If you are thinking about remodeling sometimes the hardest thing can be sticking to your budget. First you need to calculate how much "remodel" you can afford. The following steps, courtesy of HouseLogic.com, will help you figure it all out:

1. Ballpark the Costs - First things first, sit down and lay out your must haves and your features you could live without. Also think about what rooms you are remodeling, a bathroom remodel or a family-room addition can run $100 to $200 per square foot. But also do some reasearch becuase prices will cray depending on what materials you plan on using.

2. Do the Math on What You Have to Spend - Now that you have your ideas sorted out and your projects planned, next you need to figure out what your budget is. This will be more tiem consuming if you are borrowing, you will need to how much you can afford for your monthly loan expenses. The majority of homeowners borrow via a Home Equity Line of Credit loan option for home improvements.

3. Contact Contractors: send your plans and specific details along to contractors, get some recommendations first so you can comparison shop. Ask to see their recent work, check references and do some research online to see if they have any reviews. Take each estimate and add 15% to 20% for unpredictable problems that may be lurking. It is a harsh reality that more times than none you will encounter unexpected problems thats will add to your cost.

Here are a few more additonal tips to help you stay within you budget and still be happy with your end results:

Look at what you have to accomplish with the goal of saving money in mind! Use your DIY brain to think of what you can do yourself.

Think of what materials you can substitute to save money in rooms that you may not use as frequently.

Before any construction begins make sure you and your contractor are on the same page. Sit down and make sure all decisions are made when it comes to what materials you will be using and where, so no last minute and cost-effective decision have to be made. Create a detailed pland and stand by it.

Hopefully these tips are helpful! If you're thinking about remodeling in preparation to sell your home, check out these other tips on how to sell your home fast and getting ready to show your house.  to Happy Remodeling from Geri Reilly Real Estate!

• Thinking about waiting till the spring to sell your Burlington or Vermont home? Think again, the winter provides a different market which provides some great reasons for taking action now! Here are some great reasons not to wait until the spring from Neighborhood Real Estate:

   

  • Less competition: there is less inventory in the winter because of the very people who are all waiting until the spring to list, therefore less competition. This gives your listing a wonderful advantage.
  • Higher price points: less competition can often correlate with better selling price and terms! You are more likely to catch buyers in a "bidding war" when there are less homes on the market.
  • Corporate Relocations: Historically in the first 2 months of the year relocations for corporations are high, which equals motivated buyers. Because they are encouraged to move quickly and start their new positions as soon as possible. Which makes these buyers focused, ready and willing, to make an offer on the spot! 
  • Lower Interest Rates: currently you can lock in an interest rate around the 4% range, which is historically low.
  • Winter can bring out the best: Most homes show and stage better in the cold winter months. Holiday decor and cozy fireplaces add to the ambiance and cozy feeling of your home.
  • Serious Buyers: Buyers who are taking the time to brave the winter weather or busy holiday time are often very serious, and are usually pre-qualified and motivated to make a decision.
  • Timing your new home purchase: if you do choose to list and sell your home in the beginning of the year and are looking to buy you will then be ready and available for the first pick of the spring market inventory. Especially if you need to sell to buy.
  • Quicker Transactions: Attorneys, lenders and home inspectors will be less busy and have less to process during the winter months compared to the spring. Which, for you, will mean a quicker transaction and less stress when trying to close.
• Regardless when you do decide it's time to sell your home it is important to understand the real estate market so you can make the best decision. Check out some of our other helpful Vermont real estate selling tips and resources. For more information about the Vermont real estate market or about selling your home, contact Geri or an agent today!

Check out a few of our favorite and clever household gadgets that may make your life a bit easier! You may be surprised that some of these actually exist and how helpful they may be.

The Pasta Pot - ditch your old strainer and get your hands on this pasta pot with built in strainer right in the lid!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Batter Dispenser - whether your baking or making pancakes this kitchen gadget helps avoid the mess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The TrackR - always losing your keys, cant find the remote? The TrackR is a brilliant gadget to help you keep track of the things your always losing around the house!

 

The Kitchen Tablet Holder - always using recipes on your smart phone or tablet in the kitchen? Take a loot at this convenient holder to keep your electronics out of the way but still in sight!

Motion Sensor Lights - perfect for dark stairs, hallways or closets all you need are batteries! Detects motion up to 10 feet away!

 

The Cutlery Cleaner - this sink mounted scrubber is a fast and easy way to clean your utensils after cooking! This one is a true time saver and very versatile!

 

The Draining Dishwashing Rack - this self-draining dish rack provides lots of space for your dishes and simultaneously drains all that extra water back into the sink!

The Broom Groomer - this one is especially useful and smart! No more cleaning the bottom of the broom with your hands, ew!

 

 

 

 

 

The Dual Shower Curtain Rod - talk about saving space, this curtain rob also offers space for you towels etc.

Rubbermaid Paint Buddies - no need to drag out the old paint cans when you just need to touch up a small spot. Put your leftover paint in these "Paint Buddies" and retouch anytime you want!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cutting board with Storage - for the organized brain, this cutting board it one of a kind and takes your food preperation to the next level!