Kitchen Remodeling Budget

Remodeling can be an exciting and scary proposition. It takes some planning and maybe a reality check or two. Whether you are remodeling for yourself or on an investment property, here are some tips to help with the process:

1.  Make a budget and stick to it. This may be a no-brainer but it's very easy for costs to get out of hand. You may budget $250 for lighting and fall in love with a $350 set of pendant lights that would be "perfect" over the island. It's "just" $100, right? But those "little" $100 changes add up.

2. Knowing the cost break downs in a kitchen remodel will help with budgeting. Here is a general run down on costs from HGTV.com:
          a. Cabinets 35%
          b. Labor 20%
          c. Appliances 20%
          d. Windows 10%
          e. Fixtures 5%
          f. Fittings 5%
          g. Other 7%

3. In addition to the costs for cabinets, appliances, fixtures, etc. be sure to add in a 20% fudge factor. Sometimes you come across a problem you didn't know existed. Sometimes the cabinets you fell in love with 6 months ago have risen 10% in cost. Sometimes you change your mind and want to make the island 6' long instead of 5'. It all adds up!

4. Before you start the process, have a frank talk about wants and needs with your spouse or business partner. Is that $350 faucet a WANT or a NEED? Crown molding is lovely, but will it make your kitchen more functional? If the plan is to sell the property, be sure you aren't "overbuilding" for the price point and neighborhood. A nice laminate will work in a $125,000 house, whereas the buyer of a $250,000 house will expect granite. Prioritize for the project and the budget.

Remodeling a kitchen can be a big undertaking, and being smart with the budget will make it much less stressful!

Interesting Real Estate Facts

I found some interesting real estate facts on the web this week.

Enjoy!

I love to look at houses (which is one reason I love my job!). I especially love looking at magnificent homes, like those that are completely out of my budget. I also love it when they are in a gated community that doesn't normally grant access to the "regular" people like me.  Here's a chance to look at one of those home this week. The Fort Worth Dream Home is open for viewing! The cost is $10, and benefits A Wish with Wings. You can see this year's Dream Home through Oct. 19.

Rental rates are increasing in the DFW area. You may be surprised that buying a home can be cheaper than renting. It's much better to build equity than give all your money to the landlord.  Maybe it's time to buy a house -- especially before interest rates rise! I'm here to help you find your dream home!

Boo!

I am loving the cooler weather! It seems like Fall has officially arrived in North Central Texas. If Fall is here, then Halloween can't be far behind.

The good news is that Cutting Edge Haunted House, right here in Fort Worth, is the #2 pick on the list (1701 E. Lancaster Ave). Check out the link for a scary good time: http://www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com

Just one more reason to live in Fort Worth......

I LOVE Referrals!

Referrals are important in any business, but especially with a commission-based occupation like real estate. Looking for new clients can be a full time job in itself, and referrals can go a long way in making that job a little easier. If you have worked with someone on a project, and they met or exceeded your expectations, please give them a good referral. In fact, tell everyone you know!

Another satisfied client writes: "I started the process by telling Claire that I would be a handful. I was extremely picky but I knew what I wanted and Claire exceeded my expectations. She was available and always kept me in the know and informed. She was truly a blessing at a stressful time and found us the perfect rental. I look forward to working with her when I purchase my home. Thank you, Claire, for everything!" -- Andrea

Andrea was a referral from her cousin, who was also a satisfied client! Both ladies were lovely to work with, and are looking to buy in a year. 

I love referrals! Want help buying, selling or investing in real estate? I'm your gal!

Who Wants to Make More Money in Real Estate?

Happy Monday! I got some GREAT news when I went to the office today. Keller Williams is outperforming our entire real estate board! In May, we paid out over a MILLION DOLLARS in commission. That was just MAY. Year to date: listings are UP 35%, listings sold volume UP 51% and closed volume is UP 32%. You can't argue with numbers like that! Bottom line, KW agents make more money. Interested? Even if you're not in Fort Worth, there are KW agents all over the world making this kind of money. (Did I mention we have profit sharing??) Contact me!