FROM THE READERS: Letters

The importance of semantics

I suggest that future editions of the “Cost vs. Value Report” refer to “return of investment, not “return on investment.”

Although the semantics may seem trivial, the differences are substantial. In your window replacement project, $7,839 is an 84.5 percent return of $9,273. An 84.5 percent return on $9,273 is $17,109.

—George M. Lindsey III, Lindsey Realty & Development Corp., Lakeland, Fla.

Returns not to be believed

I’ve been appraising residential real estate for more than 32 years. I’m shocked by most of the “2004 Cost vs. Value” results. Although the returns must be great news for remodeling contractors, I find the results, such as an 86.7 percent national average return on decks, bogus.

Are you forecasting these values a year into the future? The return is best analyzed by asking what a house is worth today with and without the improvement.

—Robert S. Schley, Robert S. Schley & Associates Inc., Milwaukee

Editor’s note: Survey respondents were asked to provide recoup values based on current market conditions.

Business is better with limits

Thanks for promoting the “FamilyTime” DVD. Our industry has for years had a hard time separating family and business time. I stopped working on Sundays years ago. My business is better than ever. In 2004 I closed 51 transactions and about $12.3 million in business.

Good clients respect the fact that you have a life outside real estate. The sooner you let go of clients who don’t, the better your life and business will be.

—Jack Gustafson, RE/MAX Executive, Charlotte, N.C.

Editor’s note: To order the FamilyTime DVD, call 800/874-6500 or visit REALTOR.org/store.

Letters are edited for space and clarity. Publication of a letter doesn’t constitute an endorsement of the writer’s views by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® or REALTOR® Magazine.

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