Header Image

Cheap vs high end quality. A buyer's perspective.

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality. 1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???) 2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used? 3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans? 4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet? 5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus. There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

aaron@leadcitydemo.com Thank you for taking the time to visit RE/MAX Lakes Realty.  I purchased RE/MAX Lakes Realty in January of 2014 with the purpose of continuing to deliver superior real estate services to our clients; service that can be matched by nobody.  At RE/MAX Lakes Realty we will continue to offer the very latest in online marketing technology and will consistently stay ahead of the curve.  I specialize is residential lakeshore sales and provide agency services for sellers, buyers, and investors.  Myself or one of our agents would be pleased to help. (Real Estate Agent) Provided By Aaron Jones. Click To Contact Aaron Jones

GET IN TOUCH

Local Expert Updates

Aaron Jones


Cell: 234.234.2342

Greg Harvey


Cell: 712.330.1573

Janie Gilmore


Cell: 712.339.0574

Community Updates

Good News Community Church in Okoboji

Good News Community Church

Okoboji

If you're looking for a welcoming church to be a part of, Good News is it! As a member of this church, I have first hand experience of their warm inviting nature. This growing church is full of younger families, as well as community members from every stage in life. Their contemporary nature is what really drew my family into this church. They have great music, that you can't help but sing along, and get lost within the message.


Dickinson County Courthouse in Spirit Lake

Dickinson County Courthouse

Spirit Lake

Located at the corner of Hill Ave and 18th St(Hwy 9/71), the County Courthouse offices the following: Auditor, Assessor, Board of Supervisors, Conservation, Community Services, County Attorney, Emergency Mgt, E-911 Administrator, County Engineer, IT/GIS, Recorder, Sheriff Dept, Trails, Treasurer, Veterain’s Affairs, Weed Commissioner, Zoning and Environment Health.

The current courthouse was built in 2005-2007 on the same site as the old courthouse was located. In fact, some of the bricks used on the exterior of the new courthouse came from the old courthouse.


Arnolds Perk Coffee House in Arnolds Park

Arnolds Perk Coffee House

Arnolds Park

You can't come to the Lakes Area, and not go to Arnolds Perk. This whimiscal little coffee shops is always very busy in the summers, and rightfully so; their coffee is amazing! They also have breakfast, lunch, and their ever famous cupcakes, along with their coffee drinks. Located just across the street from the Arnolds Park amusement park, its the perfect place to stop at on your vacation in the mornings!


Subscribe To Our Newsletter

The newsletter is sent periodically and will update you on the latest real estate news and offers.