VHETHER the real estate market in your » area is hut or cold, sprucing up the home- Stead is a prerequisite to selling. ese improvements can “he as easy as a thorough clean: ing, or as complex ay renovat- ing a kitchen or adding a bathroom. The main factor to bear in mind is whether the costof the improvement will be recovered by the achievable selling price. “Most of the time,” says realtor Bjorn Nilsson, “vou will realize nwo to three dal- . K on each dollar invest- ed in vour home.” Remember, ‘first’ impres- sions are crucial, so before vou begin to consider the interior, pay. particular atrention “to shaw. the front. vard entrance creas will look 00a potential bay In’ ssluggish © markets, improvements may mean the _ difference berween selling or having the -realtor’s sign ome a lawn ornam V's important to carefully choose what improvements to make. Few improvements will “substantially increase the sell- ing price in a sluggish market so make. inexpensive choices that will make the home stand out from. comparably’ priced home . : - improve- and. in the: wpe or: ment is 10 update your light. ing and ‘electrical plugs. to modern square fuceplates. task that is easy to do vourselt (rake appropriate precautions and learn prop dacement methods), chis gives a home a well-maintained,” updated look that will leave YL impres- sion. “Most of the time, you will r two to three dollars back on ach dollar invested in your home.” Paiming has at one of the feast expensiv ways to chanue the look of ANY roo, and create ac cost.is a factor, go to very good paint stores mand check out the mistint cans of paint that can be had at a fraction of the regular price. Or, add a complimentary color or shade to a. solid, colored wall by sponging or using other paint techniques. These techmiques are casy to do, use very little paint and still provide a new look. ‘ In a hotter, appreciating market, there is more leeway Eta of improvements possible, because if chosen wisely, these improvements will increase the selling price and maximize your investment, When it comes te major improvements, there are some proven do’s and don'ts. The best renovation to make in terms of resale value”, is aadd a second bathroom if there dave one, or-update throoms. have become a place for personal pamp aphee to linger and a house with updated bathrooms will sell better than one without. ng the kitchen, real- is now tied with bath- roomy in ability to sell a home, so tackle whichever of these nwo rooms nnveds more © attention. Don’t make improvements that don’t show. For example, upending insulation make the home less expen to maintain for potential own- er, bur it won't be a major factor in deciding to purchase if items that show — kitchens, baths, carpets, flooring —are notin good shape. Lastly, suggests Nilsson,ask your realtor whether there are any unpleasant odours in your home that you may to. “It’s difficult: tor.a realtor, “to come ino and a house stinks, but it is: the: number one thing thar will keep a house trom selling.” used © ‘A bathroom renovation, wi investment guaranteed to pay off when you sell. So ‘the first to view this terrific ‘upper Lonsdale charmer with a fabulous city & water eatures.1: bedroom:& den’ or 2 bedrooms; sundeck, private. backyard with patio & more! Asking just $299,000." “CANYON HEIGHTS MONEY MAKER At $319, 000 this 4 bedroom, full bsmt. back plit offers an outstanding opportuniiy for someone to add a little imagination & the ‘needed T.L.C. to make this house a home! The a Supports a much higher price! Hurry & calt ae’ & WATER VIEW _ 1370. ‘Sq. ft. of Spacious living aa tre ve = ie es “TSTIGRRGUGGee soe tase a “: CUTE AS A BUTTON! This 2 BR. Grand Blvd beauty has a fireplace, tin-all roof, detached garage. workshop, a beautiful fully fenced yard & more! Asking only” $279,000. 7 4 SLOSe TO THE QUAY Spotless 2 BR: south facing ‘unit in the _best concrete building in North Van with 3 § units: per. floor, total. of 20 “units. 2 elevators, adult oriented. no rentals. $216,000. Hurry for this one! as “807 ROCHE POINT DRIVE “2000 4. “ftel3' bedroom, 3 level “Salish - [NEW LISTING" ea Outstanding value for this 2 bedroom pefunouse unit with views stretching across the city and waterfront. Lots of updating with mirrors;: tile, paint and plush canpeting. Huge sundeck stretches across your unit. oe RAYENWOODS TOWNHOME 3 bdrm, 3 bath, 2 ievel townhome.: Vaulted ceilings, gas F/P.with marble hearth, baseboard moldings, ceramic tile, mirrored & heritage style doors & more. Kitchen has sep. breakfast nook, pantry & breakfast bar. 5 Power Smart appliances, laundry mm wisink, storage, dble garage. etc. 442-650 Roche Pt. Dr. : Always the key to smart real estate. Located on a cul § de sac close to al’ amenities, this is the perfect home to raise ‘a family..4 bedrooms, 2. bathrooms, family room off kitchen, heatilator fireplace. gas appliances 5 and energy. efficient home, huge 5! ndeck, and a i workshop. An excellent opportunity! ¢ : : Photos Christopher Stanford a bright, open design an a large jacuzzi tub, is an - ONE OF A A KIND “Absolutely ‘huge 2 bedroam and den or'3 bedroom apartment. 1790 sq.ft... where else can you find this kind ot. space? Concrete, gas. firepiace, : fully applianced, 5 piece ensuite, very: private forest outidok.:1st class’ living. excellent security. 2 parking stalls” and very quiet. A’mist see if you're looking for something very special. Pets & rental allowed. OK NO FURTHER. Tum key oper: n in a trouble tree complex. This 2 bedroom, "1 bathroom apartment has it all: Insuite laundry, gas fireplace, tiled entry, large open ocak kitchen, separate shower and soaker tub, window seats, covered sundeck and a lot more.. Vendor will antertain offers. Wheelchair access. pets and rentals allowed, secured derground parking. S.W. . Above ground *: » #106 123 E 6TH STREE ; _ BUILDING Lor: REDUCED. Excellent location & ready to build - fully serviced, cleared & veady to go. ‘Building plans available for over 2600 sq.ft. on 3 levals & garage. Front & lane “access. 697 Riverside Dr. $189,000 AD259