If you’re looking to put some money into your home, channeling it into the right places will help you maximize your investment.  If you plan to never move, then you can do whatever tickles your fancy. But if you plan to sell it down the road, you don’t want to dump money into it and make nothing in return.  Here are some of the best areas of the home to remodel for a surer return on your investment:

1. The kitchen.  This is the number one spot that buyers tend to focus on.  If you put your cash into this area of the home, it’s easy to see the improvements – but it can be costly.  Buyers know that, and if the heavy lifting has already been done they will tend to buy your home over a neighbor’s which still has an outdated kitchen that needs lots of work.  Simple fixes like changing counter tops to granite or a solid stone material can make a world of difference and give the kitchen a whole new look.  You could even just resurface the doors and put new hardware and knobs on them.  These small investments can give you a big return.
2. Your bathroom is the next best place to put your money.  There are so many different things you can do to give it a new look. Change out the tile on the floors or shower. Consider taking out the tub and making a walk-in shower.  Old toilets should definitely go; if they are cracked or gross-looking, get a new one.  Most buyers want a more economical one nowadays that uses less water.  Why not help the appeal of your home and the environment at the same time?
3. Paint your whole house, inside and out.  This is the easiest way to give your home a facelift and isn’t that expensive compared to other projects.  It’s fun to see how much a difference this can make to the appearance of your home.  Inside and outside, it’s always best to go with more neutral tones that will appeal to all buyers.  It always amazes me to see people paint wild crazy colors on their walls and it just turns buyers off all day long.  Keep it simple and let it appeal to the masses.
4. Don’t bother putting in carpet in your house.  When it comes to flooring consider hardwood.  It’s all the rage right now and buyers love it.  It gives your house a warm and classy look.  Also, it tends to stay cleaner and doesn’t hide dirt like carpet.  If you shop around you’ll be surprised some of the prices you can find for good product at nice discounts.

Best of luck with your remodeling and make sure to make your dollars count!

Gabe Mellein was voted a Top Real Estate Agent – Exceptional in Service and Overall Satisfaction by Gulfshore Life Magazine in 2012 and 2013.  He is the broker of Gulf Pointe Properties, Inc and has over 9 years experience in the SW Florida Real Estate Market.  He is a member of The Naples Area Board of Realtors, Bonita Springs – Estero Association of Realtors, Realtor Association of Greater Fort Myers and the Beach, The Florida Association of Realtors, The National Association of Realtors, and is nationally certified in Feng Shui for Real Estate.  Need real estate help?  Please contact Gabe at:  239.825.2234, Gabe@GulfPointeProperties.com  or www.GulfPointeProperties.com