looking to increase satisfaction with their current home.

Realtors said new roofing, new vinyl win-dows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding are most appealing to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale, both consider-ing or disregarding project price.

Upon resale, Realtors said new roofing would recover 105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent, and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost.

As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intend-ing to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR that examines personal satisfaction from remodeling projects, surveyed Realtors, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and

members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

“Remodeling projects can greatly improve both the value of and satisfaction with one’s home, which are great things no matter the reason for a project,” said Judy Mozen, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “This report high-lights the best projects to consider in either situation and showcases just how much of a difference a good, professional remodel can make in real numbers.”

The report not only assists homeowners who are preparing to sell in choosing the best projects to attract buyers, but it also helps those looking to get more personal satisfaction out of their homes.

“Realtors know that remodeling projects aren’t just done to get more money for a home once it’s time to sell.

A home is a sanctuary, the place to raise a family and make lifelong memories. Home improvements can enhance the current quality of life and yield the best of all rewards — happiness. The Southland Regional Association of Realtors® is a local trade association with more than 9,500 members serving the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. SRAR is one of the largest local associations in the nation.

complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was simply time for a change.

Realtors named kitchen upgrades,

complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers. Similarly, Realtors also ranked projects based on expected value at resale — without accounting for project price: Projects that ranked the highest in this category were

complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When look-ing at the interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, Realtors ranked hardwood floor-ing refinishes, with 100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale, insulation upgrades, 95 per-cent recovered; and new wood flooring, 91 per-cent recovered, as projects to consider.

Exterior projects are also important for both sellers and homeowners

Realtors Present Home Buyer GrantEileen and Victor Valle, pictured below second and third from the left, received a grant recently from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors and the California Association of Realtors’ Housing Afford-ability Fund. They applied the $2,000 grant toward the purchase of a home in Castaic. The Valle’s were assisted in the purchase by Realtor husband/wife team of Thomas, second from the right, and Raquel, left, Marchant. SRAR 2016 President Gina Uzunyan, right, presented the grant. SRAR and C.A.R. offer the grants to qualified prospective home buyers who meet specific qualifications. Most of the 2016 grants have already been awarded. For more infor-mation write via email to Michelle Gerhard at michelleg@SRAR.com.

Which Home Improvements Make ‘Cents?’By Gina Uzunyan, President, and David R. Walker

Southland Regional Association of Realtors®Face it — We’re all suckers for shiny new things, especially when it replaces drab, dirty, worn out ancient stuff. Yet, is it wise to invest in a home remodel just to sell it at, hopefully, a higher price?

No doubt homeowners preparing to sell often need to make improve-ments, both big and small, that can yield positive results and gar-ner top dollar.

But why not spruce up a home while sell-ing is still in the

distance? Why not enjoy the major benefits of remodeling, especially here in inventory-impaired, high-priced Southern California?

According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors, remodel-ing projects can bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes. And, experienced Realtors know that some home upgrades and remodels attract more buyer eyes to a property, potentially bringing in additional offers or squeezing more equity from a home.

But remodeling projects are just as valu-able to homeowners who simply want to get joy out of their dwellings.

What’s important to remember, the NAR report noted, is to understand that some improvements get more bang for the buck and some projects are most likely to improve a homeowner’s — and prospective buyer’s — impression of the house.

According to NAR’s 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, 64 percent of owners have experienced increased enjoyment in their home after completing a remodeling project.

Additionally, 75 percent of respondents said they felt a major sense of accomplish-ment when thinking of their completed project.

Fifty-four percent felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied.

As for their reasons to

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For more information, contact Debra Howard, SRAR’s Professional Standards administrator, at 818-947-2226 or via email at debrah@srar.com.

REALTOR® is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a Member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN THE SAN FERNANDO AND SANTA CLARITA VALLEYSwww.SRAR.com | Real Estate Questions? E-mail Gina Uzunyan, SRAR 2016 President, c/o DavidW@SRAR.com

Realtor® Gina Uzunyan 2016 President, SRAR