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•	Protect Your Finances with Strong Passwords
•	5 Ways to Build a Healthy Credit History
•	Pay Yourself First
•	Home Sweet Improved Home

June 2010

Retirement Remodeling

Home Sweet Improved Home

During your working years, you no doubt had some days when you wished you could "just stay home today" as you left for your workplace. Now that you are able to stay home, do the walls feel like they are closing in on you? Are you eager to replace outdated appliances? Do you want an inviting space to entertain friends and family? Making home improvements may help you enjoy your home more during your golden years, and they can make it more attractive to buyers when it's time to sell.

Make Your Needs and Wants Lists

Think about the improvements that your home needs as well as the ones you want. For example, new furniture may be at the top of your wants list, but it may be necessary to replace an old roof first. Also think about improvements that can help you stay in your home longer (see "A Makeover for Mobility"). Look into the costs of updates to determine a home remodeling budget.

Consider Cost Recouped

If you want to get the most from your remodeling dollars when it's time to sell, the following projects, as reported in Remodeling magazine's 2009-10 Cost vs. Value Report, may reward you with a higher selling price.*

Project	Cost Recouped
Entry door replacement (steel)	128.9%
Attic bedroom	83.1%
Deck addition (wood)	80.6%
Minor kitchen remodel	78.3%
Basement remodel	75.4%

Put Your Home's Equity to Work

You deserve a home that will meet your needs and make you smile. A home equity loan or line of credit from The First can help you finance home improvements at a comfortable rate. Learn more by contacting a loan officer today.

* Cost recouped percentage based on national averages.

A Makeover for Mobility

Physical limitations don't have to keep you from enjoying your home. These improvements may help you stay in your home longer.

Grab bars in the shower.
Motion-sensing faucets.
Pull-down shelving.
D-shaped cabinet and drawer handles that are easier to grab.
Brighter lighting in rooms and hallways.
Non-slip flooring and rugs.
Handrails at all steps.
Motion-sensor outdoor lighting.

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This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©Fotolia, ©iStock. ©2010 First National Bank and Trust Company of Newtown.