Outdoor Recession Proof Investments Interestingly, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars in comparison to interior remodeling projects. By Nancy Russell Vice President CBRB

Nancy Russell Vice President CBRB www.nancyarussell.com e-mail: Nancy.Russell@NEMoves.com

There have not been many safe havens for your investment dollars since the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 14,100 back in October of 2007. Today, just a little over two years since that all-time high, the Dow has retreated to under 8,000. Access any financial website and look at comparative charts for individual stocks and the story is just as bleak. And for the true masochists, a review of your retirement accounts will leave even the most hardy deeply depressed. So, in this turbulent economic state, where can you invest and ensure a good return on investment? The answer is simple, your home.

The housing market across the United States has been battered. Here in Massachusetts the average housing prices have dropped over 10 percent, yearon year. Yet, the right investment in your home can be recovered at the time of sale. Interestingly, exterior remodeling projects lead the way for recovery on dollars in comparison to interior remodeling projects. Based on my experience, the following are the top three exterior projects where you will be paid back when you sell your home: siding, windows and deck.

Siding

Winters here in New England pummel wood exteriors. Wood exteriors may need painting every three to five years. There are several siding options, but let’s take a close look at vinyl. Vinyl is durable and lightweight, but don’t let that fool you. Average vinyl siding can withstand winds of 110 mph while most are rated at 150 mph. There is even a certain vinyl siding that is rated to withstanding winds up to 190 mph!

Vinyl used alone or in conjunction with other cladding can provide an aesthetically pleasing curb appeal. We all know that the top three selling features with real estate are location, location and location. Curb appeal is a close runner up to location. You may be surprised to learn that several manufacturersoff er350diff erent color choices for vinyl siding. Color retention is guaranteed with lifetime warranties and here’s whatIlike, thosewarranties are transferable at the time of sale to the next homeowner. So you get the benefit of sprucing up your exterior and providing a great sales and marketing advantage with a transferable warranty. Finally, typical cost for professional installation can range from $2 to $7 per square foot.

Windows

Houses, especially older homes, are not very energy efficient. One of the biggest areas of the inefficiencie s i s th e windows in our homes. Windows lose (or gain) heat by conduction, radiation, convection and air leakage. These four areas can cost you hundreds of dollars annually and thousands over a few years. There are two replacement options: insert replacement and full frame replacement. Your window is a candidate for the insert option, if:

There is no rot in the window frame.

The window frame is not out of square.

You want to replace a worn window with the same size window without disturbing the trim.

Of course if the above are not true or you simply would like to change the size and shape of a window, then you would be looking at a full frame replacement. Replacement window prices vary greatly depending on manufacturer, options, style and accessories.

Decks

There’s something about sitting on a deck in the spring or summer and letting time slip by. Decks are great for everything from snuggling up and reading a book to entertaining. In addition to the pressure-treated wood decking option there are now composite decking materials. While composite will cost more, they will last longer. There is very little maintenance, and dirt and stain clean-up requires no more than a washing down with the garden hose.

There are literally thousands of decks designs that are free by searching the Internet. The design is an area in which I recommend you express some creativity. A square or rectangular deck can be very functional, but for just a little more cost you can add builtin benches, multi-levels, rounded corners, or ornate railings and steps. The good news here is that for you do-it-yourselfers decks can be completed over several weekends!

In summary, it really doesn’t matter whether the housing market is up or down; the right investment in your home will be realized at the time of sale. Of course there’s the added benefit of potential years of enjoyment from your remodeling projects. I will leave you with a final thought and that is when you sell, your home remodeling projects make it much easier to successfully negotiate a deal!

“Whatever Nancy touches turns to SOLD.” Contact me at 508- 243-8128 or by e-mail at Nancy. Russell@NEMoves.com. For more information, visit my website at www.nancyarussell.com.