If you are wondering what home improvement projects will give you the best return on the sale of your home, think “curb appeal.”

When buyers are shopping for a home, the exterior can make (or break) the first impression. According to the 2013 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior replacement projects are among the most valuable home improvements that sellers can currently invest in, starting with the front door.

A steel entry door topped this year’s survey with an estimated 85.6 percent of the costs recouped at resale. The steel door replacement is also the least expensive of the 35 midrange and upscale remodeling projects included in the survey, costing $1,137 on average.

This is the 15th year for the Cost vs. Value Report. This year’s survey included more than 3,900 appraisers, sales agents, and brokers across the country who provided their opinions and estimates.

Exterior projects dominated the list with six of the top 10 most cost-effective midrange projects and eight of the top 10 upscale projects.

Take a look at sales figures in our local real estate market for January 2013.

Midtown Montgomery real estate sales statistics for January 2013 show the number of homes sold decreased by 31% when compared to January 2012. The average sales price decreased by 42% to $79,911 for the month. The median sales prices decreased by 51%, and market times decreased by 18 day. The highest selling home price decreased by 53%, and the lowest selling home price was the same as January 2012.
 

Midtown Montgomery January 2013 January 2012
Homes Sold 22 32
Average Selling Price $ 79,911 $ 137,622
Median Selling Price $ 61,050 $ 125,200
Days On The Market 133 151
Highest Selling Price $ 369,000 $ 785,000
Lowest Selling Price $9,000 $9,000

 

For the latest Midtown Montgomery real estate market conditions in your area, please call me at 800-HAT-LADY or visit HomesForSaleInMontgomeryAlabama.com.

Information is provided by the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors and is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.