Remodel

Housing improvement trends change all the time. It turns out that the usual improvements undertaken to add value are no longer adding as much value to the house. This is according to the National Association of Realtors and this is related to the recession. This is still a buyer's market. The seller is clearly at the disadvantage generally, but not necessarily regionally.

So that big exotic kitchen remodeling job may not recoup the money in the short run, the long run might be a different story.

As people use their houses as one of their most valued assets, this is something to be aware of.

According to this article, curb appeal is big. That's fine with me because I like the idea of living in a home that looks good on the outside.

Also I am very big on replacement windows especially here in upstate NY where heat is valuable and drafts are undesirable.

CNN: Renovating doesn't pay off like it used to

The most financially successful jobs are smaller-scale, lower-cost renovations that improve the exterior appearance of homes. In this down real estate market, curb appeal is king.