Best real estate agents near Artesia, NM

Yes, home additions almost always increase a home's value and can be a good investment by enhancing both its utility and square footage. The actual return depends on several factors, including the type of addition, quality of work, and local market conditions. Key additions like extra bedrooms, bathrooms, and larger kitchens tend to offer the highest returns. For example, adding a primary suite might result in a 63% return on investment, while a sunroom may yield around a 49% return. For the best results, additions should be well-planned to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure.

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

Yes. If the seller includes a kick-out clause in the contract, they can accept another offer while contingent.

Termite damage isn’t always a deal breaker when buying a house, but don’t dismiss it. If that’s the case, you should hire a professional termite inspection to understand the extent of the damage, type of termite, state of repairs, and whether the infestation is gone.

If the termites are gone and the current owners repaired the damage, you might want to proceed. You may even be able to use the damage as a bargaining point. However, don’t forget that home insurance policies often don’t cover termite treatment or repairs and active infestations are tricky to shift.