On Sun, 08 Jan 2006 20:23:00 GMT, "Joseph Meehan"
wrote:

Lauri wrote:
I'm struggling with the decision whether I should remodel my current
home or sell it and buy something newer with more of the features I
want. ...

Location location location. Do you like where you are?

Yes, I love my neighborhood. But there is a vacant lot across the
street, and the construction that will soon happen could either be
very good (retirement condo with a few lovely units) or very bad (what
if they don't sell...could it turn into Section 9 rentals?)

Take a look around you. Would your home be worth more than those around
you after you have finished the remodel? If so it is not a good candidate.
You don't want the most expensive home in the area. They are bad
investments.

Honestly, it could turn out to be the most expensive. Most of the
homes are like mine--70 to 80 years old, well built, but in need of
updates. We all seem to have the interesting combination of lovely
built-ins and hardwood floors, with sparkly formica countertops in the
bathrooms. If I were to remodel, I wouldn't go with all the
granite and zillion-dollar cabinets, simply because I can't afford it
and I think the granite/stainless steel look will likely become as
dated as Harvest Gold/Avacado is today. But still, I could end up
with the most expensive home on our block of modest dwellings.

Consider the total cost of getting what you want done to your home, and
then do some serious hunting for the home you would like. Find the one you
like best and then compare what you would have after fixing yours up and
what the other one would cost you, factoring in all the fees and expense
involved.

I'm going to an Open House today to start my research. Thanks!

Lauri in WA