Rob & Jeannie Steward

Regardless of market conditions, a nice outdoor deck is a feature any homebuyer can appreciate.

According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS), the size of the average deck on an upscale home has doubled to about 700 square feet in the past 10 years.

Most decks (90 percent) are added as a remodeling project, particularly by families with young children. Parents like the idea that children can be outdoors, yet contained in a safe place.

The JCHS survey also determined that the cost of the average deck project was approximately $10,347. Although a large investment, the improvement tends to pay off well at resale. According to the 2007 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling magazine, a wood deck addition yielded an 85.4 percent return when the home was sold, one of the highest cost recovery rates.

Aside from serving as an inviting haven for relaxation and entertainment, decks can improve the aesthetic appearance of the home and increase its potential resale value.

Garage doors are often overlooked. However, according to a recent New York Times article titled "Garage Doors for All Seasons," this would be a mistake. Garage doors serve as a crucial component of a home's curb appeal.

In addition, garage doors can be a significant source of heat loss. Without breaking the bank, a typical wood or fiberglass garage door can be replaced with an insulated steel door that could save a homeowner hundreds of dollars a year in heating costs.

Installing an automatic garage door opener continues to be popular among homeowners. Newer automatic doors are quieter and many can be wired to run on a backup battery. Additionally, all new automatic openers have federally mandated safety features. For example, a photoelectric eye six inches from the bottom allows the door to immediately stop closing if a toy or child breaks the beam. Always consult a company which specializes in installing and repairing garage doors, as working with these can be quite involved and require more know-how than the average Harry Homeowner Handyman possesses.

Garage doors should not be overlooked as they can increase curb appeal, protect against heat loss and be an attractive feature to potential homebuyers.

According to the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) annual "Cost vs. Value Report," the bathroom is one of the most important features potential buyers look for in a home. What's more, NAR's 2007 report shows that a bathroom remodel recouped 93.2 percent of the initial cost upon selling the home.

Will Smith, celebrity interior designer, suggests that homeowners pay close attention to the bathroom mirror, paint, hardware and lighting. Each can easily and inexpensively be updated to provide a current look for a bathroom.

Making over a bathroom on a budget can be easily accomplished -- without sacrificing style. According to Smith, high-end looks for less include:

• Mirror: A frame around the mirror gives a bathroom a finished, updated look. The mirror is the focal point in the bathroom and can make a real statement with the right frame.
• Paint: A painted bathroom is a tried and true way to make a big impact with little cost. Create a spa-like setting with paints in beige and pale tones or use popular colors such as brown, aqua, olive and gold to make the bathroom stand out.
• Hardware: Match the lighting, fixtures, bath bars, knobs and switches to create a cohesive look. Brushed nickel, pewter, antique or oil rubbed bronze finishes are all good options.
• Lighting: Soft lighting makes more of a statement than harsh lighting, so select a fixture with shades or sconces. You can also contribute to the greatest focal point in the room by placing the fixture above or alongside the mirror.

Combined with historically low interest rates and a plentiful inventory of affordable homes, the recently passed tax credit of up to $7,500 for first-time buyers presents an excellent opportunity for those looking to make their dreams of homeownership a reality. There has never been a better time to buy a home. Seize the opportunity; the first-time buyer tax credit only applies to purchases closed by June 30, 2009.

According to reports conducted by the National Association of Realtors covering a three year period, there are many other benefits of homeownership. These advantages include:

• Higher education performance and graduation rate.
  

• More household participation in civic affairs, a greater level of voluntarism and increased awareness of local politics.
  

• Better physical and psychological health, as well as higher life satisfaction, self-esteem and perceived control over life decisions.

• Greater median wealth compared to renters with comparable incomes.

According to Forbes magazine, second-home buyers can pick up a real deal these days. Interest rates are low, prices are affordable and there are plenty of available homes to choose from.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), many consumers are taking advantage of the current buyer's market. In 2007, the combined total of vacation- and investment-home sales accounted for 33 percent of all existing- and new-homes sales. The most commonly cited reason for purchasing a second home was to use the home for vaca tion or as a family retreat.

Tips from Forbes to maximize your second-home investment include:

• Consider the surroundings: Bike trails and hiking paths are a big draw for second-home buyers.

• Look at the taxes: Income tax policies differ from state to state.

• Take distance into account: Second-homes that are within an easy drive can save money spent on gas.

• Look near resorts: Locales that are close to a popular resort area can have similar amenities at a lower price than homes considered part of the resort.
  

• Think local: Parts of the country that are regional rather than national vacation spots can prove to be a bargain.