The Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors tells 95.3 WBCK the city's average home sales price increased in 2016 over 2017.

BCAAR statistics show the average sale price for a home in Battle Creek in 2016 was $119,973, up from $109,301 in 2015. The realtors also report a total sales figure of 1587 units in 2016, versus 1506 in 2015.

Kathy Perrett, BCAAR CEO tells 95.3 WBCK the market locally remains tight, with a low inventory of homes for sale and, sometimes even, a bidding war on some properties.

She also agrees with industry professionals who say most buyers want a move-in ready home, where they can move right in. Perrett cites realtor information which indicates the top 5 home improvements which bring the most value:

A New Deck

Perrett cited realtors' statistics showing as much as a 75% return on investment by adding a new deck to your home.

A New or Remodeled Basement

This update can cost some bucks, but Perrett said it's the second-most valuable change after adding a deck - with as much as a 70% ROI.

Front Door Replacement

Perrett said realtors' statistics show as much as a 91% return on investment, especially if your front door is replaced with a more-durable steel door. And, it improves curb appeal!

Additional Attic Insulation

This one is huge! Perrett said adding additional attic insulation can really pay, with as much as a 117% return on investment.

Landscaping

This one, Perrett said, doesn't even have to mean a huge investment (though planting a tree can be great!). Simply making sure the landscaping around the home is neat and in great shape helps curb appeal.

Click the player below to hear Perrett and her BCAAR colleague Carrie Mathie talk about the Realtor.com top 5 real estate trends to expect in 2017, too.

Hear The Richard Piet Show weekday mornings from 5:30-9 on 95.3 WBCK.

More From WBCKFM