There is one person who specializes in knowing how to increase the value of a property: the realtor. They are at ground zero in the housing markets. Everything that has to do with housing involves its worth when the time comes to sell. A repair that is put off becomes a discount at time of sale; an addition that does little to increase value wastes energy, resources, and resale power; an improvement that only a few would appreciate can be a hindrance to selling. Knowing these and similar market aspects can educate a remodel when the time comes. That is why knowing a realtor is a valuable advisor to add to your network.
Even a question as innocuous as what material to use for a hardscape driveway can be upgraded by a realtor. Something that worked in your home town may not work in the NW or in your neighborhood. When it comes to bigger questions (“Should I add a bedroom or a home theater?”), a good contractor will be basing their answer on the feedback of real estate experts they network with.
A good realtor knows what trends are going to last for a while and which ones are just another fad. They know how much square footage of a functional area would most benefit your house. Would it benefit from another guest bath? Another bedroom? A larger master bathroom? A more dramatic deck? These are good things to know when you consider modifying your home. Even if you choose not to take their advice, the knowledge gained can still educate your decisions.
Having a realtor in your network well before you consider selling is a tremendous advantage. The improvements you make to your home will be smarter ones. When the time comes to sell, your home will not require drastic modifications to command top price. They may not ask for it, but offer to pay them somehow for their time and advice. It’s worth it.