About Northampton County, PA

You can really give your Allentown home a new look by updating your kitchen and baths. From small updates that are inexpensive to complete remodels, a total transformation can easily be made.

Below are budget friendly updates that you can easily make which will give your home a more modern and attractive look.

Budget-friendly Bathroom Updates

• Paint-A new coat of paint is an easy way to renew a room's look.

• Hardware-Update your vanity by adding new hardware.

• Flooring-Remove carpet and replace with tile.

• Lighting-A modern bathroom must always have updated lighting.

Budget-friendly Kitchen Updates

• Cabinets-Refinishing or re-facing the cabinets are cheaper than buyer new ones and can give them a fresh look.

• Paint-Just like the bathroom, a fresh coat of paint can transform the room. You can also paint the cabinets.

• Faucets and sinks-Replace your sink and faucet with a more updated finish like brush nickel.

• Lighting-Give the kitchen a dramatic look by adding track lighting.

If budget is not an issue, than dive into a complete remodel. Below are several great ways to remodel your kitchen and baths.

Bathroom Remodel

• Minor Remodel-For approximately $10,500 you can replace the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures. You'll see an average return of $10,700 (102%).

• Major Remodel-For approximately $26,052 you can expand an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom, relocate and replace the tub and toilet, add designer sinks and faucets, a linen closet, lighting, a ceramic tile floor and exhaust fan. You'll see an average return of $24,286 (93.2%).

Kitchen Remodel

• Minor Remodel-For approximately $14,913 you can do 30 feet of re-facing of cabinets and drawers, a new wall oven, cooktop, sink and fixtures, laminate countertops, and new flooring. You'll see an average return of $14,691 (98.5%).

• Major Remodel-For approximately $43,862 you can buy 30 ft. of cabinets, an island, laminate countertops, stainless sink, wall oven, cook top, vinyl flooring and appliances. You'll see an average return of $39,920 (91%).

Homebuyers are more attracted to homes with updated kitchens and baths. Don Wenner has the expertise needed to help you make the correct selections when updating your kitchen and baths. Contact Don today and check out his Lehigh Valley website to view the best properties in Bethlehem, Easton, or Allentown.

New Listings	17
Back on Market	1
Price Increases	1
Price Reductions	13
Contingents	2
Pendings	4
Solds	6
Expireds	9
Inactives	4

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or call 24/7 (877) 735-3527 ID # 1074

Don Wenner

The Don Wenner Home Selling Team
Keller Williams Real Estate
2901 Emrick Blvd. Suite 100
Bethlehem PA 18020
PA RE License #RS300485

(C) 484-542-2868
(O) 610-867-8888
(F) 610-867-8889
http://www.donwenner.com
email: don@donwenner.com

"Your Home Sold Guaranteed, Or I'll Buy It"

"Buy A home with our Team and Receive up to a $10,000 Cash Reward!"

Chris Hoffman
Pa Re License #RS298340
Theresa Barlow
Pa Re License #RS281312
Barb Miers
Pa Re License #RS278138

Remodeling projects can definitely add a lot of value to your home. Before you start any project, you should determine how to maximize the value of the remodel. To avoid over-improving you should do your research to make sure that the improvements you make are in line with the Lehigh Valley area.

Bonus Room

Remodeling your bonus room is a great way to customize the space and make it your own. You can convert a 12x12 bonus room into a home office for approximately $13,143. This updated space would have a $9,569 (72.8%) return at resale. You will need to paint and add additional electrical outlets. Also, remember that an office should have enough space to store any paperwork or other important things that you normally keep in an office. Having built-in cabinets or shelves installed is a great feature and selling point.

If you aren't ready to jump into a large bonus room overhaul, try transforming it by making some simple changes. If you have a desk already, find the space where the desk works best, preferably near power outlets. The desk is the main focal point of the room, so it is okay to go large. Purchase file cabinets and decorative organizers that compliment the décor.

Basement

A basement remodeling project is a little pricey, but adds a lot of value. An average remodel costs $51,051 and yields a $46,010 (90%) return at resale. At this price point you should be able to get a 20 x 30 entertaining area with wet bar, a 5x8 bath, recessed lighting and a laminate floor. Before starting the remodel make sure you don't have any flooding problems. When making selections for your remodel, it is important to remember that you want to have a quality finished basement. A basement that is poorly finished will lower your home's value.

Don Wenner can help you research the Lehigh Valley selling prices so you don't over-improve. Visit donwenner.com for the best properties in Bethlehem, Easton, or Allentown.

On Saturday, September 12th, 2009, the Saucon Valley Conservancy will host its Third Annual Barn Tour.

The Saucon Valley Conservancy is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, which was founded in 1993. Money raised by this organization goes towards the preservation and restoration of the Micheal Heller Barn, located at the Heller Homestead in Lower Saucon Township.

Registration for the tour starts at 9:30AM at the Beethoven Waldheim Club in Hellertown. At 10AM, 2 widely recognized experts on Pennsylvania barns, will discuss the highlights of the barns on the tour.

Following the talks, each participant will get a detailed tour book with a map to guide them on a self-paced tour of several barns in the Saucon Valley area. Saucon Valley is located in the south eastern part of the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

The tour starts at 11:30AM and ends at 4PM. A host will be present at each barn to help visitors enjoy each barn's unique features.

Tickets may be purchased in advance on-line or at various businesses.

Here is what's happening in the Pen Argyl and Bangor Area School Districts in Pennsylvania area for August 2009 in Real Estate:

Recommendation:

If you're buying a home, it is important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the real estate market and local economy. He/She will be able to advise you on how to get the most for your money and what homes you may want to avoid, as there are homes on the market that are not priced at their fair market value.

If you're selling your home, it's also important that you work closely with a highly-motivated agent who understands what's going on with the market and local economy. Your goal is to net top dollar - which you may not achieve if you over price or under price your home.