"We LOVE our new home and are so thankful to Shelley and Doug for all the hard work they
did for us. They sold our home and went above and beyond to find us our dream home!!
What a great team to have working for you!!"
Doug Lyman - 913.219.1006
Shelley Staton - 913.449.7208
Remodeling Improvements That Entice Buyers
Over the last few years, some homeowners have opted to stay put for the time being and that's caused them to consider remodeling instead of
moving. But most homeowners know that one day they might need or want to sell their home so which remodels help to add value and entice
buyers?

There are a few areas that are better than others to improve. It's pretty easy to understand why these home remodels are enticing buyers when
you consider the way the housing market has been for the past several years.

Here are a few of the renovations that are adding value to homes and creating appeal from home buyers.

Aging in Place

With the tough economic times, more short sales and foreclosures, extended families are combining homes and reducing their cost of living by
residing together in one larger house. The National Association of Home Builders found that 62 percent of builders in a survey were working on
home projects that were helping families "age in place". Included in these types of remodels are placing a bedroom on the entry-level of a home,
wider doorways that would accommodate a wheelchair, and overall modifications for the elderly including reducing steps outside and inside.

At one time, these designs might have been unattractive but with many Americans wanting to "age in place" and extended families living together,
remodels like these are becoming common, necessary, and valued.

Savvy Kitchen

The great rooms that bring the kitchen and the eating areas together are still popular. More space is preferred so families can have room to sit and
spend time together over a meal even if that means having less space to actually prepare the food. Cabinets and shelving are being customized to
suit the homeowners' needs and many are favoring pantries or utility rooms. Kitchens are taking on the look of a chef's cooking space with open
shelving and islands to help homeowners be able to quickly prepare meals and still mingle with guests and family.

Totally Wired

Fast-placed, busy buyers who often work from home will find smart homes that are wired and built to handle all the high-technology needs a huge
plus when it comes time to market and sell their homes. Another plus is having space-saving workstations in the home. Remodeled homes that
feature floor-to-ceiling bookcases and wiring for home offices are increasingly becoming the norm in many homes.

Outdoor Living

This continues to be a popular trend to bring the outside in. Making the most of living spaces, even those in the garage and outside, is a huge
benefit. Homeowners are capitalizing on all possible livable space by creating outdoor living rooms complete with wiring for entertainment, cooking,
and relaxing. Outdoor furniture is also being featured inside as well as outside the home, blending the line between the two.

According to the Census Bureau, 2011 home starts were bigger and featured more amenities than in the previous year. It seems houses are
growing again. The average new-home's square footage is was 2,522 in 2011, up from 2,381 square feet.

Not all remodels add value to the home. The balance of achieving what you like in a home and which improvements can potentially increase the
sale of your home, can allow you to make smart home improvement choices.
Welcome to The Lyman Staton Group, officially designated Realtors
who are poised , pleased and understanding to your needs. Our
accomplishments include, but are not limited to:

Top 3% of all Kansas City Realtors (approximately 7,500)
Averaged 1 transaction every 11 days for the past 5 years
Exceeded 150 homes and $35M in sales over last 5 years
Certified “Power Agent”  
Member of CSS, The Centralized Showing Service
Member, National Association of Realtors
Member, Heartland Multiple Listing Service
Member, Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors

We are a father / daughter team that treats our clients like family and
the referrals show it is appreciated.  Thank You!  We understand that
buying or selling your home is a financial and emotional process that
needs care, compassion and swift execution. We would love to help
you with one of life's biggest decisions and get you into a home you
love, out of the one you don't or both.We look forward to helping you
make an educated decision about your real estate needs!

Sincerely,
Doug Lyman and Shelley Staton
The Lyman Staton Group