Skip to main content

Careful Renos Can Increase Home Value

March 5, 2010. Toronto Star Article --Tom Lebour, President, Toronto Real Estate Board-- The Greater Toronto Area’s spring real estate market is just weeks away and many analysts anticipate that it will be a busy one. It is expected that the number of properties available for sale will increase as homeowners react favourably to recent months’ activity. It’s also likely that the market will have more homebuyers, prompted to make a purchase before the added costs of the Harmonized Sales Tax take effect on July 1st.If you’re planning on making a foray into the market this year, now could be the time to undertake improvements, which if carefully planned, can increase the value of your home considerably.Most of us know that kitchens, bathrooms and a fresh coat of paint inside and out, offer the best return on investment. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, you can expect to get back 75 to 100 per cent of what you put into kitchens and bathrooms. Painting can return 50 to 100 per cent of your investment.While these are typically low risk investments, a number of factors can influence the gains you achieve with other types of renovations. Location is one such consideration. The completion of a basement recreation room for example, can generally return 50 to 75 per cent of expenses, depending on the preferences of future buyers in your area. In a predominantly seniors community its value could be considerably limited.It’s also important to consider your home’s most crucial needs. Window and door replacement may offer a return of 50 to 75 per cent, but if your existing units are broken, this home improvement should take priority on your project list. Where glaring needs are concerned, the value associated with your home’s overall impression outweighs specific project returns.When deciding whether to proceed with functional renovations though, it’s also important to consider that significant government rebates are available for many energy efficiency improvements. There are some improvements that we undertake simply for our own enjoyment, like a swimming pool, from which you can get back up to 40 per cent of your investment or landscaping, which is likely to offer a 25 to 50 per cent return. Despite the limited gains they may offer individually, these types of improvements can also make an important contribution to your property’s overall image. Consider as well that not all of your renovations need to be sizable. Even minor improvements like new light fixtures, cabinet hardware or faucets can give your home a contemporary look.
For more information give me a call!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

GTA REALTORS ® Release July 2025 Stats

TORONTO, ONTARIO, August 6, 2025 – The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced the best home sales result for the month of July since 2021. Sales were also up relative to listings, suggesting a modest tightening in the market compared to last year.  “Improved affordability, brought about by lower home prices and borrowing costs, is starting to translate into increased home sales. More relief is required, particularly where borrowing costs are concerned, but it’s clear that a growing number of households are finding affordable options for homeownership,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. GTA REALTORS® reported 6,100 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in July 2025 – up by 10.9 per cent compared to July 2024. New listings entered into the MLS® System totalled 17,613 – up by 5.7 per cent year-over year.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, July home sales increased month-over-month compared to June 2025. New listings also rose compared...
Post a Comment
Read more

Getting Your Home Back To School Ready

The countdown is on for back to school. If you have school-aged kids, now the time to prep for the busy days ahead. So, how can you get your home ready for the rush? Organize your entryway with a place to hang jackets and a spot for essentials you might need just before you go (e.g., sunglasses and keys). Declutter clothes and books, donating or selling items your kids have outgrown. Designate a study area with ample space, good lighting, and a comfortable chair. This could be in the kitchen so you can supervise homework while cooking, at the dining table, or at a desk in your child’s bedroom. Also, organize and stock up on school supplies. Organize cupboard space for lunch containers. Create a spot for quick and healthy after-school snacks like fruits and nuts, and reserve space in the fridge for perishable snacks like yogurt, cheese, and cut-up vegetables. Have a spot to hang art and test scores, such as a pegboard, a strong with clothespin, or a classic spot, the fridge. With little...
Post a Comment
Read more

7 Ways to Make Your Home Cozier This Winter Without Spending

As the temperatures continue to drop, we'll all be spending more time indoors. There are countless ways to make your home feel cozier for the winter if you have extra money to spend, but if you're being mindful of your finances after the holidays, here are some ideas to help you do it without spending. Bring Out the Blankets As the temperatures drop, it’s time to bring out all of those extra throw blankets and quilts you have lying around in storage. Drape blankets over your couches, chairs, beds, and ottomans; fill a blanket ladder and display it in the corner of a room; or fold extra blankets and place them in the corner. Sticking to warm textures such as wool where possible will help to make the space feel cozy. Light Candles Lighting some candles around your home is one of the easiest ways to make your space feel cozy, and who doesn’t have a stash of candles sitting around somewhere in their home? Not only will the flickering light add a sense of warmth and charm, but your ...
Post a Comment
Read more