Budget Concerns for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Spend money only on items that will make a difference in your sales price. Of all repairs, fresh paint is the best investment you can make. New kitchen appliances, upgraded bathroom features, and updated lighting fixtures will usually give a good return for your money, as well.

Sometimes, hiring professional help is worth the extra expense. Professional painters work faster and will often cost less than day laborers. Tile installers, carpet layers, and electricians also know their trades and will do a better job than most day laborers.

Contractors should have their own disability and liability insurance -- ask for a copy with your contract. Get everything in writing -- including work to be completed, costs, lists of specific materials to be used, time for completion, and payment schedule.

You can save money on paint, window covering hardware, lighting fixtures and more by shopping at your local ReStore, which is Habitat for Humaity's thrift store. To find a Restore near you, go to
http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx

Copyright (c) 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher