Is It Time to Improve My Home or Move?

MIDLAND, Mich. - June 13, 2016 - PRLog -- When you find yourself feeling unsatisfied with your home, it's time to ask the question, "should we improve or move?" The answer lies in the type of change you're looking for. Some things are easily remedied, while others just can't be fixed. Here are ten questions to ask yourself when you're pondering whether to dive into a home improvement project, or just pack it up for a move to a more suitable home.

1.     Do I need more bedrooms?

Not having enough bedrooms is a tough problem to solve through renovations. If this is the case, you may be better off looking for a new place.

2.     Do I need more general living space?

Just like bedrooms, creating more living space is difficult without doing a major remodel. Additions are costly and may not significantly increase your home value. An experienced Realtor® can give you advice about the expected return on investment, should you decide to add square footage to your home.

3.     Do I prefer or need a specific location?

Have a job in a new location? Need to be closer to a certain area of town or school district? If your current location is causing long commutes or inconvenience, it's probably time to move.

4.     Does my house need to be updated?

Making small cosmetic changes can give your home a fresh look and might be enough to keep the love alive. It's amazing what fresh paint, new hardware and updated window coverings can do. If you're already up to date and still aren't feeling the love, then you're in a great position to sell for top dollar!

5.     Do I need a fresh start?

Maybe you've just been in the same place for too long, and want something new. Your local REALTOR can help you narrow down your wish list and find the perfect fresh start.

6.     Will making drastic improvements to my house make it far nicer than any other on the block?

When making home improvements, it's important not to price yourself out of your neighborhood. An experienced REALTOR can provide you with market information and comparable home sales, to ensure you don't lose money on improvements when it does come time to sell. If the upgrades you desire will price your home out of its neighborhood, it's time to move.

7.     Do I want a more energy efficient or "green" home?

Some things can be done to make an existing home more efficient, such as window replacement, upgrading heating and AC units and updating appliances. However, if you want to go all the way, it might be more cost effective to purchase a newer home.

8.     Do I wish my home had a different floor plan?

Finding a home with a layout you love may be significantly easier than trying to change your home's existing layout. In addition to the work involved with major construction, you may be met with unexpected surprises once you open up walls.

9.     Am I interested in a new neighborhood?

You can't put a price on a great neighborhood, so if you're in love with yours, a move may not be the right choice. However, a great REALTOR will be able to suggest comparable neighborhoods for your consideration, or find your dream home hidden in your current neighborhood.

10.  Is your house missing that inexplicable quality that just makes it "feel like home"?

If the way the light comes through your window on summer afternoons, the memories you have made there, the charming coved ceilings or original hardwood floors cannot be duplicated, then stick with it. However, if it just doesn't feel like home, it's time to find the place that makes your heart sing.

When you're considering whether to improve or move, an experienced REALTOR can be a great asset. I can provide a free, no-obligation home value report, give you information about expected returns on home improvement investments and send you free listing alerts when your dream home hits the market.

To contact Shelley Park Cluff, visit www.shelleypark.com or email sold@shelleypark.com.

Licensed in 1997, Cluff spent 11 years with a national real estate franchise, and has helped over 800 buyers and sellers reach their real estate goals. With her broker's license and Certified Residential Specialist specialization, she opened Park Place Homes in 2008. Based on a mission to create custom real estate experiences and exceed the expectation of every client, Cluff has built a successful brokerage with several of Midland, Michigan's most accomplished real estate agents.

Cluff was awarded the REALTOR® of the Year award in 2003 and 2012, and currently serves as President of Midland Board of Realtors.