We also do granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances and hdwd floors.

Example you are planning on formica in your repair estimate but a majority are using granite etc.2.Is your area increasing,decreasing,or flat in pricing and by what percentage each month??

I think I will go this route as the PMI will not add a significant % to the interest when compared with interest I would pay to get that 20k by other means (student loans not paid off).I have found a house listed at 125k that is a 3/2 1000 sq. ft. ranch with nice updates (granite countertops, hardwood refinish, cherry wood cabinets, finished basement, modern bathrooms, etc.), garage, deck, and an 800 sq. ft., finished, basement.

But if you spend a lot of money on stuff like granite counters and fancy appliances you probably won't make your money back.

Despite the pleading of our agent, we over-rehabbed this one (in a "working class" neighborhood), spending $15K on the typical pergranisteel (pergo, granite, stainless steel) that goes into our middle of the road flips.

If you make your house really stand out, i.e. custom cabinets, granite, all tile in the bathrooms, nice doors and trim, you get the picture, something that is a real cut above the other houses in the neighborhood; how much more can you realistically get for it?

i bought all of them, and mixed with buckets of cheap white paint to make nice soft lavenders and other colors...i had home depot intall the carpet and i threw a granite slab in..i even bought the appliances off of craigslist..i laid down some floating laminate in the kitchen and tile for the 2 baths...i spent maybe 2 or 3 days cleaning the place as well!

However, when it comes down to it, these numbers are not based in reality and are mostly guesses pulled out of thin air.I also think I’m probably over-improving it with these repairs, and maybe should cut out the hardwood and granite and instead use carpet and corian.

In the Austin area, we can get granite installed for around $30 sqft with undermount sink and not sure about vinyl flooring but we get laminate for $.75 sqft and $1 to install

The good news is you CAN buy directly from one of these servicers like Granite Mortgage Solutions, Gemini Group, Kondaur Capital, etc.