Are you considering listing your home in Central Pennsylvania? With the current mortgage rates and special programs offered by the government, there's a lot to attract buyers, especially first time home buyers.  In order to make your home as appealing as possible, you may be considering some improvements.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals is posting the following information regarding common mistakes you should avoid.

Do not underestimate how much the improvements will cost you.  You should honestly assess the amount of materials you will need, how much time you or the person you hire will spend on the project, and the fact that there will be some materials wasted.  You will want to make sure you have enough extra in your budget to cover some additional unexpected costs.

Often when you underestimate costs, you end up sacrificing quality.  Avoid this trap so you don’t resort to using cheap materials.  They will not last, and buyers will notice if you tried to cut corners.  You can get higher quality materials if you take some time to shop around—don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. 

Don’t get in over your head.  If you want to perform an improvement that you’re not sure you can handle, think long and hard before you decide to tackle it yourself.  You do not want to create more work than necessary or put yourself in a dangerous situation.

If you decide to hire a contractor for part or all of the work, make sure you do your homework.  You will want to get several written estimates—at least 3—and make sure each contractor knows they have to compete for your business.  Also, confirm that the contractor has the proper licensing and no complaint record.  You can look into this through the Better Business Bureau or a local consumer protection agency.

Finally, do not overestimate the amount of value the improvement will add to your home.  Just because you put a lot of money into improvements does not mean you will get a return on your investment.  You should pay careful attention to what other homes in your neighborhood with similar upgrades are selling for.  You do not want your home to be the diamond among chunks of coal because you will not be rewarded for over-improving.

Please contact Coldwell Banker Select Professionals if you’re looking for personal service and have questions regarding listing your home in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County.  Be sure to connect with one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com.  We have local offices serving all of Lancaster, Lebanon, York, Hershey, Harrisburg, and Cumberland County PA.