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Adding a second story can increase the resale value of your home, but your cost-to-value ratio might not give you the return on investment (ROI) you were looking for. Also, there are factors to keep in mind that can impact the value of your home, such as market conditions, your neighborhood, curb appeal, and functionality. If you’re hoping this project will give you a significant ROI, talk with a realtor to see what potential increase you can expect and what you can do to maximize your home’s value.

A fireplace can increase a home's value by as much as 12%, with some reports indicating that homes with fireplaces list for around 13% more than the median sale price. Fireplaces are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, adding a charm that many homebuyers find desirable. The actual return on investment depends on the fireplace's size, type, and material.

However, a fireplace can detract from a property's value if it is unusable, not up to code, or in need of immediate repairs. The type of fireplace also matters; custom electric fireplaces and inserts can add value, while freestanding units that can be removed have less impact.

Yes, marble floors do increase home values. In fact, if you install marble flooring in your home, you can expect to double your investment. Homebuyers love marble, like other types of stone flooring, because it’s timeless, beautiful, wears well, and is considered a luxury product. Marble is expensive to install, but if your house and location attract buyers looking for luxurious, upscale vibes, adding marble flooring can only raise your property value and give you a great return on your investment.

If the sales agreement has a clause that allows the seller to renegotiate based on the appraised value, then they might be able to back out if the appraisal comes in higher than your offer price. If the agreement doesn’t have that language, then the seller has no legal recourse to back out. They could hold a higher offer as a backup and move onto that one if yours falls through for any reason, but once the agreement is signed, the seller is locked into that purchase price unless there’s a clause stating they can renegotiate.