If you’re considering remodeling your home, it may be best to skip these upgrades.

By Melinda Fulmer of MSN Real Estate

In these uncertain times, remodels are more about wringing day-to-day enjoyment out of your house than simply boosting its resale value. But not every project delivers on its promise of luxury and enjoyment.

Some delightful-sounding home improvements can be problematic or overly expensive or simply wind up collecting dust while you’re still paying the tab.  And some are destined to become white elephants, in the same kitschy category as that 1970s wet bar, sauna or intercom system.

MSN Real Estate consulted with contractors, designers and other home-improvement gurus — as well as homeowners themselves — to come up with a somewhat subjective "honey-do" list that’s better left undone.

1. Whirlpool bath
This upgrade, which had become synonymous with luxury in years past, is now on the most endangered list, contractors say.

"We’re taking out these bathtubs and making (walk-in) showers out of them," says Fred Spaulding of Quality Home Improvements in Kingwood, Texas.

Indeed, while they became a standard feature in many upscale homes, a hefty percentage of people who have these big whirlpool tubs report never having the time or inclination to soak in them, in part because of the noise and amount of water required to fill them and keep them warm.

"In almost four years, I have never used it," says "sisb" on a home and garden forum.

2. Room additions
These days, the name of the home-improvement game is conversion, or using existing space in a new way, says Don Van Cura, a Chicago-area remodeling contractor who sits on the board of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

"The biggest thing I’ve seen a change in is less room additions," Van Cura says. "Before, it had to be bigger and more, more, more. Now we are seeing more people taking advantage of attic or bedroom space."

Dining rooms are becoming home offices. Basements are becoming family rooms, and there are a lot more unpermitted (and some legitimate) attic-to-bedroom conversions, contractors say.

Forking over an average of $82,756 to build a new family room from the ground up —  including foundation, framing, drywall and electric — is more expensive, architects and designers say, than converting your basement. And the addition recoups only 65% of its value at resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report. That basement remodel, on the other hand, costs just $62,067 on average and recoups 75% of its value.

3. ‘Versailles’ kitchens
In contrast with Europe, Americans — with their comparatively shorter history — just love anything that looks old and ornate.

If you look at European design books or websites, you’ll find page after page of simple, streamlined modern looks. Here, our McMansions boast elaborate Tuscan villa-style kitchens with ornate cabinetry, hardware and tile.

Call it the Bellagio effect.

"People will go into hock finding themselves surrounded by $150,000 of polished granite and fancy French or English cabinetry," says TV home-improvement veteran Bob Vila, who coaches people through remodeling projects on BobVila.com.

They’ll wind up saying, ‘I’m still paying on that and what the hell pleasure am I getting out of it?’ Going overboard with any aspect of home remodeling can be a mistake."

Indeed, upscale kitchen remodels carried an average price tag of $111,794 last year, according to Remodeling Magazine, but recouped just $70,641, or 63%, of their value at resale, a decline from the 2008-2009 survey.

4. Marble counters (or other porous surfaces)
Marble is a luxurious material that has been long-favored in kitchen and bath remodels. But it is losing its luster.

Sure, it has a lovely, natural look and a rich history in castles and palaces, but it requires more pampering and attention than a spoiled princess, experts say. Marble can scratch more easily than other surfaces, get burned by hot pans and stain easily, just like limestone and other porous materials. That, coupled with a price between $50 and $100 per square foot, should persuade you to leave it to the museum.

Indeed, while much attention has been focused on the drawbacks to granite countertops, contractors say it and other nonporous surfaces such as man-made quartz counters are better long-term picks than marble, limestone or even heavy poured concrete, a trendy surface that can crack as the cabinets underneath shift over time.

"It’s very dependent on well-built cabinets below it," Van Cura says.

5. Deck off the master bedroom
Now here’s a project that seems really luxurious, promising views and fresh air along with your morning coffee. Of course, the coffee maker is downstairs or on the other side of the house, so for most people this winds up being one of the most underutilized living spaces, says Stewart Davis, design director of CG&S Design-Build in Austin, Texas.

"90% of the folks we talk to never go out there," Davis says.

Yet it’s not an inexpensive project, costing at least $10,000 and requiring regular waterproofing and other maintenance.

6. Elaborate home theaters
Just as McMansions are falling out of favor, so are rooms that serve just one purpose.

With so many nice home-theater packages containing surround-sound speakers, amplifiers, bass modules, media centers and other controls and costing $3,500 or less, you can turn your flat screen in any family room into a home theater, instead of shelling out $20,000 or more for the whole shebang, including cinema seating, tacky red carpeting, projector, Blu-ray player and big screen.

And there’s no guarantee that the next buyer will want the "Metropolitan Opera meets bordello" look of many theater rooms.

Another plus to updating your family room’s acoustics instead: If you work with what you have, you’re not bringing in a lot of new synthetic material, Vila says, and therefore don’t have to deal with all of the outgassing, or release of fumes, from these materials.

7. Hot tub
This bubbly oasis seems relaxing and luxurious and is certainly much cheaper to install than a swimming pool, but many homeowners find that its upkeep, heavy energy use and repairs become a burden when compared with the time they actually spend using it.

Moreover, it gobbles up backyard space that could be used for seating, an outdoor kitchen or garden, designers say. And like the movie "Hot Tub Time Machine," it almost transports your backyard décor back to the 1970s or ’80s.

Some homeowners weighing in on these fiberglass tubs on gardening websites actually wound up using them as raised beds for gardening, rather than forking over the bucks to rip them out or get them working properly.

If you simply must have it, the better option might be to buy a portable unit. That way, you can take it with you or stash it out of sight when marketing your house.

8. Overly complicated home automation
It’s hard to tell people to stay away from something that sounds smart and could save them on their home-energy costs. But it’s easy to go too far with home automation, the centralized control of audio, video, lighting, heat and household appliances, experts say.

"You shouldn’t aspire to that without knowing that maintenance for that kind of system might be costly," Vila says. "Obsolescence is a matter of fact."

Indeed, "montalvo," a homeowner on a home-remodeling forum who spent $100,000 on a system that controlled everything from audio and video to lighting, security and temperature in his 7,100-square-foot California home, said the convenience continued to cost him even after he built his home.

"It entails significant monitoring, maintaining, repair and replacement costs," he said in a recent post. "For the first two years, the system’s installer was at our house several times a month, doing reprogramming, system upgrades, etc."

While some simple radio-frequency lighting systems can be installed for about $2,000 to $3,000, says Brian Scott, president of San Diego Automation, the wiring and equipment involved with more comprehensive systems can cost tens of thousands of dollars. And even software-based solutions are not without costs on the back end, as people feel the need to upgrade.

Scott’s firm is now installing wireless systems for audio, video and lighting that are controlled via an Apple iPad. But just as many iPod users have traded up to an iPad, so, too, may many homeowners feel the need to upgrade to the next generation of controllers.

"It will evolve," Scott says. "But it’s more about having all the features — the latest and greatest."

The best advice for people without a big budget or the patience to learn the intricacies of a big system is that old acronym KISS: "Keep it simple, stupid."

Learn what features consumers are looking for in design and construction this year.

By Hannah Shipley, FrontDoor.com | Published: 7/20/2010

During a panel at the 2010 International Builders Show, Eliot Nusbaum, executive editor for home design for Better Homes and Gardens, explained that practicality and price are fueling decisions on how homes are designed and built.

Nusbaum says the homeowner of today is "looking for a home that fits the entire family — from a multi-tasking home office, to expanding storage space needs, to a living room that can adapt to advancements in home entertainment and technology."

A Smaller Home

Today’s consumers are buying homes with less square footage. Purchases of smaller homes are up 36 percent from last year.

But just because a home is small doesn’t mean homeowners are sacrificing precious living space. Open concept floor plans are the resounding trend in smaller homes, where higher ceilings and an easy flow maximize perceived living space and allow rooms to serve multiple purposes.

Energy Efficient Appliances

Saving energy and money go hand-in-hand when using Energy Star appliances in the home. These eco-friendly products use less electricity, thus helping to lower your utility bill

Efficient HVAC Systems

Today’s HVAC systems are far more efficient than those of a few years ago. Not only do they bring increased comfort and improved air quality to the home, but they also use less energy and help to lower utility costs.

An Efficient Design With Lots of Storage

Homebuyers are looking for ways to maximize space and make better use of a home’s square footage.

An efficient design, with an open floor plan and multi-functional rooms, is complemented by a lot of storage.

With more people buying small homes, unique and practical storage solutions allow homeowners to have enough space to stay organized.

More Natural Light

Going with the theme of eco-friendly living, homes that maximize natural lighting don’t require as much energy to stay well-lit inside.

Plus, by adding more windows (or just larger ones) to bring more natural light into your home, you’ll make your living space feel larger and get better outdoor views.

A Separate Laundry

Being able to keep the family’s personal items out of sight is a luxury many homeowners want in their home. No one wants to feel like the washer and dryer are in the middle of the cooking or entertaining area.

A home with a separate area for laundry, whether it’s a designated room or just a space away from the higher traffic hot spots, offers a world of convenience.

An Outdoor Living Area with Private Backyard

A well-constructed porch, deck or patio can do wonders for a home’s perceived square footage. Plus, with proper landscaping, the backyard can allow for outdoor fun and relaxation without feeling like the whole neighborhood is watching.

Eat-In, Partially Separated Kitchen

A designated spot for dining in close proximity to the kitchen is important to homeowners, as is a partially separated kitchen. Being able to maintain an easy flow of space while keeping the kitchen from overflowing into other parts of the home allows families to dine together with ease, but it keeps the hustle and bustle of a kitchen from taking over the rest of the house.

Guest Bedroom and Bath

You want your overnight guests to enjoy their visit. You don’t want them feeling like they’re taking over an office or living room by sleeping on a foldaway couch.

A guest bedroom with additional bath may seem like an extravagance, but the extra living space adds value while also offering guests a private area where they can feel more at home.

A Comfortable Family Gathering Space

Think of a family room as a combination of a formal living room and a den — a place where the family can gather together for fun and relaxation. With family time a priority, many homeowners are coming up with new and inventive ways to customize a designated space to share with their loved ones.

A Home That Multi-Tasks

Today’s home office is more than just a desk and some shelves. Homeowners want a designated, functional space that allows them to work away from the rest of the family and not have to run back and forth throughout the home to get things they need. They are integrating features for productivity and convenience, such as a media system with TV, Internet and phone service, and refrigerator and freezer drawers for enjoying drinks and snacks without leaving the room.

Improved Home Electronics

Today, technology can integrate all sorts of home systems, allowing devices to "talk" to each other and share information. Home entertainment systems can be designed to stream content from your TV, Internet or DVDs. Smart phones can be connected to your alarm system, security cameras and lights so you can access and activate them when you’re not at home. Plus, energy dashboards let you monitor the energy you use and how much it costs.

Large Three-Car Garage

The garage has come a long way from being the place where you park your car. A large garage is a necessity for homeowners with multiple recreational vehicles, like motorcycles or boats. Other people will section off part of the garage and use it for storage, as a workout/gym area or as specialized work space, like an artist studio or workshop

A Low-Maintenance Exterior

Homeowners don’t want to spend time and money continually repairing siding, re-sealing the deck or dealing with other home exterior hassles. They want healthy landscaping and a beautiful home without having to keep up with all the maintenance.

Thanks to more durable building materials, like vinyl, cement fiber siding and composite woods, exterior upkeep is much easier. Plus, low-maintenance landscaping requires less water and less time for weeding, mowing or pruning.

Here’s a room-by-room guide to saving money and benefiting the Earth while still enjoying some summertime fun.

By Kimberly Palmer and Maura Judkis of U.S. News & World Report

Before the summer temperatures — and summertime utility bills — start to make you sweat, you might want to consider making a few changes to cut your energy consumption. You can shave dollars off your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort as long as you plan and get creative. Here’s a room-by-room guide to saving money this summer — and benefiting the Earth at the same time.

In the basement: Geoff Godwin, division vice president of Emerson, the country’s largest provider of heating and cooling systems, says cleaning air-conditioning filters every month and getting your system checked by a professional once a year will ensure that it’s functioning as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. "A lot of people don’t do that — they ignore the AC system until something goes wrong," he says, and then they end up buying a new unit instead of making minor fixes.

If you need a new air conditioner, an energy-efficient one might be eligible for a tax credit (check at www.energystar.gov). When you’re shopping around, look for a unit with a seasonal energy-efficiency ratio of 16 to 21, the highest level of efficiency. Another option is a geothermal heating and cooling system, which uses pipes running from the more stable, ambient temperatures 5 feet underground into your home, where they pump heat in or out, depending on the season.

Throughout the house: "Make sure your house is leak-free," says Ronnie Kweller, spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy, or else "nice, cold, expensive air is going out the cracks." You might want to consider assigning this task to a professional. Through the Energy Star online directory, you can find a local auditor who will use diagnostic equipment to test your home for areas where air conditioning might escape. Your auditor will probably do what’s known as a blower door test, which lowers the air pressure in your home and reveals leaks. He or she may also take a photo of your house with a thermographic camera; the red areas of the photo will indicate where better insulation and sealing are needed.

If you don’t want to shell out money for an energy auditor, you can perform a casual energy audit yourself. Efficiency experts recommend feeling around baseboards, windows, doors, light switches and electrical sockets for air leaks. Air can escape or enter anywhere that two different building materials meet. Kweller also recommends walking around your house with incense to see if the smoke blows in when you pass windows. Kweller says old wooden windows are especially prone to this kind of leakage.

If you find problem areas, seal with foam or caulking, which you can find at a hardware store. Insulation that meets certain efficiency criteria is eligible for federal tax credits. Kweller says properly sealing your house can save up to 20% on your utility bill.

Using a programmable thermostat so that the temperature automatically rises when no one is home during the day can yield annual savings of about 30%, Godwin says. While about 25 million households own programmable thermostats, only half of those people take advantage of them.

Replacing older light bulbs with compact fluorescents not only reduces your electricity bill, it can help save energy on air conditioning since fluorescents generate less heat, Kweller says. She estimates that each bulb can save about $50 over its lifetime.

In the living room: There’s nothing wrong with hosting movie nights this summer, but make sure you shut your entertainment center down when the evening’s over. Simply turning off a television set doesn’t put a stop to so-called "vampire power" — the power that devices consume even when they’re not in use. That’s why you should either unplug your electronics or use a Smart Strip, which cuts power when it’s not needed.

If you’re in the market for a new television, check energy-efficiency ratings. The Energy Department bestows its Energy Star rating to sets that use about one-third less energy than regular televisions. In general, LCD televisions use less energy than plasma screens, but both use more than older sets.

Remember to turn the power off or unplug your digital photo frames when you’re not gazing at those illuminated photos. Over a year, leaving one on costs about $9 — not a lot, but when thousands of people are doing the same thing, it adds up.

In the kitchen: Baking a cake or casserole in the summer will force your air conditioner to go into overdrive. Plus, eating hot food will only make you want to turn the thermostat down. But you don’t have to survive on cold pasta salads and gazpacho this summer. Instead of using your oven, consider an outdoor grill or toaster oven for small amounts of food.

If you’re up for a challenge, try baking cookies on your car — yes, your car. Nicole Weston of the “Baking Bites” blog developed a method of baking cookies with the heat that collects inside cars on steamy days. She suggests parking in the sun, using a thermometer to help monitor the temperature, and protecting your dashboard by putting a barrier between it and the baking sheet. (It should be at least 95 degrees outside and the baking takes around 2½ hours.)

In the bathroom: If you don’t want to spend money on a low-flow toilet, you can still make yours more efficient by dropping a soda bottle filled with sand or water into the tank. It will use less water each time it flushes. Ivan Chan of carbonfund.org adds that small steps such as turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving can save a substantial amount of water (and money on your water bill) each year. He also recommends installing a water-conserving shower head.

In the bedroom: Stay cool while you sleep with an overhead fan instead of pumping air conditioning throughout the entire house. Shutting the doors and vents of unused rooms can also lighten the load on your air-conditioning unit.

Outside: A way to reduce cooling costs in the longer run is to plant trees or shrubs so that your house is more shaded, especially on the sunnier side, Kweller says. (For a quicker fix, draw the blinds or shades when you’re not home.)

Here’s how to determine what’s causing the problem and how much it will cost to fix it.

By Margarette Burnette of Bankrate.com

Many homeowners are perplexed when they see defects in their homes. If there is a water spot on the ceiling, does it mean a few shingles on the roof need to be replaced? Or does an entirely new roof need to be purchased?

Reggie Marston, president of Residential Equity Management Home Inspections in Springfield, Va., says it is important to thoroughly assess any defects in a home. Call in experts as necessary to help decide whether the repair is a major or minor expense, he says.

"Homeowners should have some method of determining the extent of the problem and how to have it corrected," Marston says.

Relatively common defects — such as cracks in concrete or worn wooden decks — may offer clues as to whether they can be solved with a quick, cheap fix, or whether they require a long, costly remodel, Marston says.

Homeowners need to use these clues to spend their repair dollars wisely.

1. Cracked concrete
Thin cracks along a concrete foundation could be the result of settling in the concrete and are not necessarily be a cause for concern, says Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster Home Inspections in Bound Brook, N.J.

However, homeowners need to pay attention to the shape and direction of the divide. Long, horizontal splits in the concrete could indicate pressure from the outside — possibly from saturated soil — that needs to be repaired. "Normal settlement doesn’t generally cause horizontal cracks," Kuhn says.

Regardless of shape, any cracks that leak water or are wider than one-fourth of an inch (some experts put the limit at one-sixteenth of an inch) should be inspected by a structural engineer immediately, Kuhn says.

Even if a crack appears to be minor, it should be repaired, Marston says. "If moisture gets inside a small crack, it can cause the steel inside to rust, which could cause further deterioration," he says.

Cost: The cost for a structural engineer to assess a property is about $300, Marston says. If the expert finds major structural damage, the repair would be costly.

"Typical bills range from $10,000 to $30,000," he says.

2. Worn-out decks
One low-tech way to test the firmness of a wooden backyard deck — assuming it’s safe to stand on — is to hit it hard with your foot and listen to the sound it makes, says Dean Bennett, president of Dean Bennett Design and Construction in Castle Rock, Colo.

"If you hear the board beneath your foot vibrate, the deck is still probably solid," Bennett says.

Marston says that if the deck is fairly new, it’s probably structurally sound. "When the wood is under five years old, then even if the lumber is discolored and there’s a little cracking, it’s generally not a cause for concern," he says. "The solution could be as simple as cleaning it, resecuring the nails and adding a sealant."

Cost: Marston says the cost of a cosmetic repair could range from $200 up to about $1,000, depending on whether the owner makes it a do-it-yourself project or hires a contractor.

If the deck is older than about 15 years, however, it is probably past its life expectancy and should be inspected by an experienced, licensed landscape contractor, Marston says. Replacement costs range from $5,000 to about $20,000, he says.

3. Ceiling water stain
After spotting a water stain, homeowners should consider where the possible source of the stain is, Kuhn says. If there’s a bathroom above the water spot, the leak may be a plumbing issue. That could be a costly repair, she says, because a plumber may need access to an interior wall to repair the leaking pipe.

If the water spot appears to be rainwater coming through the roof, it’s not necessarily a major expense, especially if the roof is fairly new, Marston says. It could simply be a nail that popped through a shingle on the roof, or flashing (which secures pipes to a roof) that hasn’t been caulked properly, he says.

"Those problems are relatively simple to fix," Marston says. "They usually cost a couple hundred dollars for a roofer to repair."

Other problems could be more expensive to fix. For example, if the roof is 15 years old and several shingles have blown off, the roof is probably in poor condition and may require a complete replacement, Marston says.

"Most builder-grade asphalt roofs have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years," he says.

Cost: New roofs cost from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on their size, Marston says.

4. Inefficient heating and cooling
If a home’s heat source or air conditioning unit isn’t working well, homeowners need to have it inspected by a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) professional, Bennett says.

The technician will look for problems and probably will perform general maintenance on the system, which may include cleaning the burners, tightening connections and checking the system controls, Bennett says.

After the heating and cooling unit is repaired, homeowners still need to budget for regular maintenance on their systems to keep them in good condition, Marston says. "If the system isn’t efficient in the first place, it’s probably because the owners didn’t keep it properly maintained."

Cost: Common problems that HVAC technicians discover, such as defective igniters and fuses, are relatively cheap to fix, Bennett says.

"Homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for these types of repairs," he says.

However, Marston says that if the unit is older than 10 years and isn’t working properly, it’s probably best to buy a new one. Otherwise, even after it’s been repaired, it probably won’t have the energy efficiency that newer models will have.

New HVAC units cost about $5,000, with high-efficiency models starting at about $10,000, Marston says.

5. Basement wall spots
If a basement wall spot appears to be mold, there’s probably a moisture problem, Marston says.

"Call a soil engineer or home inspector to help determine where the moisture’s coming from," he says. If water is coming from leaks in the interior water pipes, the repair could cost thousands. However, if the problem is poor water flow around the house, the exterior of the house may just need simple regrading, Marston says.

"The owner could hire a landscaper for a couple hundred dollars to add more shrubs and to make sure the dirt that’s beside the house is 6 inches higher than the level of dirt that’s 10 feet away," Marston says. This allows water to drain away from the house.

If you live in an arid climate, a wall spot may not be moisture at all.

Bennett, who lives in Colorado, says: "Out west, in our part of country, it’s very dry. We don’t see a lot of water filtration, so we don’t run into mold issues often. So a spot could just be dirt."

The solution? Soap and water.

Cost: Anywhere from a few dollars to several thousand dollars.

Get the most out of your home’s next remodeling project by following advice from the pros.

By MyHomeIdeas.com

1. Good plans equal great results.
Successful remodeling projects require careful planning and a realistic budget. "Many people want to build it cheap and fast," says builder David Lisenby, certified graduate remodeler, of Lisenby Construction. "They want an estimate before they even have a plan." A solid strategy will ensure that the homeowner and the builder are on the same page, saving both parties time and money.

2. Quality counts.
Potential homebuyers have more sophisticated tastes than ever. That’s why spending a little extra on good design, quality materials and careful craftsmanship can garner big rewards when it comes time to sell.

3. Insist on coherent design.
A good remodel or addition should complement the original structure. Pay particular attention to roof lines, trim details and window sizes and styles.

4. Meet expectations.
What buyers want varies from area to area and from one price range to the next. Do some comparison shopping to see what your competition will be like should you decide to sell. And talk to a real-estate agent who knows your neighborhood.

5. Consider the neighbors.
The value of nearby houses affects the value of your home. Remodeling or adding on to a house that’s smaller than surrounding homes will yield a greater value than adding on to a house that’s already one of the largest on the street. A general rule of thumb: Don’t overbuild for the neighborhood.

6. Get permission.
Before starting any type of remodel, make sure the design conforms to all local building restrictions. Some neighborhoods also have their own stipulations and design review processes. Double-check that necessary building permits have been acquired before construction begins.

7. Build up to code.
Plumbing, electrical and building codes help ensure safety. Licensed contractors should perform work that meets all codes.

8. Exercise patience.
If you can, wait for the right time to sell. “In a strong market, the value will catch up with the cost,” Lisenby says.

9. Know the market.
Some types of remodeling projects can return more than average and speed up resale.

10. Experience matters.
Substandard work on your remodel is a buyer turnoff. "You don’t want someone learning on your project," Lisenby says.

By: Karin Beuerlein

If you live in the Midwest, here are maintenance jobs you should complete in spring and summer to prevent costly repairs and keep your home in top condition.

Certain home maintenance tasks should be completed each season to prevent structural damage, save energy, and keep all your home’s systems running properly. What maintenance tasks are most important for the Midwest in spring and summer? Here are the major issues you should be aware of and critical tasks you should complete. For a comprehensive list of tasks by season, refer to the to-do lists at the end of this article.

When spring arrives in the Midwest, it’s time to clean up your home and yard from the ravages of winter. As the weather warms, you can also accomplish some routine maintenance tasks that are much more agreeable when the sun is shining.

Key maintenance tasks to perform

• Check your gutters and downspouts. “Stuff accumulates even after your fall gutter cleaning,” says Frank Lesh, president of Home Sweet Home Inspection Co. in Indian Head Park, Ill. “Pine needles especially, which fall all year long and are difficult to remove.” Children’s toys, he says, also find their way into gutters between cleanings, as well as nails and other debris from the roof. Look for any signs of wind or ice damage—has the gutter pulled away from the house, or bent so that there are depressions where water can stand? You can usually repair damage yourself for under $50 by adjusting or reattaching brackets and gently hammering out bent areas.
Lesh also recommends examining your downspouts for blockages. “You can’t see inside them,” he says, “so tap them with a screwdriver handle to see if they sound hollow.” If the ends run underground, where animals can build nests or winter debris can become trapped, your best bet is to put a garden hose in the gutter and see where the water discharges. If you have a blockage, you’ll have to disassemble or dig up part of the downspout until you locate it.
• Inspect your roof for winter damage. This is best done from a ladder, but if you’re allergic to ladders, use a pair of binoculars to check your roof from your yard. Look for loose and missing shingles. If anything looks unusual, investigate further yourself or call a roofing contractor.
• Take a close look at your chimney. “Do this even if the winter was mild,” Lesh says. “High winds, rain, and snow can damage a chimney. Look for cracks, missing mortar, loose bricks or boards, and signs of rot.” If any of those things are present, call a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America for a repair estimate. If the metal flashing and the cap on a chimney are galvanized, Lesh says, check to see if they look brownish, which means they’re rusting and should be replaced. Also, make sure the cap is still present but hasn’t collapsed and covered the flue opening, which could cause a dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside the house. Expect chimney repairs to start around $200.
• Examine your drainage. Make sure soil slopes away from your foundation at least 6 vertical inches in the first 10 feet on all sides of the house and that there are no areas of standing water. If you have properly sloped foundation drainage but still have areas of standing water, consider a landscaping solution, such as a swales (contoured drainage depressions), berms (raised banks of earth), terraces, or French drains (a shallow, gravel-filled trench that diverts water away from the house).
• Take a look at your siding. Has any of it come loose or begun to rot? Repair any damaged sections before moisture has a chance to set in. No matter what your siding is made of (wood, vinyl, brick), it may need a spring cleaning. The best DIY method for any kind of siding is a bucket of soapy water and a long-handled brush. A power washer is not recommended and should only be handled by a professional cleaning contractor. If you choose to have your siding professionally cleaned, expect to pay $300–$500 depending on the size of your home.
• Schedule your biannual HVAC appointment. Get ready for the air conditioning season with your spring tune-up. If your system wasn’t running well last season, be sure to tell your contractor, and make sure he performs actual repairs if necessary rather than simply adding refrigerant. “He shouldn’t just charge it up,” Lesh says. “That will work for a while, but it won’t last. Freon lasts forever—if your system is low, there’s a leak somewhere, and he should tell you specifically what he’s going to check to fix it.” Expect to pay $50–$100.
Your contractor’s maintenance checklist should include checking thermostats and controls, checking the refrigerant level, tightening connections, lubricating any moving parts, checking the condensate drain, and cleaning the coils and blower. Duct cleaning, while it probably won’t hurt anything, is not necessary; be wary of contractors who want to coat the inside of the ducts with antimicrobial agents, as research has not proven the effectiveness of this method and any chemicals used in your ducts will likely become airborne.
On your own, make sure your filters are changed and vacuum out all your floor registers.
• Check your GFCIs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you do this once a month, and it’s a good idea to incorporate it into your spring maintenance routine. GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) are electrical outlets that protect you from deadly electrical shocks by shutting off the power anytime even a minimal disturbance in current is detected. They feature two buttons (“test” and “reset”), and should be present anywhere water and electricity can mix:  kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages, and the exterior of the house.
To test your GFCIs, plug a small appliance (a nightlight, for example) into each GFCI. Press the test button, which should click and shut off the nightlight. The reset button should also pop out when you press the test button; when you press reset, the nightlight should come back on.
If the nightlight doesn’t go off when you press the test button, either the GFCI has failed and should be replaced, or the wiring is faulty should be inspected. If the reset button doesn’t pop out, or if pressing it doesn’t restore power to the nightlight, the GFCI has failed and should be replaced. These distinctions can help you tell an electrician what the problem is—neither job is one you should attempt yourself if you don’t have ample experience with electrical repair.
Spending a weekend or two on maintenance can prevent expensive repairs and alert you to developing problems before they become serious. Be sure to check out the comprehensive seasonal to-do list following this article, and visit the links below for more detailed information on completing tasks or repairs yourself.

Karin Beuerlein has covered home improvement and green living topics extensively for HGTV.com, FineLiving.com, and FrontDoor.com. In more than a decade of freelancing, she’s also written for dozens of national and regional publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, The History Channel Magazine, Eating Well, and Chicago Tribune. She and her husband started married life by remodeling the house they were living in. They still have both the marriage and the house, no small feat

By Michele Dawson

Figuring out whether you’re ready to buy a house — whether you’re a renter or are aiming to move up or size down — can be a daunting task. But there are signs that will indicate whether you’re ready to take the buying plunge.

If you are thinking about buying, you’re not alone. So are you ready to make the move?

You might be if you:

1. Are familiar with the market. If you’ve been paying attention to how much houses are listed for in the neighborhoods you’re eyeing and have a realistic view of how much a house will cost you, you’re in good shape. But if you’re dreaming about that big corner house with no clue about it’s asking price, you may want to spend some more time becoming familiar with the market and how much houses are going for.

2. Have the money for a down payment and closing costs. The down payment is a percentage of the value of the property. Freddie Mac says the percentage will be determined by the type of mortgage you select. Down payments usually range from 3 to 20 percent of the property value. Also, you may be required to have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MI) if your down payment is less than 20 percent. Closing costs include points, taxes, title insurance, financing costs and items that must be prepaid or escrowed and other settlement costs. You can expect to pay between from 2 to 7 percent of the property value. Generally, buyers will receive an estimate of these costs from your lender after you apply for a mortgage.

3. Know how much you can afford. Freddie Mac says that as a general guide, your monthly mortgage payment should be less than or equal to a percentage of your income, usually about a quarter of your gross monthly income. Also, your income, debt and credit history go into determining how much you can borrow. As a general rule, your debt -credit card bills, car loans, housing expenses, alimony and child support — should not be more than about 30 to 40 percent of your gross income.

4. Know what additional expenses will come with owning a home. This includes homeowners insurance, utility bills, maintenance costs — roofing, plumbing, heating and cooling.

5. Have your credit in good shape and make sure your credit report is accurate. Potential lenders will view your credit history — how much debt you’ve accrued, how many accounts you have open, whether your payments are made on time, etc. — to determine whether they’ll give you a loan. You should get a report from each of the three credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.

6. You haven’t made any recent major purchases, particularly a vehicle. If you do, you may have a harder time getting a loan — or it could potentially lower the amount you’ll be approved for.

By Luke Mullins of U.S. News & World Report

As the temperature drops and the snow piles up, it’s easy to forget that spring is quickly approaching. After more than three years of a painful housing swoon, real-estate experts predict that lower prices, attractive mortgage rates and a tax perk from Uncle Sam will create the most vibrant spring home-selling season in some time. "This is going to be probably the most pleasant experience for a home seller in the last four or five years," says Mike Larson of Weiss Research. "If you have been beating your head against a wall, this is going to feel a lot better." But even if the market does perk up, buyers are likely to retain the upper hand throughout 2010. So to help property owners get the best selling price they can — without burying themselves in expenses — U.S. News has created a list of 10 cheap ways to boost a home’s sales price by spring:

1. Retouch the front shell: If your property’s exterior isn’t appealing, no one will want to see your newly remodeled kitchen. Property sellers must first ensure that their home projects a cozy, inviting feeling. "The shell — the outside front — is probably the most important area for improvement, the area where you can make the biggest improvement with the smallest amount of cash," says Pat Lashinsky, president and CEO of ZipRealty. Touching up the paint on the front-entry portion of the house can be an inexpensive but effective way to make the entire property more inviting. "Really focus on that outside, external shell," Lashinsky says. "You would be amazed by the amount of people that drive by a house and say, ‘Ah, that’s not for me.’ And they can tell just by the way the upkeep and the outside looks."

2. Trim the greenery: Ensuring that the lawn, hedges and flowers are well-maintained helps make your home more alluring to prospective buyers. Property owners can hire professional landscapers or break out the lawn mower and get busy themselves. "Many people have landscaping that is overgrown and too heavy, and it is concealing a lot of the house," says Paul Zuch, the president of Capital Improvements. "Trim the trees, trim the hedges … (and) add a little color to the flower beds."

3. Paint the interior: Putting a fresh coat of paint on the home’s interior is a cost-effective way to make a home more appealing to buyers, says Ron Phipps, a broker with Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. When choosing the color, homeowners should be conservative. "The caution is that your favorite color may not be the favorite color of the buyer." Instead, homeowners are best off using neutral colors, Phipps says. "Go with something that is a very light yellow or a light cream with a contrasting white, so it just looks very fresh and crisp. … Having the paint in good condition is almost more important than the color."

4. Don’t forget the floors: Improving the condition of a home’s flooring is also a smart move for sellers — and you don’t need to refinish wood floors or install new carpets to make them more attractive. "If it’s a hardwood (floor), has the floor been buffed?" says David Lupberger, a home improvement expert with ServiceMagic.com. "If you have carpets, have the carpets been cleaned?"

5. Make all major repairs: Because tighter lending standards demand higher down payments, today’s homebuyers won’t have much cash left for improvements once they’ve made their purchase. So it’s imperative for sellers to make all major home repairs — fixing the leaky roof, rebuilding the front stoop — before they put the property on the market. "Repairs can’t be ignored, because nobody has any extra money," Phipps says. To determine what needs to be done, property owners can scrutinize their homes themselves or bring in a home inspector to examine the property professionally. "The home inspection piece, I think, is something that is a huge value, particularly if there is something that is a question," Phipps says.

6. Put appliances under warranty: To give buyers more confidence in a home’s appliances, Phipps recommends that sellers put them under warranty. Sellers can buy home warranties, which cover repair and replacement costs for many home appliances, from several different companies. "If I have got a 40- or 50-year-old house, it is going to be harder for me to persuade a first-time homebuyer with a limited amount of cash to buy it because they will say, ‘Well, what happens if something breaks down?’" Phipps says. "If I have a home warranty … that solves that problem."

7. Make energy-efficient home improvements: Increasing your home’s energy efficiency is another good way to make your property more attractive to buyers. Many such improvements, such as new windows or better insulation, come with federal tax benefits. In addition, a growing awareness of human impact on the environment means that homes that have these upgrades will stand out from other listings. "If you have some cruddy old windows that are leaky and just not energy efficient, you can put in new replacement windows and take advantage of the tax credit," Zuch says. "It’s not greenwashing. Those are really practical things that make your house more sellable." Many contractors will conduct a so-called energy audit free of charge to determine where efficiencies can be created, Zuch says. "If your house is more energy efficient — you use less energy, it’s better insulated — it is going to be more desirable for a potential buyer," he says.

8. New light fixtures: Replacing old or broken light fixtures with new ones can also be a low-cost way to add value, Lupberger says. Installing a new light fixture in the foyer can be a particular benefit, he says, because it can make a strong first impression on would-be buyers. Creating an inviting feeling in the interior entryway helps get home shoppers more interested in checking out the rest of the property. "I am not going to redo the house," Lupberger says. "But I can update those features so that somebody can walk in and say, ‘You know what? (The homeowners) took care of this.’"

9. New stove: While some homeowners might think the only way to jazz up a dated kitchen is a full-on remodeling job, Lashinsky recommends a much less costly alternative: buying a new stove. "If there is an updated stove in the kitchen, it is amazing how that draws people in, and people say, ‘Wow, this kitchen is going to be great,’" Lashinsky says. While upscale homeowners may have to shell out for top-of-the-line appliances to maintain their kitchen’s décor, others can budget well under $1,000 for the upgrade. "You can get a really nice stove for $700 or $800," Lashinsky says. "You can basically have the look of a new kitchen that is going to be really enticing to someone — and what you are really trying to do is differentiate your house from somebody else’s."

Property owners in neighborhoods where most homes have granite countertops can consider making this upgrade as well. But Lupberger says the project makes sense only for homeowners with extremely dated kitchens that are going to serve as a serious impediment to finding a buyer. A real-estate agent with experience in the local market can help you determine whether the upgrade is essential, he says.

10. Freshen up the bathrooms: Getting rid of mildew stains on the bathroom caulking can boost a home’s appeal as well. Such stains "scream, ‘These people haven’t taken care of this house. It’s going to be a money pit,’" Zuch says. Use a razor blade to remove the old caulk, and replace it with new, mildew-resistant caulk, Zuch says. And rather than remodeling the entire space, homeowners can reinvigorate a worn-down bathroom by replacing cracked sinks, Lupberger says.

1. Maintain neutrality
This policy has worked for Switzerland, and it can also work in real estate. Customizing your home is great if you plan to stay there, but extreme colors and themed rooms can scare off potential homebuyers. If you have customized every room with extremely bright or dark colored paint, wallpaper or wall fixtures, you may want to consider toning it down a bit. Using neutral colors on the walls can help prospective buyers create their own vision for the house, and will also leave them with less work to undo if they buy the house.

2. Less is more
Even though you have not moved out yet, removing some of your furniture can help the house move off the market. If you take pictures for your listing, having less furniture can help the home appear more spacious. When potential homebuyers arrive, having less furniture can also provide clear walkways.

3. That new house smell
Honestly, the new house smell isn’t always the most pleasant, but at least it is new. In preparing to show your home, you should avoid strong smells. To avoid odors, make sure to take out the trash and clean the refrigerator regularly. It’s also good to be mindful of what you cook in the days leading up to a showing; certain foods have strong scents. If you have pets, keep an eye on the litter box. Any smell that is too strong could send potential homebuyers running out the door.

4. Pay attention to the details
It’s not a good idea to make major renovations when you are ready to sell your home; you may not recoup your investment. If you never got around to starting or completing that total kitchen or bathroom makeover, then you can make some small, inexpensive changes to spruce things up. Replacing the hardware on cabinets is a quick way to improve the appearance of older looking fixtures. Upgrading small items such as light switch and outlet covers can add a nice touch.

5. Maximize your “curb appeal”
The front of your home is the first thing prospective homebuyers will see, so keeping it presentable is a must. If there is a yard, keep the grass to a reasonable height and, if there are trees, be sure to keep the branches under control. The path to your front door should be a clear and welcoming one, not an obstacle course.

6. Don’t get too personal
Upon entering your house, everyone will know it is lived in, but they do not need to see all the evidence. Get rid of excess clutter such as newspapers, magazines and mail. Be sure to put away your laundry and shoes. It may also be a good idea to put away some other personal belongings, like pictures on the refrigerator or mantle. For you, the pictures may make a house a home or display your personal touch. For the new homeowner, it may appear too personal.

7. Take care of repairs
Waiting to make repairs until after you find a buyer can be tricky. Depending on the nature of the repairs, you may not be able to find a buyer. Depending on how fast the buyer wants to close on the house, you may not have enough time to make the repairs. Save yourself some time and potential trouble by making repairs before you list your home. The repairs will have to be made anyway, so it is better to get them out of the way sooner rather than later.
First impressions can make the difference between a sale or no sale. Keeping things simple can give you a leg up on similar houses on the market.

Buying a home can be exciting. It also can be somewhat daunting, even if you’ve done it before. You will deal with mortgage options, credit reports, loan applications, contracts, points, appraisals, change orders, inspections, warranties, walk-throughs, settlement sheets, escrow accounts, recording fees, insurance, taxes…the list goes on. No doubt you will hear and see words and terms you’ve never heard before. Just what do they all mean? The Federal Trade Commission, the agency that promotes competition and protects consumers, has prepared this glossary to help you better understand the terms commonly used in the real estate and mortgage marketplace.

Click Here for the definitions of the most common real estate terms

Do you have a question about something that is not on the list?  Give me a call!