Most guides to selling a house will tell you all about the things that you do need to fix or upgrade, and for good reason. There are some things that every buyer will look for, and you don’t want to fall short in those areas. However, there are also plenty of renovations and fixes that you don’t need to worry about. Whether an item is simply not a priority for buyers or the cost of an upgrade doesn’t match the expected return, it’s a good idea to know what not to fix.
Selling a Home? Save Money and Effort by Skipping Unnecessary Fixes and Upgrades
The big thing to remember with upgrades is that the more you spend on a project, the bigger your risk if the taste of your buyer doesn’t match your own taste. That rules out most major renovations unless the room is in such rough shape that it needs an upgrade for the home to sell.
- Major Bathroom Renovations
There’s no doubt that buyers tend to look at kitchens and bathrooms first, but that doesn’t mean you have to shell out big bucks for a full bathroom renovation. A full renovation is an expensive prospect, and the return just isn’t enough to justify the cost. Many buyers even look forward to renovating key areas themselves when they move in, and the last thing you want is to invest in a major renovation that doesn’t fit the buyer’s taste. - A Brand New Kitchen
Just as with bathrooms, making major upgrades to your kitchen is a big risk, because you don’t know if the buyer’s taste will match your own. Rather than diving into big, costly projects, focus on making necessary fixes or small upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms for a better return on your investment. That way, your new buyer can spend their own money picking out cabinets, countertops, and anything else they desire. - Painting in Bold Colors
While it’s a good idea to touch up paint or even apply a fresh coat, you’ll probably want to skip the bright, bold colors in favor of something tamer. You want buyers to be able to imagine their lives in your home, and that may be hard to do if the walls are painted neon green. Trends come and go, so stick with classic colors. - Upgrades That Don’t Fit Your Neighborhood
It’s important to consider what other homes in the neighborhood have to offer because you don’t want to upgrade the home to the point where your list price will be too expensive for the neighborhood where the home is located. Unless you’re competing with upscale homes in an affluent neighborhood, too many bells and whistles may actually be a negative for buyers who are shopping on a budget. - Upscale Outdoor Patios
Yes, many buyers will love having a nice patio in their backyard where they can host parties and enjoy the outdoors. But an upscale outdoor patio often costs more to install than you’ll be able to recoup from your eventual buyer. This is another area where the buyer’s taste might not match your own. Even if they do want a patio it’s best to let them handle the job themselves.
If you have any questions about which fixes to prioritize, which to skip, and what matters most to buyers in your market, then your real estate agent should be your number one source for advice. Working closely with your agent will help you focus your effort where it’s most needed, and simplify the process of selling your next home.
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CBR, SRES - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Phone: 516.849.5895 | [email protected]
As an experienced professional Neil will do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and the various market conditions that may impact the home purchase process. Sellers can also benefit from his skills in finance, negotiation, contractual agreements, and RE marketing. Call today and allow Neil to guide you through the complexities of buying or selling your home, eliminating hassles, and stress.
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