Are your House Upgrades Really Worth It - Read On

Homeowners invest a tremendous amount of money and time in renovating their homes and I am one of them.  I have no plans of selling so the renovations I do on my home will be mine to enjoy for many years to come.  But if you are thinking of making some upgrades and do plan on selling in a couple of years, you need to keep in mind that you won't get the majority of your money back when it comes time to sell.  

Here is an example of some renovations with estimated cost and resale value:

Siding Replacement: Cost $11,653 - Resale Value $9,173 
Roofing: Cost $23,232  Resale Value - $14,689
Finished Basement: Cost $68,253 - Resale Value $41,918
Kitchen: Cost $22,267 - Resale Value $16,802
Bathroom: Cost $17,620 - Resale Value $10,773

These estimates are averages taken from the 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report for the New England Region.  This will give you a sense of the type of return you can expect based on the renovations you make on your home.  For a more in depth report and explanations as to how they arrive at these figures, visit the web site at http://www.costvsvalue.com/.

Check out the latest features at www.ColdwellBanker.com

In case you haven't visited the Coldwell Banker website, I encourage you to check it out.  Coldwell Banker is always on the cutting edge of technology offering the best real estate web site for the consumer.  Last summer they launched their new site which features their BlueScape Search.  People who use Pandora can relate to this type of online searching.  Give it a try - it is very cool.

The latest new tool added to the site, is Lifestyle Search - Its all about the neighborhood and more.  Read more about it at http://bit.ly/eO4cle or visit www.ColdwellBanker.com

2011 Brush Burning Season has Begun! Get Your Permit Online

The 2011 MA brush burning season will begin on Saturday, Jan. 15 and will run through May 1, 2011, weather conditions permitting.  Burning permits will again be available through the on-line permit system at www.fcburnpermits.com.    You are encouraged to obtain your permit on-line whenever possible.  If this is not possible, you may still contact one of the dispatchers at 413-625-8200 to obtain a permit.

1% increase in Mortgage Rate is a Big Deal

Great article that explains how a 1% increase in a mortgage rate makes a big difference not only with monthly mortgage payment but qualifying for a loan.

http://bit.ly/gRco9I

Real Estate, Investing and Economy: Is Now the Time to Dip a Toe in Housing? - CNBC

Is now a good time to buy?  What do you think?  Watch those interest rates and inventory of homes.  The spring market will be an indicator of what is yet to come.  Stay tuned . . .
Real Estate, Investing and Economy: Is Now the Time to Dip a Toe in Housing? - CNBC

Franklin County Sales - 2nd Place out of a list of 100 Real Estate Agents

I am pleased to announce that I placed 2nd in Sales out of a list of 100 real estate agents who sold properties in the Franklin County area in 2010.   This could not be accomplished without my loyal clients who have done business with me over the years.  Your referrals and support are greatly appreciated.

The information is gathered from the Multiple Listing Service and does not include private sales.

The Latest in Energy Efficiency for Smart Homes

It is a amazing how quickly the technology is changing towards energy efficiency.  This article gives you some of the latest innovations from LG and Panasonic.  Very cool stuff and more to come.  http://bit.ly/gl8aPL