careful about ensuring your home security system is turned back on after agents show your house, especially if you have gifts under the tree.
• Windows. Make sure your windows are sparkling clean.
• Let the light in. Open blinds and curtains and turn on interior lights to reduce the dreary lighting that pervades in the dark winter months.
• Leave some holiday treats and hot chocolate for your guests.

Finally, keep in mind that the holiday adornments should accent – not dominate – the house. You want to convey the love, comfort, and joy your family has shared in the house. If conveyed successfully, a new family will be anxious to move in and carve out their own holiday memories.

With the high inventory of homes on the market today, homebuyers can afford to be choosy. That means a home for sale can slip through the cracks if it’s not in pristine condition. Use these 10 tips to whip your home into shape and wow potential buyers:

Improve your landscaping. Curb appeal is crucial to a good first impression, so mow the lawn, prune the bushes and maintain your garden.

Clean the outside. A sloppy exterior will make buyers think you’ve slacked off on interior maintenance as well. Be sure to clean the gutters and pressure wash your home’s siding.

Make repairs. Take care of major defects like broken windows or a leaky roof that could discourage buyers.

Make the front door inviting. A fresh coat of paint, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make the front door stand out. Replace faded house numbers so buyers can see them from the curb.

Buy a new welcome mat. Let buyers know they’re invited into your home.

Remove clutter and depersonalize. Buyers want to envision their belongings in your home. Clean up by renting a storage unit for knickknacks, photos, extra furniture and other personal items.

Organize closets and drawers. Messy closets give the appearance that your home doesn’t have enough storage space.

Make every surface shine. From ceiling fans to floors and everything in between, clean your home until it sparkles.

Take color down a notch. You might like your lime-green bedroom, but it might sour buyers. Paint your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Eliminate bad odors. Hide the litter box and spray air neutralizer throughout your home. When showing the home, fill it with inviting smells by putting out fresh flowers and baking a batch of cookies.

Performing some basic home maintenance checks each season will help keep your home in tip-top shape and looking great throughout the year.  Follow these preparation tips, and you can keep your home warm this winter, fix minor issues to avoid major repairs later, and preserve your home and its value.

• Inspect the deck or patio – clean the deck with some soapy water and a pole brush.  To remove stains or to clean a neglected deck, use deck wash.  Let the deck dry about four hours, then roll on a water sealer/protectant and let it dry.  To clean a concrete patio, use TSP or a concrete cleaner, scrub with a brush and rinse well.  Be sure to cover and protect any shrubs before you get started. 
• Clean up and/or repair your outdoor furniture- just a little mild dish detergent in a bucket of water, a sponge or brush and a good rinse should do the trick.  If the chairs have seen better days, get the seats restrapped, replace mildewed cushions or shop the summer sales for a new outdoor furniture set.  As long as it’s comfortable to sit outdoors, light up the outdoor fire pit and cook up some s’mores – just have that spot ready in the garage to stash them away when the time comes. 
• Fire up the grill - to burn off any cooked-on food, crank the grill to high until you stop seeing smoke.  Then clean off the grates and racks with a wire grill brush.  Fill up the tank with gas and get ready for your next tail-gate football party.  And before harsh winter temperatures set in, get ready to pack the grill away until spring.  Note any parts that are rusted or in need of replacement; chances are you may not find the parts in the off season but you’ll be ready with your list when stores bring out next year’s grills and accessories.  Check to insure all gas connections are leak free.  Rub the metal parts with a bit of cooking oil to help repel moisture. Cover the grill and park it where it is protected from the elements.  If you intend to wheel it into a corner of the garage, be sure to remove the gas tank first.  Do not store the propane tank in an enclosed area – one small leak could have explosive results.  It’s best to keep the tank sheltered from the weather in an area with good ventilation.
• Check for loose or peeling paint on exterior walls – do any touch-ups needed.  If the house needs repainted, get busy or book the painter while the weather still allows.  If temperatures in your area have already dipped below 50 degrees (day or night), best put off major painting outside until spring.
• Phone your heating and air conditioning company – don’t put off having your heating unit checked out.  If you wait until the temperatures dip to call in the experts, you may be left in the cold.  Get them out now before they get booked up. 
• Phone the chimney sweep – if you have a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned to remove buildup of creosote, debris or nesting critters.  Is your fireplace wood-burning?  Have some wood on hand so you’re ready for that first cool night.
• Check your weather-proofing - look for gaps or worn spots in weather-stripping around exterior doors and windows and replace as needed.  Inspect caulking around exterior windows and doors, where masonry and siding meet, at siding corner joints and where any pipes or wires enter the house.  Caulk keeps out the cold, moisture and dirt, so be sure to recaulk any gaps or problem areas as needed.
• Inspect the roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles or tiles.  Replace them or arrange for repairs.  While you’re up there, inspect the caulk or seals around plumbing stacks, solar tubes, vents, etc.
• Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts – after most of the leaves have fallen, clean debris from your gutters and downspouts.  Turn on the hose to check for damaged, leaking or misaligned gutters.  Make sure they drain away from the house.   
• Remove debris from around the heat pump or air conditioning unit.  Spray it off with the hose.
• Clean your windows and screens – inspect the screens and repair any holes or tears.  If you live in Cold Country, swap them out for your storm doors and windows and store them until spring.
• Pressure wash siding – removing the dirt, debris and tree sap a couple times a year will extend the life of your investment.
• Inspect driveways, sidewalks and paths for damage or cracks.  Repair or seal as needed before extreme temperatures make matters worse.
• Trim trees – tree branches hanging over the roof can damage shingles or roof tiles should they break under the weight of snow or ice. 
• Winterize the lawn – rake up the leaves, give the grass a good cut and trim, remove any cool-weather weeds, then fertilize the lawn to keep it green and protect it from pests and cold.  Depending on the variety, your lawn may benefit from a good aeration treatment to loosen any thatch buildup.  Check with your local extension service for advice on how to best prepare your type of lawn for winter. 
• Prepare your garden and planting beds.  Mulch around your bulbs, roses, trees, and shrubs to prevent sudden changes in soil temperature from destroying the root systems of tender plants.  
• Take care of the lawn mower and garden tools - run the gas out of the mower for storage or add a stabilizer agent.  Change the oil, pull and inspect the spark plug and oil the engine.  Clean up the garden tools and give them a light coat of oil to protect them from rust.
• Drain the water.  If you live in the Land of the Hard Freeze, drain the hose, coil it up and hang it where it won’t freeze and crack. If you have a sprinkler system, drain it too, and shut off the water to prevent pipes from freezing.  Protect your plumbing by wrapping lines with pipe jackets, fiberglass insulation or electric heating tape.

If you’ve made it to the bottom of this home maintenance checklist, pat yourself on the back.  Now it’s time to move indoors to get ready for fall and holiday entertaining!

Americans believe that homeownership is the single best investment for families and helps provide for their retirement and their children’s education.  They also believe that a strong housing industry means more jobs and more money in our communities.  The value we place on owning our home continues even through times of economic hardship.

Home appreciation over the long term builds financial security for a family’s future.  But most home owners don’t have to wait for the homes value to increase to realize the financial benefits.  Right from the first year, the majority of home owners are able to annually deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes they paid off their taxable income.  This can mean thousands of dollars saved off a family’s tax bill every year.

When a family sells their home, the capital gains exclusion exempts up to $250,000 of profit ($50,000 for married couples) from taxes.

But the value of homeownership is much more than financial.  Owning a home can often be a lifestyle improvement, enabling a family to enjoy a neighborhood, features and other amenities that suit their present and future day-to-day activities.

Newly-constructed houses can deliver energy efficiency, storage space, well-designed floor plans, and the latest technologies in electrical systems and appliances.  Rooms are often spacious, with high ceilings and lots of windows to let in light.  A new home also comes with the peace of mind of little maintenance needed and a warranty against defects.

Existing homes offer neighborhoods whose character has already been established, mature landscaping with tall trees, and existing selection of businesses and services for the home owner to use.  If the home isn’t already a perfect fit to the buyers’ taste, it can be renovated to reflect the new owners’ needs and preferences.

Homeownership lets families build connections.  Owners take pride in their homes, and develop friendships with other people who also own homes and care about the neighborhood.  A home is a place where families make a sanctuary that feels comfortable and safe, and where they develop social networks, begin friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Key Results:

• 75 percent of Americans say that owning a home is the best long-term investment they can make.
• 73 percent of Americans who do not currently own a home say it is a goal of theirs to eventually buy a home.
• 71 percent of Americans oppose proposals to eliminate the mortgages interest deduction, and 63 percent oppose proposals to reduce it.  The majority also oppose eliminating the deduction for interest paid on homes equity loans, eliminating the deduction for interest paid on a second home, limiting the deduction for those earning over $250,000 per year, or limiting the deduction for home owners with mortgages over $500,000.
• 95 percent of home owners say they are happy with their decision to own a home, and believe that owning their home is important.
• A majority of American (57 percent) across party lines say they would be LESS likes to support a candidate for Congress who wanted to eliminate the home mortgage interest deduction.
• The biggest barrier for those who want to own a home is money for a down payment and closing costs.

To learn more about the lasting value of homeownership in Putnam County please contact the Donnita Hill Team at 931-526-4455.

Could your kitchen use a facelift? According to Remodeling magazine’s latest Cost vs. Value Report, the average minor kitchen remodel costs $21,695.  And considering the amount of time people spend in their kitchens, it could be well worth the investment: Homeowners typically recoup about 73 percent of the cost, according to the report. 

If you are hiring contractors to do the work, make sure you do your research.  Estimate how much the down payment will be (usually about a quarter of the total project cost) and be sure to discuss a schedule for the payments.  Walk through and make a list of what (if anything) in the kitchen won’t be replaced during the remodel.  Keep in mind that you can save thousands if your remodel allows you to keep existing wiring and plumbing in place.  Still, unexpected costs do pop up, so experts recommend keeping about 20 perfect more cash on hand to cover unforeseen cost overruns.

When it comes to the details, costs can certainly add up. But there are ways to get the luxe look for less.  Kitchen counter materials range in price, from a top-of-the-line expensive granite surface to a wallet-friendly durable quartz countertop that has the look and feel of granite.  If you do go for a luxurious countertop, consider installing a less expensive backsplash (Beadboard, DIY mosaic tiles or faux pressed tin are some options).  Refacing cabinets, painting them or just replacing the knobs for a fresh look might be a more viable option than replacing the entire set.

Like the weather, real estate markets are hotter in the summer. Sunny days and more daylight hours mean more people are out there looking for homes to buy in Cookeville, and more sellers have their homes on the market. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Cookeville, there are a few things to keep in mind during the summer months to maximize your buying or selling potential when the weather’s warm.

1. Home Sellers: Don’t Forget the Outside – During the drier months of the summer, landscaping and outdoor areas are especially important when you’re selling a home in Cookeville. People want to imagine themselves in a comfortable, clean, and inviting outdoor space – even if they’ll end up spending a lot of time inside. Make the most of your outdoor space by keeping everything clean, organized, and welcoming. Make sure lawns are green and cut, gardens are under control, and patio areas are free of spiderwebs and dirt – pressure washing can do wonders! It may be worth it to hire a landscaping team to do a once-over on the property to make sure everything is in top shape.

2. Buyers: Don’t Forget the Inside – When home sellers know that summer is all about the great outdoors, it can be easy to focus on the inviting outdoor spaces like a great fenced yard, pool, deck or other outside features. Make sure you focus on other aspects of the home, like how the interior (and basement) will hold up during winter storms. It’s easy to forget harsh winter weather during the peak of summer, but check windows, doors, and utility bills to see how efficient the house is in all seasons.

3. Sellers: Know Your Competition – With more houses for sale in the Cookeville real estate market, knowing what you are up against is key. Being aware of other homes for sale in your neighborhood can help you define your home’s own weaknesses and strengths. Reviewing information on area listings can also help ensure that you price your home right – head out to open houses, and deal with a talented real estate agent, like the Donnita Hill Team real estate experts, to make sure you’re pricing right for your area.

4. Buyers: Remember Your Major Home Desires – Don’t be overwhelmed by all the options out there during this surge in the Cookeville real estate market. Make lists of what you REALLY want in a home for sale, and don’t forget the features that are most important to you. Take a good look at your budget, lifestyle, and overall needs, and stay within your means – ask the Donnita Hill Team real estate experts to help you figure out what you can afford and where you can find it. We know the area better than anyone, and you might surprise yourself with the perfect home where you least expect it!

5. Everybody: Don’t Get Squeezed by the Season – And our most important summertime rule? Forget the summertime rules! Don’t think that you can’t buy or sell a house year round – the Cookeville Real Estate market is full of potential success in every season, so be patient and find the house and price that are right for YOU. The Donnita Hill Team Real Estate agents are here to help you make the most of this real estate boom season, and we’ll be with you in the rain, sleet, and snow come winter. Call us today!

If you’re looking for homes, apartments, or other real estate in Cookeville or anywhere in the Upper Cumberlands, contact Hill Realty  to find out about homes for sale in the best city in America!

Home selling in the summer is often a bit more tricky than home selling during other times of the year. For example, spring time selling is the most popular time to put your home on the market. The second best time of the year to sell a home is in the autumn. Summer ranks in meager third position.

Why is Summer Not the Optimum Time to Sell a Home?

Summer is good for a lot of things, but home selling is not necessarily one of them. In fact, if you don’t have to sell in the summer, you might get more for your home if you wait until fall. Why? Because in the summer

• People go on vacation
• Kids get out of school and require attention
• Summer activities distract

There’s just too much going on during the summer to pay close attention to home selling. Most sellers would rather wait until everything calms down in the fall.

If You Must Sell Your Home During the Summer

Not everybody can wait until fall, though. Sometimes people need to sell during the months of June, July and August. They might be transferred to a new job in another state or be experiencing other pressing “life” issues that could necessitate an immediate sale. Here are a few things you can do help attract a summertime buyer who might be leaning instead toward lying in a hammock and sipping lemonade.

Supply Summer Treats and DrinksFor me, in California, summer means red-and-white checkered tablecloths, potato salad, hot dogs and mustard and roasted corn-on-the-cob. Every part of the country has its own summer food traditions. In Maine, summer might mean juicy blueberries and clams. Fill the sink with ice cubes and chill bottled water for guests. 

Small updates will have a more dramatic impact if home owners are careful to keep the styles consistent and find ways to draw out the home’s best features.  Here are some tips from experts on how to make small improvements pay off.

1.      Concentrate on big impact rooms.

Be selective about what you do.  Kitchens and bathrooms still usually offer the most bang for your buck, says remodeling industry expert Bill Millholland, executive vice-president with Case Design/Remodeling Inc.

2.      Go neutral.

Don’t introduce too much color to the “bones” of the home.  You don’t want buyers to see too much bold color on cabinets and walls and say, “I have nothing to go with red,” says Terrylynn Fisher, CRS, a staging consultant at Empire Realty in Walnut Creek, California.  “Buyers will have a tough time seeing past it.” Stay neutral with walls, cabinets, and fixtures.  Bring in pops of colors through accessories.

3.      Consult an expert.

A professional stager or remodeler can work within your budget and pin point where best to spend your dollars.  For a list of contracts or interior decorates, ask colleagues or friends for recommendation or Contact us, at Hill Realty.

4.      Know when inexpensive won’t work.

Certain projects simply cannot be done cheaply, especially in a high-end home.  “If it is a luxury home, replacing the vanity with an off-the-shelf product from a big-box store is not going to cut it,” Millholland says.  “Most consumers will be able to tell that you did something cheap.  They won’t even see the value of it, so you are better off cleaning what is there and have it appear its best.”

5.      Find inspiration.

For design guidance, grab a catalog from Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, or Williams-Sonoma.  “Anything you see in there is fairly consistent with what the average consumer is looking for,” Millholland says.

6.      Plan your budget.

Even small projects can carry a premium if a contractor is needed for installation.  For labor savings, bulk your work, grouping several projects in a full day’s work rather than hiring a handyman or contractor for separate hourly jobs, Millholland says.

7.      Complement the architecture.

If it’s a two-story colonial home, avoid overly contemporary updates, such as stainless steel countertops.  Likewise, if the exterior is modern or contemporary, stay away from traditional styles, such as dark wood or classic lighting fixtures, Millholland says.