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Cost vs. Value:  2020 Home Improvement Projects with the Highest ROI

Curb appeal really does have a major impact on the return you'll see at resale. Among the top 10 home improvement projects with the highest return on investment (ROI) in Remodeling magazine's newly-released Cost vs. Value Report, nine are outdoor projects.

Topping this year's list is Manufactured Stone Veneer, a project that has consistently ranked toward the top of the list since the project was added to the report in 2015.

Unsurprisingly, the report shows an increase in cost for all 22 projects listed; however, there is also a consistent dip across the board in terms of what the perceived value of each of these projects is. This is likely due to a market that was anything but smooth in 2019.
The Five Golden Rules of Home Staging on a Budget

When you show your home's best features by staging it effectively, you help increase your final selling price without breaking the bank. In fact, on average, sellers receive $2 in increased sale price for every $1 they put into staging a home. As the infographic below shows, the following five golden rules of home staging will help you show off its best assets:

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What's Trending Next?  A Dozen Home and Design Ideas for 2020

Almost everyone enjoys making predictions for a new year-and certainly for a new decade. How about cooking appliances that tell you how to roast and broil to perfection? Or, better yet, new homes that come with a personal chef?
REALTORĀ® Magazine asked our favorite real estate trend watchers and influencers what to expect in 2020 and beyond. For starters, most agree that gray is on its way out, while deep hues are becoming the stars in interior paint. And more homeowners are following the craze of decluttering and tidying up popularized by Marie Kondo so they can focus on experiencing joy in their home.
While some fads are natural evolutions and others are more far-fetched, we've whittled it down to a dozen that are sure to inspire your buyers and sellers alike. Plus, don't miss five up-and-coming kitchen trends that are bound to spark interest and maybe a remodel.
Commercial Real Estate Market Trends and Outlook

This latest Commercial Real Estate Trends & Outlook Report discusses trends in the small commercial market (transactions that are typically less than $2.5 million) based on a survey of commercial REALTORSĀ® about their 2019 Q4 transactions and the latest publicly available data.

Respondents reported commercial dollar sales volume rose 4% in 2019 Q4 from one year ago, new leasing dollar volume rose 3%, and commercial development (in square feet) rose 5%.

Among respondents, the median commercial sales price growth in 2019 Q4 from one year ago was 3%. Apartment, industrial warehouse and flex, and office class A properties had the lowest cap rates, with a median of 6.5%. Among respondents, the median cap rate for retail mall properties was also 6.5%. The retail trade industry appears to be adapting to the challenge coming from robust e-commerce sales. In November 2019, the retail trade industry gained 15,300 net new jobs from one year ago, in contrast to the job losses in past months.

How to U se Deicers and Anti-Icers on Sidewalks and Driveways

When freezing weather hits, sidewalks and driveways can become dangerously slick. And if you've ever gotten out there with a shovel, you know how tenaciously that ice can cling to your driveway! Deicers and anti-icers are chemicals that help to break or prevent a bond between the ice and concrete, making it easier to shovel.

It's important to remember that these products are not intended to melt large quantities of snow or ice. For thick layers, you'll still need that snow shovel! Deicers and anti-icers contain chemicals that can be toxic to the environment and corrosive to your driveway concrete, so it's important to apply them sparingly and according to package instructions.
5 Hacks to Make a Tiny, Cramped Closet Look Huge


No matter how beautiful and spacious your home is, one out-of-sight area could still make visitors cringe: your closet. Especially if it's small, dark, and cluttered.

"A house can be amazing, but if it has no closet space or the closets are super small, which you do see sometimes in older homes, that can be a major turn-off," says Lori Matzke, owner of Home Staging Expert.

It's a fact: Having ample closet space is a high priority among homeowners-all the more so if you're trying to sell your place. After all, you never know if a home buyer is a fashionista with oodles of apparel, or just someone with tons of stuff to store (which is just about everyone else). So, trust us, home buyers checking out your house definitely won't be shy about opening up your closets to see what's up!
Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Real Estate Council
 393 Main Street, Middletown, CT 06457 | info@middlesexchamber.com | w ww.middlesexchamber.com
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