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The Worst Home Projects For The Money

December 17, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

The Worst Home Projects For The Money

Home renovations and projects are never a sure guarantee that you will recoup your money invested. If you sell your home down the road, you may or may not get your money back. When you invest a large sum of money into home renovations, be sure that it is for something that will bring you a lot of enjoyment. In the end, it may make you more comfortable while you live in your home but will not be a financial boost to your home’s resale value.

According to a 2014 study done by Remodeling Magazine, the following renovations brought the worst returns on money invested. Please note that all of the projects were moderate to high end renovations done by professionals. These were not do it yourself home projects. All figures are national averages.

Office remodels – An upscale professional grade office remodel will cost $28,000 (national average) and return less than 50% of the cost at resale. One reason for this is that buyers are not as interested in a home office as they are in an updated kitchen.

Sunroom addition – This addition will average $73,000 nationally and yield just a little over 50% of it’s investment. This is, however, a national average. It really depends a lot on the region the home is located in.

Moderate master suite addition – Here is that word addition again! Anytime you add on to the home and it’s foundation, it is going to be a costly project. Remodeling Magazine’s study found that the addition would average $100,000 and you get about a 60% return at the time of resale. Buyers are interested in an updated master just as they would be a kitchen or bathroom. Consider updating or renovating the existing space rather than an addition. The project will cost considerably less that way.

Moderate garage addition – This project will cost around $48,000 and net you a 64% return at resale. If you live in an area where homes do not have garages or lack other storage areas such as attics and basements, this project could really help with resale.

Bathroom addition – Regardless of whether upscale or not, return on investment is around 60% Usually, a homeowner does not just add on a bathroom. It is usually a part of a much larger project. Consider adding a bathroom along with a new master suite addition. First floor masters are increasing in popularity and can be appealing to the home buyer.

In the end, it is your home and you want to enjoy it and be comfortable living in it. Reduce the cost of some of these projects by scaling back on the extras and by doing them yourself. Just be aware that you will most probably not recoup all of the money spent when and if you choose to sell your home.

Thinking of buying or selling a home? Contact The Lowry Team!

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team. The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other articles you may be interested in:

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Home Improvements That Are Worth The Investment

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The Lowry Team Offers Tips For Selling Your House Fast

Find Your Home’s Current Market Value

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Reasons Why You Should Hire A Real Estate Agent

The Lowry Team Helps Their Clients Buy And Sell A Home

December 17, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

The Lowry Team Helps Their Clients Buy And Sell A Home

Eric Lowry, CEO and Listing Agent for The Lowry Team, listed the West Chester Ohio home for sale. The 3 bedroom 2.5 bath ranch home is located at 7081 Butterwood Drive West Chester Ohio 45069.The house was listed for $209,900 and sold for 99% of the list price at $207,900. The home was on the market just 45 days. Features of the home include a large kitchen, bedrooms and an inviting family room with a wood burning fireplace. The home has newer windows, air conditioning and roof.

The Lowry Team also helped their clients purchase a new home. The home located at 4822 Mallard Creek Drive Mason Ohio 45040 was listed for $182,500 and sold for $177,000. The ranch home was a formal model home. The home features 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The large master suite has a luxury bath. Other features include a study with a built in desk and shelves. and a screened porch.

The clients said, “We are very pleased with the way Lisa and Eric Lowry handled everything. The service was excellent.” Eric was happy with how smoothly both the transactions went.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, let The Lowry Team put their 5 star service to work for you!

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team. The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other Articles You May Be Interested In:

Buying A Home In Today’s Market

West Chester Ohio Is One of The Best Places to Live

Where Will 30 Year Mortgage Rates Be In 12 Months?

The 6 Most Essential Home Buyer Tips

Search The Cincinnati MLS For All Homes For Sale

Find Out What Your West Chester Ohio Home Is Worth

Find Out What Your Mason Ohio Home Is Worth

Monroe Ohio Real Estate: Monroe Crossings Subdivision

The Lowry Team: How To Choose A Builder

December 16, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

New Home Construction: How To Choose a Builder

New construction is hot right now! According to the Cincinnati Business Courier, Drees Homes is building $100 million in new homes. Now is the time to start the process if you have been considering building a new home. Finding the right builder for you and your needs is key.

Take the following steps to guide you through the process of choosing a builder:

1. Identify the parameters of your home building process. Determine what type of home you would like to build, as well as the size of the home and the price range you would like to stay within.

2. Gather the names of local home builders. Get a list of of builders in the area from your local home builder’s association. Also, talk to family and friends who have built homes.

3. Do your homework! Find out how long the home builder has been in business and what kind of experience they have. Ask for references. Drive by the homes and talk to past clients.

4. Verify that the home builder is licensed and insured according to local laws.

5. Tour model homes, open houses and home shows of various types of builders. Pay attention to the quality of the work.

When you choose a builder, you must ask lots of questions! When checking references, ask the former clients the following questions:

1. Are you happy with your home?

2. Were there any problems throughout the process? How were they handled?

3. Would you use this builder again? Why or Why not?

Here is a partial list of questions that you should ask the builder:

1. How many years have you been in business? How many homes have you built?

2. Are you licensed and insured?

3. What type of warranty do you offer?

4. What standard features are included? What additional options are available?

5. How and when will the final home price be determined?

6. How long will it take to build my new home?

7. What is the process for making corrections, changes etc.?

8. Can you provide me with a list of references for me to contact?

An experienced real estate agent can help you through the process starting with how to choose a builder. If you have been considering building a new home, Contact The Lowry Team of Keller Williams Realty at 513-874-1830.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team. The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Homearama 2015: Willows Bend In Miami Township

Four Bridges Subdivision and New Home Construction In Liberty Twp

Foxborough Subdivision and New Homes For Sale in West Chester

Reasons To Buy A New Construction Home For Sale

New Home Features in 2015

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Find The Current Market Value of Your Home

Liberty Township and West Chester Ohio Pool Communities

Liberty Township Real Estate: The Knolls of Liberty Subdivision

December 15, 2014 by Eric Lowry Leave a Comment

Knolls of Liberty Subdivision And Homes For Sale in Liberty Township

The Knolls of Liberty Subdivision is located in the 45011 zip code of Liberty Township, Ohio. Knolls of Liberty real estate features a variety of styles and sizes of homes for sale. Homes currently for sale in The Knolls of Liberty range in price from $230,000 – $350,000.

The Knolls of Liberty neighborhood has many new construction homes for sale. The homes are built or are being built on large lots of a half acre and more. Many of the lots are wooded. There are walk out home sites available. New construction homes for sale feature up to 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. You will find two story homes and ranch homes in The Knolls of Liberty. Homes have 2 and 3 car garages.

The Knolls of Liberty neighborhood is regulated by a homeowner’s association. The association was created to enhance and protect the value of the property owned by the members.

There are streetlights and sidewalks throughout the neighborhood. A paved bike trail takes residents to Liberty Wetlands Park. Wetlands Park is great for hiking, fishing and watching wildlife. There are four ponds on this 42 acre property. An Ohio State Fishing License is required for people over 16 years of age.

The Knolls of Liberty subdivision is served by the Lakota Local School District. Lakota Local Schools are known for their excellence in academics, athletics and music programs. They are considered to be one of the top schools districts in the State of Ohio. Assigned schools for The Knolls of Liberty are: Liberty Early Childhood School for Pre-K and 1st grade, VanGorden Elementary School for 2nd – 6th grade, Liberty Junior School for 7th and 8th grade and Lakota East High School for 9th – 12th grades.

The Knolls of Liberty has been a family friendly neighborhood for many people who work in the Tri-State area. The Knolls of Liberty subdivision is conveniently situated between the cities of Cincinnati and Dayton. It is located just minutes from I-75, I-275, and Union Centre Blvd. It is near many shopping, dining and entertainment options such as the new Liberty Center, Bridgewater Falls and Monroe Outlets.

The neighborhood is also near parks, the YMCA and many golf courses. In addition to Liberty Wetlands Park, Fort Liberty Playland is close to The Knolls of Liberty. This park features a state of the art playground and a number of shelter areas for picnics.

The Lakota YMCA is located at 6703 Yankee Road. The facility has indoor and outdoor pools, racquetball courts, climbing walls and offers programs for people of all ages.

There are more than half a dozen golf courses within a ten mile radius of The Knolls of Liberty. Green Crest at 7813 Bethany Road and Vista Verde located at 4780 Millikin Road in Liberty Township are just two of the 18-hole golf courses nearby.

Find out more about The Knolls of Liberty neighborhood and Liberty Township. Contact The Lowry Team today to get in touch with a Knolls of Liberty Real Estate Agent.

Don’t Hire an Agent…Hire a Team. The Lowry Team.

Buyers and Sellers can reach The Lowry Team Keller Williams at 513-874-1830.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Homes For Sale Near Lakota Schools

The Lowry Team: New Home Features In 2015

Reasons To Buy A New Construction Home For Sale

Summerlin Subdivision And Homes For Sale in Liberty Township

Liberty Township Real Estate: Hughes Woods Homes For Sale

Liberty Township Real Estate: Foxborough Homes For Sale

Search Homes For Sale in Liberty Township Ohio

Liberty Township New Construction Homes For Sale

Find The Current Market Value of Your Liberty Township Home