Home remodeling projects that are worth the money

The warm season is traditionally the busiest home-buying season of the year, but the warm months are also the time when the market is flooded with inventory as would-be buyers put their existing homes up for sale. Modern remodeling projects can help increase a home's value and make it more attractive to potential buyers, but not all projects have the same return on investment.

Here are the top home remodeling projects according to USNews.com.

• Start small. Every potential buyer sees the front door before they enter the home, so it's no surprise that replacing the home's front door marks the biggest return on investment. A new door could add 96.6 percent of the amount spent on it in new home value.
• Delighted by a deck. Looking for a project that will hold its value and excite buyers? A wooden deck does the trick. A deck project costs $9,539 nationwide, but homeowners can recoup up to 87.4 percent of that cost when selling the home.
• Attic bedrooms. Most homes don't utilize their attic space, so those that do are attractive to buyers. Attic bedrooms have an average return 84.3 percent of what is spent on them.
• Replace the garage door. This inexpensive switch can have a big impact on the curb appeal of a home. The average garage door replacement costs $1,534 with a return of up to 83.7 percent upon sale.
• Update the kitchen. An updated kitchen is usually a home's top selling point, and minor kitchen remodels could have a return on investment of 82.7 percent.

Source: 8 Remodeling projects that are worth it.

What you need to sign your mortgage

Purchasing a new home is one of the most exciting moments in a person's life. If you are about to sign your own home mortgage, congratulations! This is a momentous occasion.

While you've given plenty of thought to the square footage, location and appearance of your new home, perhaps you haven't paid as much attention to what you'll need to actually sign the mortgage. If that is the case, don't worry. Just follow this list and you'll likely have most of what you may need for signing day subject to each lender's individual underwriting criteria.

Make sure to present the following documents on or before the day of your mortgage signing:

• Your tax returns or pay stubs for the last two years
• Your monthly bank statement for the last two months
• A signed loan application
• Proof of insurance
• Signed disclosures
• A preliminary title report
• An electronic appraisal

You may also need to bring the following documents depending on your own individual circumstances.

• Your rental history, if you are renting. Usually this includes 12 months of canceled rent checks.
• A CPA letter or business license if you have been self-employed for the last two years or more.
• Any applicable gift letters regarding the down payment.
• Any letters of explanation that have been requested to clarify existing issues.

4 Ways to Make a Great First Impression When Selling Your Home

When selling your home, first impressions matter. Just because your home is listed and the "For Sale" sign is firmly planted in the front lawn does not mean it will attract buyers.

A home needs to be visually appealing to encourage a sale. Even in a market where homes are selling quickly and at full asking prices, it is still crucial to spruce up your home and prove that it is worth every penny you are asking for it.

Here are four tips to help your home make a good first impression that beckons potential buyers:

1. Make an Enticing Exterior

The walk-up to your house should be inviting, not forbidding. Stay on top of your lawn mowing and driveway maintenance, and tidy up your front landscaping. This includes:

• Moving all toys, bicycles and scooters away from the front of the house
• Cleaning windows until they are sparkling
• Making sure address numbers are in place and polished
• Giving your front door, garage door and gutters a fresh coat of paint
• Adding a few embellishments like a colorful welcome mat, a wreath for the door or a big potted plant to the side of your front door
• Checking the roof to see if it needs repair, even if it'rsquo;s cosmetic.

2. Shape Up the Interior

Once the exterior wows potential buyers, you can continue to make a great impression as they make their way inside.

For starters, clear any clutter. If you have too much furniture, put some of it in storage. Keep kitchen and bathroom countertops as clear as possible. Closets and shelves should be well-organized and give the impression that they are spacious.

Remove excess knickknacks or family photos that make the house feel like your home, instead of allowing potential buyers to picture themselves as the residents.

Clean the inside of your home from top to bottom. Dust and open all your blinds and curtains to let light in. Wash away smudges from walls and touch up the paint as necessary. Wipe down the inside and outside of your appliances and microwave. Remove ash from your fireplace. Get your carpets cleaned and vacuum your floor each morning before potential buyers view your house.

Addressing aesthetics can leave a lasting, favorable impression. So, hang fresh, clean towels in the bathrooms. Position a beautiful centerpiece in the center of your dining room table and a few potted plants in decorative containers throughout your home. Consider placing potpourri in key spots, especially if you need to eliminate pet odors or if you have a smoker in the house.

3. Check on Evening Appearance

Even if you're positive your home is presentable during the day, double-back to the exterior and interior areas at dusk to gauge your home's ambiance in the evening.

Ensure that the walkway is well-lit and house numbers are visible, and that outdoor lighting enhances the home's appearance.

Inside, make sure to replace nonfunctioning light bulbs in fixtures and vanities, and leave key decorative or track lighting turned on so that the home doesn't seem dark upon entering.

4. Make Necessary Repairs

Repair anything that is broken. Cabinet doors should close properly. All your faucets should be drip-free.

Remember, you are trying to present a simple, clean, attractive, problem-free home that exudes potential - an empty, yet enticing palette for your home's next owners.

Taking time to create a great first impression sometimes is all it takes to quickly send a offer your way.

Written by Patricia-Anne Tom - REALTOR.com