If you’re planning on doing some home improvements, it may be tempting to take on the work yourself rather than hiring an expert. Sometimes that’s the way to go, but before you decide, be sure to consider the costs, safety, and value the improvements will add to your house. If you may sell your house in the near future, everything from major remodels to simple updates can make your home more appealing to buyers and make a big difference in resale value.
 
Major remodels
Two of the most common major remodeling projects homeowners undertake are updating kitchens and bathrooms. For a project of this scale, you may need expert help, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do part or all of the project yourself. Ask yourself these questions to determine when and who you may need to hire.

• How big is the project? A kitchen or bath remodel will involve design, electrical, and plumbing work, along with counter and cabinet installations. Start with design and layout - if you’re going with a basic design and not changing the layout of the room dramatically, the project may be manageable to complete yourself. If you’ll be relocating electrical and plumbing fixtures, the project will require higher skilled work. A more complex layout may also require the work of a professional designer. Keeping your current layout not only saves extra work and expense, but according to The Washington Post, a simple design also appeals to a wider array of potential buyers. Even with a simple design, when it comes to counters, plumbing, and other aspects of your remodel, use this guide from The Huffington Post to assess the scale of your project and what you would be safe tackling yourself.
• What is your timeframe? Regardless of your skill level, doing a major home renovation yourself will likely take longer than hiring a professional. When doing a project yourself, there will also be a learning curve, so take that into consideration with your time, along with your patience for working through mistakes. If you are planning to sell your home soon, consider whether you will be able to complete a DIY project before you’re hoping to list your home.
• Does the project require permits? If you’ll be doing electrical or structural work, your local municipality may require work permits. A professional may be needed for any work that requires permits because these are jobs that need specialized knowledge and could pose a safety hazard.

 
Small updates that make a big impact
Basic care and maintenance to your home are just as important to improving its resale value as bigger remodels. Small home repairs are inexpensive so they pack a big bang for your buck. Consider these improvements for major curb appeal:

• Check for any outdoor maintenance that needs to be done. For example, cleaning gutters and downspouts is a simple project, but if left undone, debris buildup can cause major damage. The average price to clean gutters and downspouts is $105-$169 and the project timeline is about 3 hours.
• Replace your front door. According to Business Insider, your front door not only increases curb appeal but is also part of a buyer’s first impression of your home, so it makes a big impact on how they feel about the house, for better or worse.
• Spruce up landscaping. You don’t need to do a major landscaping overhaul to make a difference. Simply planting some trees and easy, low-maintenance plants makes a house feel more like a home without breaking the bank.

 
If you may be selling your home soon, or simply want to make the most of your investment, think carefully about which projects you want to take on. And with both smaller and bigger projects, consider your time and expertise, and the overall value of the results, in deciding when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional.
 
This guest post is by Eugene Williams, creator of the website DIYDad.info. Eugene has spent many years completing countless DIY projects and loves to share his knowledge. Please visit his website for more information. 

Congrats to Jessica on the sale of her home in Indy! ​

 Central Indiana home sales rise 5.6 percent in September
F.C. Tucker reports continued growth in housing sales as prices maintain upward momentum

INDIANAPOLIS – Monthly real estate stats from F.C. Tucker Company indicated that the housing market is still not slowing down. September 2017 pended sales climbed 5.6 percent compared to September 2016. Similarly, the average year-to-date home price for the 15-county Central Indiana region rose 5.9 percent to $199,240.

As the number of houses available for sale continued to decline, homebuyers purchased them rapidly; 2,746 homes were purchased in Central Indiana in September, an increase from 2,600 sold in September 2016. Many of the counties that F.C. Tucker tracks experienced an increase in sales. Specifically:

• Morgan County showed significant growth in homes sold, a 26.8 percent increase in September 2017 compared to September 2016. Johnson County followed closely behind with a 25.1 percent increase in sales.
• Conversely, Jennings County pended sales decreased by 29.2 percent compared to September 2016.

 
In keeping with the previous month’s trends, homes sold more quickly and for more money in September, signaling that it’s still a strong seller’s market.

• Twelve of the 15 counties that F.C. Tucker tracks showed an uptick in average year-to-date home prices.  
• Hamilton County again ranked highest with average home prices at $302,121. Boone County’s average home prices, slightly lower than Hamilton County’s, came in at $298,531.
• Jennings County’s average home price dropped 2.5 percent and Shelby County’s dropped 0.4 percent, the only two counties in the region to dip in September. Decatur County’s average home price remained nearly level with September 2016.
• Homes sold in 60 days on average – and 11 days quicker – for the first nine months of 2017 compared to the same time period last year. Hendricks and Johnson counties’ homes remained the fastest-selling in the market at 55 days, while Marion, Hancock and Hamilton came in close behind with homes selling in 57, 58 and 59 days, respectively.

 
Listings dropped by 15.4 percent. In September 2017, inventory stood at 8,597 homes, a decrease of 1,569 compared to September 2016.

• Brown County was the only county the region to show an uptick in active listings, a 28.5 percent increase from September 2016.
• Montgomery County’s inventory dropped 26.6 percent, representing 53 fewer listings compared to September 2016. Not far behind, Shelby County’s inventory dropped 26.5 percent, representing 52 fewer listings.

 
“Three-quarters of the way through 2017, the housing market has remained strong for sellers,” said Jim Litten, CEO of F.C. Tucker Company. “However, we continue to see homes in all price ranges coming on the market, so buyers should be optimistic that the home they are searching for is attainable.”
 
Of the pended home sales in the region last month, seven were priced $1,000,000 to $1,999,999; 96 were priced $500,000 to $999,999; 314 were priced $300,000 to $499,999; 528 were priced $200,000 to $299,999; 1,230 were priced $100,000 to $199,999; and 571 were priced at $99,999 or less.
 
With approximately $3.7 billion in annual sales, F.C. Tucker Company is Indiana’s largest independently owned comprehensive real estate firm with more than 40 offices and more than 1,500 sales associates throughout Indiana and select markets in Kentucky. Less than one percent of all real estate firms have the longevity of F.C. Tucker. Founded in 1918, the company’s family of businesses includes a full range of real estate services—mortgages, title insurance, relocation services, a full line of insurance products, auctioning and homeowner warranty products. F.C. Tucker has earned a reputation for its exceptional service, experienced sales associates and “Golden Rule” commitment to its clients and employees.

​Premium lot with views of water, green space and mature trees. Real walnut hardwood floors on main living area. Gorgeous two-story entry and family room with floor-to-ceiling windows and fireplace with decorative molding. Office and den with French doors on main. Gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances including double ovens, walk-in pantry, island, butler's pantry and tile backsplash. Great master suite with amenities plus second bedrooms with en suite and Jack-n-Jill bath. Walk-out basement with 5th bedroom, family room and full bath. Deck on main and patio with pergola. Many updates.
 
Basement

• Sump pump with battery back-up
• Added 5th bedroom with egress window
• Recessed can lights on dimmer switches
• Built-in bookshelves
• Additional closets added
• Opened up walls in stairwell and added wrought-iron spindles
• Walk-out with concrete patio and pergola

 
Kitchen/Breakfast Nook

• Real walnut hardwood floors
• Butler’s pantry
• Tile backsplash
• Corian counters
• Bottom cabinets with rollouts
• Cabinet with double trash cans
• Walk-in pantry
• 42” maple cabinets with under cabinet lighting
• Updated plumbing fixture
• All stainless appliances, including refrigerator, convection double oven, microwave, dishwasher and gas range

 
Family Room

• Real walnut hardwood floors
• Two-story
• Changed gas log fireplace into gas direct vent fireplace with marble tile surround
• Decorative molding above fireplace
• Ceiling fan

 
Den/Library

• Real walnut hardwood floors
• Solid French doors
• Ceiling fan

 
Office

• Real walnut hardwood floors
• Enclosed formal living room to make office/den with glass French doors
• Ceiling fan
• Recessed lights with dimmers

 
Dining Room

• Real walnut hardwood floors
• Decorative columns
• Crown molding

 
Master Bedroom

• New carpet (2010)
• Ceiling fan
• Wooden shelves in lieu of wire shelving in closet
• Private bath with laminate wood floors, walk-in tiled shower, double sinks, framed mirror, garden tub, updated lighting and walk-in closet

 
Bedroom #2

• New carpet (2010)
• En suite bath with tile floors
• Ceiling fan
• Wooden shelves in lieu of wire shelving in closet

 
Bedroom #3 and #4

• New carpet (2010)
• Jack-n-Jill bath with double sinks, tile floors
• Ceiling fan
• Wooden shelves in lieu of wire shelving in closet

 
Interior

• HVAC system and ducts (2010)
• Water softener (2016)
• 75-gallon water heater (2017)
• LED lighting throughout
• Upgraded molding packing with crown molding, chairs and squares paneling in entry
• Dual staircase
• Main floor laundry with full wall of upper cabinets, laundry sink, tile flooring
• Oil-rubbed bronze levered handles
• Storm doors added on front and side doors

 
Exterior/Garage

• New roof (2010)
• Seasonal timers on outdoor lighting
• Irrigation system
• Water feature in front landscaping
• Premium lot on cul-de-sac overlooking pond, common area, walking trails, and mature trees. The Conner Prairie balloon can be seen over the trees.
• Home faces west, which allows for great shaded evening time on the deck
• Deck on main level with stairs down to patio with pergola
• Finished 3-car garage with added pegboard, insulated doors, additional lighting added plus motion sensor light
• 2 keyless entry keypads, one for each garage door

 
Neighborhood Amenities

• Pool
• Clubhouse
• Walking trails
• Tennis courts
• Playground