(NAPSA)—“Value” is the number one buzzword for anyone planning to place a home on the market. And with nearly 22 million households moving every year, according to the National Postal Service, a large percentage of Americansare striving to make top oe ag ~ | 4 y J i dollar from home sales. In fact, a recent survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute found that 40 percent of people who sell a home first make improvementsto prepare for the sale. Among the most popular improvements, capturing $8 billion annually, is new flooring. It’s money well spent. Rather than dramatic projects—such as the installation of a new roof or the addition of a room—experts say thatit’s the small improvements like a fresh coat of paint, warm lighting or an attractive floor that make all the difference to prospective buyers. “It’s the floors and walls of a homethat essentially clinch the sale,” says Don Cybalski, design director of Pergo, the nation’s leading brand of laminate flooring. “The eyes of potential buyers first are drawn to the surface areas of the home. Sellers can expect to add nearly twice as much to the value of their homes for every dollar spent on new flooring.” When preparing to sell a home on a limited budget, first focus on the kitchen and bathroom. According to the National Association of Realtors, even moderate upgrades to these rooms will provide an immediate return on investment, especially with the addition of flooring that offers superior wear and moisture resistance, combined with stand-out good looks. “Laminate flooring is the ideal option for homeowners planning a sale because it can be installed quickly and at a reasonable cost,” says Cybalski. “For instance, the Pergo product line ranges from $1.99 per square foot for the bud- Installing laminate flooring in the kitchen can provide an immediate return on investment for homeownersplanning to sell. potential mishaps. For kitchens get-conscious Pergo Everyday to $4.49 per square foot for the Vin- and bathrooms, insist on a lamitage Homecollection, which repli- nate that provides superior procates the appearanceof hardwood.” tection from moisture and feaCybalski offers the following tures CertainSeal™ pre-applied checklist to help find a laminate glue technology to guarantee the floor that will add both long-term product’s seams will not gap. Rooms with heavy foot traffic beauty and value to a home: Dcor and Texture—Looks from kids or pets need shielding aren’t everything, but they are from damage and dulling. Choose whatinitially capture the attention a floor that offers LusterGard™ of potential homebuyers. Today’s Plus scratch protection, the most laminates are available in a variety effective scratch resistant coatof colors and even textures— ing in the industry. e NALFA Certification—A thanks to new registered embossed technologies. Select a laminate that laminate floor that carries the best flatters the look of a room. For NALFAlogo is guaranteed to instance, if you want to make a meet or exceed the testing bedroom appearlarger, install light requirements established by the colored flooring. Or, if you’d like to North American Laminate Floorcomplement the cabinetry in your ing Association. Don’t even conkitchen, choose a darker oak, sider purchasing a laminate that maple or cherry dcor. hasn’t met these stringent Durability—Spills and requirements. The best floors on splashes, scratches and scuffs the market carry this symbol of are all part of everyday life. Be quality and confidence. sure to install a laminate floor For additional information, visit that protects against these Wwww.pergo.com.
