Robert is right: 1) look at the comps, and 2) check out your competition.

Stated another way, you'd be wasting your money to upgrade your kitchen to include stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, ceramic tile floors, . . . if most of the other homes in the area don't also have them. On the other hand, if the other have them, and yours doesn't, then you'll need those upgrades just to remain competitive.

Also, more important than any repairs/additions is whether or not you're pricing your property correctly for the market. If you know that you want to hit a certain minimal figure, and don't wish to make any changes, then get a repair estimate (around the time when the comps are in the ballpark of your figure) and make sure that your property appraises at least for its sales price.

best returns on your money for improvements are always Kitchens and baths. Fresh paint and carpet/flooring goes a long way with first impressions. a good website for keeping an eye on property values right around you home is http://www.Escondidopropertyvalues.info, the site will update you monthly on prices and new listing and sales within your immediate neighborhood.

How recently did you buy? Which area? What are you trying to net? The improvements will depend on the type of buyer demographic you are trying to attract. I work with investors who rehab and flip homes so we have a good idea of what to do and how to do it correctly.

Good. The best way to know when the price hit your goal is to look at comparable sales when you are ready to sell. The way to enhance the house is to put new carpet and painted. Also do some landscaping, specially in front of the house. If the house has old windows, replacing them would greatly improve the value.

I would look at FHA standards and get the property up to those standards. Then, paint, carpet...updated kitchen. Should be good to go.

What price range did you buy in?
Best of luck,
Joan Wilson –Realtor, Ecobroker, SRES, Reo & Short Sale Specialist
Prudential
760-757-3468

http://californiacool4sale.com
http://shouldIshortsalemyhomenow.com

A good way to know when you have hit your price goal is to look at the comparable sales. Look at houses close to yours and similar in size, age, lot size and see what they are selling for. This is the very best way to value your house as it is what appraisers and banks do.

The cheapest way to add value to a house is painting the exterior and interior! Other items that can add value are kitchen remodel, bath remodels, new flooring, landscaping, new light fixtures. Look for inexpensive cosmetic things you can do.

Escondido Seller, It's hard to say, since we don't know what your goal is, what you paid, what condition the home is in, etc. Did you use a Realtor to purchase the home? If so, and if you were pleased with them, then they should be able to answer your questions.

If not, and you need a realtor, I am happy to help, as would many other Realtors. We don't have crystal balls, but we can give you our expertise and make suggestions.

Sincerely,

Patti Phillips
"Advice You Need, Attention You Deserve"
800-680-9133 or 619-507-2100

The market is beginning to settle down. With the inventory being sucked up, summer around the corner will stabilize the market a bit. There is still a stream of short sales and foreclosurers do to hit, but there are pleanty of buyers out there. You might want to visit a website called http://www.EscondidoPropertyValues.info
and keep an eye on how your personal market area is reacting.