Announcing release of the Kitchen & Bath Remodel Calculators We recently released 2 new Excel templates; the Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator and the Bath Remodel Cost Calculator. These are two of the most common remodeling projects that buyers consider making when purchasing a home. Agent's can provide some context for those buyers by offering them these templates free of charge. The buyer can then use them to produce rough estimates of the potential costs for such a remodel. They also are instructive since they identify the component items normally included in projects of this type. Using the templates, buyers can more easily compare contractor estimates and help ensure that the estimates are consistent. Anyone that attended our Business Development course (either Webinar or on-site) is entitled to receive a copy of the updated template free of charge. The new version was Emailed to attendees in May/June 2009. If your Email address has changed since attending the training, please contact us at registrar@reptechcenter.com.  This is another way in which agent's can demonstrate their superior level of service and build a bond with their customers.. Agent's tell us that buyers that have received these templates have generally found them to be quite useful and that they have even saved some money when actually completing remodels.   Microsoft Corporation originally created a simplified version of these templates which were then substantially modified by RepTech based on research and discussion with various contractors and home builders. Reviews of materials costs and labor rates for local area (Northeast U.S.) building supply outlets allowed us to produce some overall averages for 2008 costs and quantities. Using that information, we added categories for "standard quality",  as well as lower-end and higher-end variations using percentage relationships to the standard.  The attached templates incorporate sample data for an "average" remodel.  To use the templates, the buyer (or the agent) simply inputs the basic dimensions for the project, selects the level of quality and the options that they desire for the remodel and the template produces an estimated cost of the project. Instructions for use are included in each template.   Please let us know if you find these templates to be useful.

Curb Appeal Software Upgraded If you have used our Curb Appeal product you know how valuable it can be. Showing buyers the vision of a property with all of its possibilites obvious to even a casual observer; demonstrating to sellers the unparalled ease of moving potential buyers for their property to the next level of the purchase process. Now we have updated some key features of the software and allowed real estate professionals to build their own product libraries. With this new version, agents can now use any local products (e.g. windows, roofing, landscaping, wall papers, etc.) and customize the Curb Appeal software so those products can be digitally (and photo-realistically) used to alter any property. Agents can also identify the specific modifications to a property and produce a detailed list which buyers can take to local vendors to get competitive quotes on actually making the changes. It brings a whole new level of control over the digitizing process. Get your updated version by going to the Curb Appeal   page.