| There are a lot of advantages to buying a | | | | When homeowners move out, they aren't always as |
| newly-remodeled home. If you've looked at homes | | | | careful as you'll be when you move in. Furniture, |
| for sale recently, odds are you've seen a range of | | | | grungy hands, and dollies take their toll on walls. A |
| conditions, from move-in-ready to bargain-basement | | | | cleaning sponge can't remove a 6-inch scrape in the |
| foreclosures. If you know a remodeled home is for | | | | drywall. Remodeled homes are freshly painted in |
| you, you're a step ahead! If you are a die-hard | | | | coordinated colors. You can move in today and hang |
| do-it-yourselfer, a foreclosure fixer-upper may be the | | | | your pictures tonight. |
| right home for you and your family; however, if | | | | 4. Carpets don't smell like an ashtray |
| you're like most people, do-it-yourself is often harder | | | | If the previous homeowners smoked, the evidence |
| than it looks. A great-deal foreclosure can cost more | | | | isn't only on walls and woodwork. Carpets can carry |
| than planned when you end up hiring professionals to | | | | smoke odor years after a smoker gives up the habit. |
| help with the remodel. | | | | Smoke residue can stain with a yellow tinge and |
| When looking at homes for sale, consider that with | | | | aggravate allergies in nonsmokers. New carpets that |
| remodeled homes: | | | | complement the wall colors don't smell like smoke. |
| 1. Frozen pipes haven't caused problems | | | | 5. Kitchens and bathrooms aren't stuck in the 60s. |
| We've seen it time and time again. When an empty | | | | Color trends change, but tile, fixtures, and appliances |
| home isn't winterized, pipes burst and beautiful | | | | are expensive to update. On Kohler's website, you |
| flooring buckles, cabinets warp, and water-laden | | | | can see a timeline of how color trends have changed |
| drywall breeds mold. A kitchen renovation with new | | | | over the last century. A good remodeled home |
| cabinetry, flooring, and appliances generally runs into | | | | includes timeless color choices in the kitchen and bath |
| 5-digit costs. A remodeled home is maintained and | | | | and often include a gourmet cook's kitchen with |
| monitored and has fresh flooring throughout. | | | | pleasing colors, granite countertops, and |
| 2. Contractors aren't making a mess of your home | | | | stainless-steel appliances. |
| No matter how clean remodelers work, there is dust, | | | | Consider all of the costs when looking at your home |
| dirt, and debris as a result of remodels and repairs. | | | | purchase. Be realistic about your budget versus your |
| Your first few months in your new home could be | | | | do-it-yourself abilities. When you weigh the pros and |
| spent coordinating contractors and vacuuming drywall | | | | cons, a remodeled home might be your best choice. |
| dust. | | | | If it is, find a realty company with a track record of |
| 3. Walls are picture ready | | | | quality work. |