For many people, a large, sprawling home is part of the American Dream. But with additional space comes bigger utility bills and oodles of upkeep. Depending on your lifestyle, you may suddenly find yourself with more house than you actually need or want. While the thought of moving to a modest home can be daunting, you don't need to sell off all your belongings and join the tiny home craze to downsize effectively. Also, as you shed square footage, you'll find that you gain a range of benefits that make a big difference to some homeowners. Wondering if it might be time to look for a smaller abode? Ask yourself these seven questions and you'll have your answer.

1. Is routine maintenance taking up too much of your time?

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If you find that your weekends suddenly slip away as you attempt to keep up with your landscaping or just maintain your home's interior, you may be ready for a little less housework. Sure, you could hire someone to take care of these tasks for you, but that's less money in your wallet.

2. Do you have too much house?

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Are there some rooms in your home that you don't enter for days at a time? Even if you're not using them, you're still paying to heat or cool them. (And did we mention dust and vacuum them as well?) Unless you're planning to try your hand at AirBNB and rent out a room or two, you may want to think about downsizing.

3. Are your house-related expenses eating away at your savings?

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If your income has shrunk due to retirement or an unforeseen unemployment, you don't want to have to tap into your savings each month just to make ends meet. A smaller house will require less maintenance while lowering your utility bills. You can also consider downsizing in an area where the cost of living is lower so your overall expenses will decrease.

4. Has your home appreciated substantially?

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Are homes in your 'hood fetching top dollar? This could be the time to lock in your profit and add that windfall to your retirement savings. Or, spend a little and see the world beyond your picket fence. Vacationing is easier when you leave behind a smaller home -- especially one like a condo or townhouse where outdoor maintenance is handled for you.

5. Are you feeling isolated?

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If the kids have moved away and your neighbors have also downsized, you may feel like you're the last man standing on your block. If the only person you recognize in your area is your mail carrier and that leaves you feeling isolated, it may be time to plan a move to a place where you'll see some familiar faces.

6. Has your lifestyle changed?

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Even if you once reveled in the majesty of your two-story entryway, if the thought of climbing 28 stairs to get to your bedroom now leaves you wanting to sleep on the couch in the living room, it's time to move. As many homeowners get older, they seek the ease and convenience of one-level living. If your house has become too large for you to comfortably and safely maneuver, make a change.

7. Are you sick of having too much stuff?

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Whether you're looking to explore the minimalist lifestyle or just wondering when and how you've accumulated so much stuff, you may want to consider streamlining your belongings. Holding a garage or estate sale is a great first step when thinking about downsizing. Organizations looking for donations abound online, with many offering free pickup and removal. Living in a tighter space forces you to really take stock of each item you allow through the door. Though it seems counterintuitive, having a smaller home may force you to really stay organized and not let clutter dominate your dwelling.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

If you're considering buying a home, ask any real estate agent worth their salt and they'll tell you: NOW is the time to do it. The real estate market is seemingly changing by the day, and if you want to get a great home for a great price, making a move now is in your best interest; conditions a year from now (or even six months from now) aren't likely to be as hospitable. And why is that? Why shouldn't you, if you're interested in buying a home, wait? Why is NOW the time to make a move?

1. Interest rates won't stay this low

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The first reason you should buy a home now is that interest rates are extremely competitive. While they aren't at the near-historic lows homeowners enjoyed in 2016, they're still hovering in the high 3%'s for 30-year fixed mortgages and the low 3%'s for 15-year loans. But that's going to change. Mortgage rates are scheduled to rise at least 3 times in 2018, with many experts predicting the interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage to reach 5% by the end of 2018. But what does that mean for you as a potential homeowner? Let's say your mortgage principal is $200,000. If you secured your mortgage with a 3.87% interest rate, the total interest you would pay over the course of the loan would be $138,571 (360 monthly payments of $940, for a total of $338,571). Now, if you secured a mortgage with a 5% interest rate, the total interest you would pay over the course of the loan jumps to $186,152, a difference of $43,581 (if you're interested in how changing interest rates affect the total cost of a mortgage, you can check out this interest rate calculator tool). Locking in a lower interest rate on your mortgage will save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your loan, which is why securing a loan now is in your best interest.

2. Competition is getting fierce

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Another reason now is a good time to purchase a home is that housing markets are growing more competitive every day. Now that much of the country has recovered from the recession, more and more people are in the position to purchase real estate. And the more people there are on the market, the more competition there is for homes. Competition is getting fierce in markets across the country. Homes are sold almost immediately, often at above asking price, and sellers are often dealing with multiple offers. The competition in most real estate markets is still manageable and deals are still to be found, but as the economy continues to improve, the competition will heat up even more - making finding and buying the home of your dreams significantly more challenging (not to mention expensive).

3. Homes are getting more expensive by the day...

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Speaking of expensive, homes are (literally) getting more expensive every day. In fact, as of June 2017, home prices have been rising every single month for well over 5 years. And that trend shows no sign of slowing. Experts predict home prices will jump up to 5% more in 2017 and another 3.5% in 2018 (with hot markets, like the Pacific Northwest, seeing even greater increases). Which means that if you purchase a home at the end of 2018, you can expect to pay an average of 8.5% more than you would pay today. Combine the rising interest rates with the rising home prices and you've got a recipe for paying a lot more for a home a year from now than you would pay today.

4. ... And there are fewer to choose from

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One of the factors in rising home costs is low inventory. When there are too many people who want to buy homes and not enough homes for them to buy, it drives up prices and competition in the market. We have a huge problem with low inventory now, but unfortunately, that problem doesn't have a simple solution. As interest rates rise, people are less likely to put their homes on the market in an effort to preserve the lower interest rates on their mortgages. The moral of the story is: there's low inventory now, but there's likely to be lower inventory in the future, which means prices will soar even higher. It's better to buy now than it is to wait for the problem to get worse. Buying a home is a big decision. But if it's a decision you're considering, now's the time to make a move. You'll enjoy lower interest rates and an overall less expensive (and less stressful!) experience today than you will if you wait. So get out there and find your dream home!

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

When you hire a real estate agent to sell your home, there are obvious things you notice them doing to help your house sell. Things like: hosting open houses, bringing potential buyers on home tours, and marketing your property in multiple ways to make sure it gets enough exposure. But when it comes to adding value to your home sale, that's just the tip of the iceberg. A huge percentage of your agent's job takes place behind-the-scenes, and they're working around the clock to get your house sold — even when you're not looking. Here are 4 behind-the-scenes way your real estate agent is working to get your house sold:

1. Performing market research

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When it comes to pricing your home, your agent doesn't just pull a random number out of a hat. Your agent's recommendation is a result of extensive market research to ensure your home is priced in a way that's attractive to both buyers and you, the seller. Agents pull data on comparable properties in your area (from both the MLS and any public databases) for the past 12 to 18 months. They research how each home was priced and how the price correlated to the average time the property sat on the market before coming up with a CMA (comparable market analysis) to determine the market value of your property and suggest a listing price. All the insights gathered from your agent's behind-the-scenes research are crucial to pricing your property correctly — and wouldn't be possible without your agent's hard work.

2. Gathering relevant information for buyers

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A critical part of the home selling process is providing accurate and complete information to potential buyers. But most of the information buyers want isn't something you, as a seller, will have ready and available. Your agent gathers all the information a potential buyer might want to know so that if and when they request it, it's ready to go. Agents research things like the average utility usage of your property for the past 12 months, a breakdown of the home's floor plan, and a list of all available electricity and gas vendors in the area to make it available to buyers, which saves you a ton of time and hassle.

3. Phone calls and scheduling

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As part of their marketing efforts, your agent likely has your property listed on both the MLS and multiple public forums in order to get your home in front of as many potential buyers as popular. And while the increased exposure is great for driving interest in your home, someone needs to manage all the inquiries, follow up with interested buyers, and schedule viewings. And that person is your real estate agent. When your agent calls you to schedule a tour, that's just a small part of the process. Before they called you, they've already answered email inquiries, fielded multiple phone calls, talked to buyer's agents, and weeded out people who aren't serious about viewing — and potentially buying — your home. The call you get to schedule the tour is the last step in a lengthy scheduling process — most of which your agent manages behind-the-scenes.

4. Managing the close (and all the logistics that go with it)

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Now, once a qualified buyer makes an offer on your home — and you decide to accept it — your agent's job goes into high gear. Now, that's not to say that managing the close happens entirely behind-the-scenes; obviously, your agent is going to work with you to get the job done. There's plenty of the closing process (from negotiating with the buyers to reviewing contracts) that you'll get to witness up close and personal. But there's a lot more that goes into managing the close of your home then what you actually see from your agent. They have to make sure the signed contracts are sent to everyone who needs a copy, including the lender, the buyer's agent, the title company, and any involved attorneys. They have to file a status change with the MLS from "For Sale" to "Pending" and, finally, to "Sold." They need to schedule the final walkthrough with the buyers and their agent. Closing on your home? It's kind of a logistical nightmare. But luckily for you, when you work with a real estate agent, they take care of all the (many) details and logistics that need to be managed throughout the closing process, saving you immeasurable time, money, and frustration. When you work with a real estate agent, it's easy to see the value that they bring to the table during the process of selling your home. But what you see is just the beginning. The hours you see your agent putting in — the home tours, the open houses, the phone calls — are just a tiny fraction of the work they're actually doing. Your agent is working around the clock to get your home sold... and the majority of that work takes place behind-the-scenes.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

One of the main gripes that people have with real estate agents is their commission. Many homeowners (mistakenly) think, “Why should I pay a real estate agent to do something I’m perfectly capable of doing myself?” The reason people avoid working with agents is because they think it’s going to cost them money. But in reality, working with a qualified real estate agent is worth far more than what you’ll pay in commission. In fact, working with a real estate agent can actually make the process of selling your home less stressful, less time consuming, and less expensive. Here are three ways real estate agents more than earn their commission — and can actually save you money — during your home sale:

1. They know the right people

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As the old real estate saying goes, when it comes to selling your home, it takes a village. And if you don't have the right villagers in your corner, the process of selling your home can get expensive, fast. During your home sale, there's all sorts of vendors you'll need to work with: contractors, landscapers, inspectors, tradesmen, professional stagers, movers... depending on your needs, the list can be lengthy. Finding all of those vendors on your own will take a lot of time — and there's no way to ensure you're getting a good deal when you hire them. But when you work with an agent, they have professional contacts across the board and can recommend the right vendors at the right price. Having access to your agent's network is a huge time and money saver during the sale of your home.

2. They know exactly how to price your home

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Pricing your home is tricky business. If you don't price it high enough, you'll be kicking yourself when you get less than what you believe your home is worth. But price it too high and you won't get any offers, leaving your house on the market — possibly stigmatized as "having something wrong with it" — and costing you money in the process. When you try to sell your home on your own, pricing your property can feel like a guessing game. But when you work with a qualified real estate agent, their deep market knowledge will help you price your home in a way that works for both you and potential buyers. It's an agent's job to know what's going on in your market. They know how much homes are selling for, how long homes are sitting on the market, and exactly how you need to price your home if you want it to sell quickly and profitably. This information will significantly speed up the process of selling your home AND help you fetch a higher price — both of which put money right back into your pocket.

3. They give you your time back

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Many sellers who try to manage their home sale on their own start the process thinking that it's going to require a minimal time investment. They think posting a few ads on home listing sites, hosting an open house or two, and signing a contract are all it takes to get a house sold. But unfortunately, that's not the case. Selling a home is a full-time job. That's why there's an entire industry built around it! Homeowners who go the sale-by-owner route in an attempt to save money often find their time, and lives, completely monopolized by the process. And, as they say, time is money. If you're spending all of your time trying to get your house sold, it's taking you away from your life — your family, your job, your hobbies. And there's no price tag for what that's worth. Working with a real estate agent takes all that time burden off of you. Selling your home is their full-time job, and they can devote the time and attention necessary to get it done quickly. The amount of time and hassle this will save you is invaluable. Not working with a real estate agent to save money on commission fees makes sense... in theory. But in practice, working with a real estate agent saves you immeasurable time, energy, and cash. Any good real estate agent will more than earn their commission — and then some — before the time comes to sign the closing papers.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

There's no arguing there's costs associated with owning a home. But the adverse is also true; there are also definite costs associated with NOT owning a home. The benefits of buying vs. renting has always been a hotly debated topic, with most people believing that — at least in the short term — renting is more cost effective. But most people don't consider the hidden costs of not owning a home and sinking all of your money into your rental. Here are four sneaky ways that not owning a home will cost you:

1. Your pricing is never guaranteed

When you own a home, there are no surprises when it comes to your monthly housing costs. Once you lock in your mortgage, your payment will remain constant throughout the length of your loan (unless you decide to refinance in the future). The stability of having a mortgage gives you the peace of mind of knowing what to expect each month — and not having to worry about unpleasant surprises that completely throw off your budget. When you don't own a home, it's different. You're at the mercy of your landlord; they can (and often will) change the price of your rent often to keep up with market prices. So what does that mean for you? Well, it means the price you agreed to rent the house or apartment for is not necessarily the price if will rent for in the near future, which leaves you with two options: agree to a higher price or find a new place to live (which is an expensive endeavor itself).

2. Investing in home improvement is a lost cause

Everyone wants to feel comfortable in the place they call home — whether they own or rent. And that means different things to different people; maybe it's cosmetic changes (like painting walls or hanging art) or more practical changes (like installing insulated windows to moderate the temperature). When you own a home, making the improvements necessary to make your home feel comfortable makes sense. Whatever you do to improve your home will only increase the value, making it a sound investment choice. But when you don't own your home, making improvements to your home is like throwing money away. If you paint your walls or hang too much art on the walls, you'll likely have the cost of getting the property repainted deducted from your security deposit when you move out. You can spend the money to install the insulated windows, but they're not coming with you (and the only person that investment makes sense for is your landlord). Some landlords might not even allow you to make any improvements or changes at all. Everyone wants to improve the place they live. But if you don't own a home, making those improvements just isn't a sound investment.

3. You can't always get what you want

When you own a home, you get to choose the services and amenities you enjoy. You can choose between satellite and cable television. You can choose which service providers you want to work with. You can install solar panels if you want to save money on energy costs. When you don't own a home? Not so much. When you rent a home, you're locking into the services and amenities that are tied to that property. Your landlord gives you a list of approved vendors you have no choice but to work with - and often times, those vendors aren't the most cost-efficient. If you live in an apartment community, you'll also have to pay for the amenities of that apartment community, like a pool, gym, or resident's lounge - even if you don't want them or don't use them. And all of those costs can quickly add up. When you own a home, you make the choices on what you want to pay for, which can save you a lot of cash.

4. You're not building any wealth

Perhaps the biggest cost of not owning a home is the fact that you're not building any wealth. When you rent a home, you're giving your money to someone else; you're paying for the right to live there for a predetermined period of time. When that predetermined period of time is over, you walk away with nothing; all of that money is gone. When you own your home, every time you make a mortgage payment, you're paying down your loan and building equity in your home. This is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to build wealth — and is a significantly better investment than throwing your money away on rent every month. You already know that buying a home is a better investment. But when you factor in all the hidden costs of not owning a home, it might be the less expensive one as well.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

Listing sites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Craigslist have become the go-to source for many buyers and sellers (particularly people attempting to buy or sell property on their own) to get information about the market, view properties, and connect with property owners. But while most people believe these listing sites are a reliable source of information, there's actually quite a bit of misinformation that can throw a wrench in your home search or sale. Here are the three things real estate apps commonly get wrong (and how you can avoid them while selling or buying your home):

1. Not all postings are real

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One of the biggest problems on most real estate apps is that they don't require any verification from the people placing listings. So essentially, anyone with an internet connection can post any listing they'd like — including listings that are completely falsified. There are an immeasurable number of fake listings on these sites; posters either use the "bait and switch" method, posting photos of one property when they're really selling another (one New York real estate company was caught red-handed using celebrities' properties in a highly publicized bait and switch scam in 2015), or create a completely fake listing in hopes of gathering people's personal information for marketing purposes or, in some extreme cases, identity theft. For these reasons you may waste a lot of time and energy looking through and engaging with fake listings, which can keep you from finding real listings — the kind that could end up being your dream home.

2. Not all postings are up-to-date

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Another big issue with these sites is that often times, listings aren't updated. So a listing you see for sale might have actually been sold the previous week or a listing that reads "sale pending" might actually be back on the market. This failure to update is a bad situation for both buyers and sellers. As a buyer, it means you might get excited about a home only to find out it's already been sold or you might pass on an amazing home, thinking it's already been sold... only to find out after the fact it actually was available. If your listing is out-of-date as a seller, it means you could miss out on potential buyers thanks to inaccurate information. Without up-to-date information, it's impossible to effectively manage either the search or the sale of your home. But unfortunately, when you work within these types of real estate listings sites, you're pretty much guaranteed out-of-date information.

3. Property information is often incorrect

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On top of fake listings and out-of-date listings, many listings on these sites are just flat out incorrect. And this can be a big problem for both buyers and sellers. As a buyer, you want to know what you're getting into when you look at a property. But if the information is incorrect — for example, the listing states the property is 4 bedrooms when it's really only three or that the home sits on 2 acres when it's really only 1 — you'll end up wasting a lot of time looking at properties that don't actually fit within your parameters. As a seller, not only will incorrect listing information waste time by connecting you with buyers who are looking for something different from what your property has to offer, but it can actually affect the price of your offers. Zillow, one of the top real estate apps, offers a popular feature called "Zestimate" which estimates how much a property is worth whether it's on or off the market. Anyone can access this information, including potential buyers. And buyers use Zestimates as a way to come up with offer prices. Unfortunately, Zestimates are often inaccurate. In fact, they're off by an average of 8% nationally, which is a pretty shocking disparity. Apps and listing sites readily admit their information might not be accurate; most all have a disclaimer page stating that information on their site may be inaccurate and encouraging potential buyers or sellers to verify all information independently. Moral of the story: when you deal with real estate apps, you're also going to be dealing with a lot of misinformation, which can derail your home sale or search.

What to do instead

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As you can see, real estate apps aren't your best bet when it comes to buying or selling a home. You'll end up wasting time and energy on fake or out-of-date listings or inaccurate information. That's why it's always best to work with a real estate agent. Agents have access to the most up-to-date, accurate information through the MLS, which will ensure that as a buyer, every home you see is exactly what you expect it to be, and as a seller, every potential buyer that comes to tour your home will know exactly what they're getting into.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

Real estate agents hear this all the time... “I wish I had called you before. But I just didn’t want to bother you. I know you’re busy…” ...after it is too late. There are times when you might feel like you shouldn’t “bother” the real estate agent you know. (Could be your friend, a neighbor, your brother-in-law, cousin, your sister...) Maybe you’re truly trying to be considerate. But, maybe it’s because you’re not even aware that you should. Or, you just don’t want to feel obligated or pushed into doing something. (Despite what many people think, most agents are not pushy. Most are the exact opposite.) So, let’s go over a few times that you should “bother” your real estate agent. Because it really isn’t a bother. In fact, we’ll get into why it will bother them if you don’t reach out to them for any of these things.

1. You just want to check out a house.

You see a house online. Or a For Sale sign. Maybe even just stumble across and open house. You’re not all that serious about buying a house. Maybe you’re only just starting to think about it. Or, maybe you have no desire at all to move, and you’re just curious and want to take a peek. So, you don’t want to “bother” the agent you know to show you the house. Instead, you call the listing agent. Or some random agent you don’t even know. Or just walk right into the open house. Next thing you know, you love the house. You’re making an offer. The offer is accepted. And then you regret it. Or problems come up. Or the process is miserable. Or you don’t feel like the agent you’re dealing with is giving you the best advice. And that’s when you call the agent you know. Too late. At that point, the agent you know can’t help. (Or at least shouldn’t…) Because now you are represented by another agent. The agent you know can get in a lot of trouble for even giving you friendly advice. As innocent as it seems, when you just want to go see a house… you are inadvertently making a bigger decision than you think — you are deciding who will represent your interests, advise you, and help you through the process. Even if you just go see a house with another agent, and before you even make an offer you decide to have the agent you know write up the offer and represent you… the agent who simply showed you the house could claim you as their client. It’s called “procuring cause”. I won’t get into the details here, but it can become messy. You’re better off calling the agent you know to show you the house in the first place. You won’t be considered a bother. What will bother him is to have to bite his tongue and not give you the help you want further into the process.

2. You want to know how much your home is worth.

Maybe you’re just curious about how much your home is worth. Or, maybe you’re actually thinking of selling. It might be because you want to get a feel for your net worth. Nowadays, you can hop online and check out any number of sites that will give you the value of your home. So, why “bother” the agent you know about this? Because most of what you will find online is highly inaccurate to begin with. They are “automated” valuations. They are based upon data and algorithms. They have never even seen the inside of your home. They do not take into account your local market conditions. And if you base your hopes, dreams, and decisions off of an inaccurate value, that can hurt you quite a bit. Again, asking the agent you know to do an analysis and give you a true market value... not a bother. But, it would be bothersome to hear that you’ve based important life decisions off of an inaccurate value once it’s too late.

3. You are considering a home improvement project.

The real estate agent you know probably isn’t an architect. Or a builder, a plumber, an electrician, a painter, etc. So, they probably can’t advise you about the ins and outs of a specific project or costs. But once you have a sense of the proposed cost of a project, before you just pull the trigger and move forward, you really should “bother” your agent for their input. Putting on an addition? That will surely increase the value. A kitchen or bathroom remodel? Yep, your house will be worth more. But will the value increase more than the amount you spent? Will that matter in your situation? Will the choices you make in decor, layout, or fixtures appeal to a buyer down the road? Does that even matter, given your future plans? All questions and thoughts your agent can get into with you. Before you spend the money and go through the headaches of a huge project. On the other hand, if you go forward with a home improvement project and spend, let’s say $60,000, and then call your agent… You could seriously regret how much you spent, or even doing the project at all. Your agent doesn’t want to break the news to you that your home is only worth $38,000 more after you spent $60,000. There is no joy in that. There is nothing that can be done at that point. That’s just three examples. There are certainly more. But you get the point… So, reach out to your agent before you do anything real estate related… and just trust that it isn’t a “bother”.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

When you do any home improvement, you probably figure it's also going to improve the value of your home. And it probably will improve the value… but, probably not as much as it cost you. In other words, if you spend $1,000 (for example), it probably won't improve the value by $1,000 or more. Statistically speaking, it will probably only improve the value by a fraction of that amount. So, the question becomes… Is it even worth doing any home improvements!? Not to sound wishy-washy, but the answer is… Yes and no. It depends on a lot of factors. We'll touch on that more at the end of the article. But for now, let's just take a look at the top 7 home improvements, according to the 2017 cost versus value report to start making some sense of it all.

1. Insulation

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According to the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report, adding fiberglass insulation to the attic costs on average $1,343, but you'll recoup $1,446. Doesn't sound all that exciting. When you think home improvements, you probably think of remodeled kitchens and baths being the biggest and best improvements to make (and they might be for you). But nope, according to the report, your best bet is to add insulation. Pretty interesting, considering no buyer has ever walked into a house, gasped, and said, "Honey, look at this! They added insulation!" Yet, according to the report, it's what'll be the best money you could spend to add actual value to your home, and your bank account.

2. New entry door

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Replacing your entryway door with one made of steel may set you back an average of $1,413, but you'll get back $1,282, according to the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report. So, at face value, it looks like you actually lose a few bucks… So, why would you do it? If your new door is more energy efficient, it'll probably also save you some money on heating and cooling. It's just tough to say how much exactly. But the big X factor is how much your improved "curb appeal" will add to the sales price, when you sell your home. Again, that depends on a lot of other factors.

3. Manufactured stone veneer

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On average, adding manufactured stone veneer will cost $7,851, but you can expect to recoup $7,019, or 89.4 percent, of that. Obviously, this is another one that loses you money, at face value. So, why would you do this home improvement? How about, because you simply like the way it looks. Obviously, if you don't like the way it looks, don't do it. But, if you do, you'll enjoy the home improvement. It isn't all about making money on the money you spent. Sometimes it is about getting back a nice chunk of what you spent, on something that you wanted and enjoyed during the years before you sell your house.

4. Minor kitchen remodel

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If you have a functional but outdated kitchen, you may harbor fantasies about beginning a total renovation. However, you don't need to break the bank to make some valuable upgrades that'll pay off in the long run. Consider swapping out old appliances for energy efficient ones. You can leave cabinet boxes in tact but replace doors or hardware. The average minor remodel costs $20,830. As much as you'll love the look and convenience of modern amenities, you'll also enjoy knowing you can regain an average of $16,699. This surprises a lot of people outside the real estate industry (and even some in the industry!). Almost everyone thinks kitchens are the best thing to renovate, and will increase the value of a home. Again, it will add value, but just not as much as it costs. So, this is another one where there's plenty of reason to do it, simply because you will enjoy the benefits of the improvement during your ownership. Just don't tack on every penny you spent on the remodel onto your asking price when you sell. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works.

5. New garage door

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On average, a new garage door costs $1,749, but homeowners recoup $1,345, representing an almost 77 percent return on investment. Chalk this one up to the X factor of added curb appeal as well, when it comes to justifying spending the money. But it also just boils down to your sanity. When you have a garage door that doesn't open or close right, or when you want it to, it can drive you nuts. That's gotta be worth the 33% you don't get back when you sell.

6. Siding installation

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The elements wreak havoc on your home's exterior. If your place is looking a little worse for wear, it could be time to consider siding, which provides a fabulous facelift. But, more than simply a cosmetic upgrade, siding can protect your home from heavy rains and damaging snowstorms, making it an investment with a multi-pronged pay-off. The average cost of installing siding is $14,518 of which you should get back $11,093 at resale, according to the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report. Starting to see the trend? There are benefits to doing any home improvement, but you just can't expect to get every dime you spend back.

7. Adding a wooden deck

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Decks are ideal for outdoor entertaining. Depending on the size, you may feel as if you've just added significantly to your living space — especially if you live in a climate where you can use it for much of the year. The average wooden deck will set you back $10,707, but you'll get back $7,652, or 71.5%, when you sell.

OK, with all of that said…

These reports are based upon National and regional statistics. The thing is, real estate is extremely local. Like, down to the very street you live on local… And there are so many factors that will affect how much return you'll get on any given project, in any given area, on any given house. It may make sense for you to do a particular home improvement. It may not. It depends on your local market. It depends on the local supply and demand of homes. And it depends a lot upon what your personal situation is, and what your short and long term plans are. So, the best thing to do when you're considering any home improvement, is to reach out to your local real estate agent, and ask him or her for input. Considering they probably won't charge you a dime for their time and insight, that's going to be the best cost versus value you will find when it comes to home improvements.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC
info@forefrontrealtors.com
307-234-1523
www.forefrontrealtors.com
340 W Collins Dr
Casper, WY 82601

You've received an offer on your home and you're thrilled at the prospect of getting the deal done. But first you need to make it through the next hurdle: the home inspection. In most real estate contracts, a home inspection contingency is in place, allowing the buyer a chance to back out should significant mechanical or structural issues come to light during the inspection. While you may think your home will pass with flying colors, it's at this stage that many deals fall through. With so much at stake, it makes sense that sellers would want to do as much as they can in advance to get their home in the best possible shape before this top-to-bottom review. By addressing any problems, sellers can assure buyers that the property is in move-in condition and save themselves a lot of negotiating and repair work down the road. The following are areas where unpleasant surprises often arise and, ultimately, either kill the sale or cost the seller a bundle.

1. The foundation

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As you look around the interior and exterior of your home, check both the ceilings, moldings, and lower portions of walls for any cracks that could indicate a shift in the foundation. If you spot any, find a qualified foundation repair contractor or a structural engineer who can assess the situation and let you know if your issues are cosmetic or require repairs to the foundation. Rule of thumb: The sooner you deal with the issue, the better (and less expensive) it will be.

2. The chimney

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Over time, the elements take a toll on a chimney. Just like your foundation, you may start to see cracks emerge. Or, you might not be able to spot them if they're at the very top. Either way, if there's a structural issue that makes it unsafe, a home inspector will definitely point this out to your buyers.

3. Water damage

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Just because water isn't cascading down from the ceiling, that doesn't mean a home inspector won't notice if you've had a leak that's caused water damage. Stains on ceilings are often a tell-tale sign of previous problems. While your issue may have been something relatively harmless, like an overflowing toilet, buyers will suspect the worst if they notice signs of trouble. If you have a leak, fix it. Then, remove any reminders of the problem by covering stains with a fresh coat of paint. If you're dealing with ceiling tiles, water and bleach can go a long way to restoring them to their once-clean appearance.

4. Moisture and mold

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Unfortunately, mold typically follows a leak. And nothing scares away buyers quite like that funky fungus. So be sure your home is mold-free by checking every nook and cranny. For example, are your bathrooms vented properly? In some homes, those helpful ceiling fans are actually sending moist air straight to the attic, causing mold to grow. If your basement is often damp, be sure to run a dehumidifier and check for mold there as well. Should you discover mold in any location, it's best to contact a professional who can perform removal and remediation before the inspection. Plus, you'll feel better -- both mentally and physically -- once it's gone.

5. Electrical issues

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Any homeowner who's tried to take a few shortcuts by not hiring an electrician should make sure the work they've done is up to code prior to the inspection as electrical violations are both common and easy to spot. Faulty wiring is a fire hazard so the sooner you address it, the safer for everyone.

6. The roof

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As most homeowners know, replacing a roof is not cheap. So it makes sense that home inspectors are going to take this section of the inspection very seriously. If you know your home could benefit from a roof replacement, consider taking care of it before putting your place on the market. Even if you believe the roof has a few good years left in it, hearing that it's nearing the end of its life is enough to send buyers running.

7. Heating and cooling systems

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Regardless of the season, a home inspector is going to want to see that heating and cooling systems are functioning efficiently. Consider the age of your furnace or HVAC system. Have they been well-maintained over time? If you have an oil tank, buyers may ask you to remove it as these have been known to leak and cause environmental hazards.

8. Plumbing

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From leaky faucets and loose toilets to lead in the pipes and low water pressure, plumbing problems can cause your deal to go down the drain. If you're aware of a problem but put off calling the plumber, now's the time to take care of it.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC

info@forefrontrealtors.com

307-234-1523

www.forefrontrealtors.com

340 W Collins Dr

Casper, WY 82601

There are millions of homes bought and sold every year, most of them with the help of a real estate agent. However, there is still a segment of the population that chooses to go it alone when it comes time to sell or buy a home. There are different reasons for this, many of which aren't very good. The only good reason might be if you're an agent yourself, and even then, it might be better to work with another agent so that you're not letting your own emotion cloud your judgment. Here are some of the worst reasons for not hiring a real estate agent:

1. To save some money

You might think you're guaranteed to save yourself money by not hiring a real estate agent, but that's not true. It's very likely that it will cost you money during the process because of all of the potential pitfalls that you're not even aware of. There are multiple points in a real estate transaction where making the right decision, or knowing what to look for will save you thousands of dollars. Real estate agents know this.

2. Because you think you're a great negotiator

You probably think you're a great negotiator, and you might be, but you also might not be as good as you think. In fact, there are many billionaires and CEO's who openly admit that they aren't good at negotiating, and oftentimes have other people negotiate on their behalf. Again, understanding real estate, and what factors may affect price are things that a real estate agent knows that can help with negotiation, and will get you a much better deal.

3. You read about a bad experience someone had

Of course there are horror stories on social media and forums about people's experience buying and selling a home. This shouldn't deter you from hiring an agent to guide you through the process, because you're much more likely to find yourself in a nightmare scenario if you go it alone. There's an important thing to remember about the nightmares you see online; people are much more likely to post about their negative experiences than their positive ones. There are lots horror stories about hospitals, restaurants, and hotels too — that doesn't mean you'll never leave the house again, right?

4. Because you saw a real estate show on HGTV

We all love real estate shows. It's a lot of fun to sit back and watch a shockingly good-looking couple flip a home and make a $50,000 profit in less than 30 minutes. But it's important not to confuse television with reality. You can't learn everything you need to know from watching tv, otherwise this country would be full of expert martial artists, race-car drivers, and stand-up comedians. Hire someone with real-world experience to help you along.

5. You think you're the only one who knows how much your home is "really worth"

You love your home, and it's likely that you love it and appreciate it more than anyone else does. It's completely natural to not only develop a sentimental attachment to where you've spent years of your life, but to also appreciate all of the repairs, upgrades, and other special details that you know and love. But just because you believe your home should be priced a certain way, doesn't mean that's what the market will bear. Having a business-minded, detached approach to pricing and selling your home is critical to a successful real estate transaction.

6. Because... "How hard could it really be?"

Some lessons in life are only learned through experience. Real estate agents have studied, been through it, and know that conducting a real estate transaction can be a potential minefield if you're not careful. As a buyer or seller, it's important not to minimize the difficulty and effort that goes into closing on a home. Hire a real estate agent, and let them worry about the difficult aspects, you'll be glad you did.

Forefront Real Estate, LLC

info@forefrontrealtors.com

307-234-1523

www.forefrontrealtors.com

340 W Collins Dr

Casper, WY 82601