Top Home Improvement Values for 2007

Remodeling Magazine has released their 20th annual "Cost vs. Value Report" for 2007. Surveying Realtors in 64 markets nation-wide, the top "return on your money" list puts replacing existing siding with fiber cement at the top of the list.

If you are considering making improvements in preparation of marketing your home in the Nashville area, read on to learn the top projects from 2007's survey in the East South Central Region...

#1 REPLACE SIDING

Replacing siding recoups up to 93% making this the number-one cost vs. value home improvement for 2007. For a upscale home, fiber cement siding brings 93.6% with an average cost of $10,600 for our area. Replacing vinyl siding on a mid-range home should cost roughly $8,600 and recoup 89.6%.

#2 ADD A DECK

If you add a wooden deck ($9,000 avg. cost) on a mid-range home you sould be able to recoup 91.4% of your investment when selling. A composite deck ($14,000 on avg.) on a upscale home yields 80%.

#3 UPDATE THE KITCHEN

Minor updates (avg. cost of $20,000) should recoup 85% on a mid-range home. A major kitchen re-do ($52,000 on avg.) yields 81.2%

#4 (TIE) BATHROOM REHAB

Updating your bathrooms ($14,000 avg. cost) will net you 83.5% on a mid-range home.

#4 (TIE) CONVERT ATTIC TO ADD A BEDROOM

If you are lucky enough to have a large attic space, adding a bedroom can gain back 83.5% of the cost ($41,000 on avg.).

For more information and to read the article in REALTOR Magazine, you can go to

www.Realtor.or/realtormagazine and click on the "Cost vs. Value" link.