Four Don't Dos To Sell Your House

    We all know that some renovations pay back more than others.  Actually, the top home selling project- returning the most $$ on investment- is a simple clean-up and de-clutter so that potential buyers can see a clean, roomy attractive property.  But what renovations and upgrades should you NOT invest in if you are thinking about selling soon?

Our homes are our nests and we want to enjoy them. But it's important to know the difference between a project you invest in for your own enjoyment and one that someone else will love so much they will be willing to reimburse you your renovation expense. Worse, some renovations may actually turn home buyers away from your house.

Exhibit A is a pool or hot tub.  It depends on where you are, of course.  In some parts of the US, a backyard pool is almost mandatory.  But if you live where pools are the exception and where the pool season is shorter rather than longer, potential buyers may see your pool as an expensive luxury they do not need (a typical pool costs $1500 a year) , and have no desire to maintain. A pool may be an improvement that will not only bring you nothing in financial reward but will also make it harder to sell your house.

Updating of older homes is a worthwhile project - it makes them feel newer.  But it has to be done well.  Renovating in character- making sure the new meshes with the old - is important.  So is a renovation in line with the house you are selling.  Take kitchens.  An updated kitchen is definitely a plus for an older home but a super-deluxe kitchen upgrade in a modest home is not going to return you your investment.  Renovations need to be APPROPRIATE to the house. If you are going to sell soon, a minor upgrade may make more sense.

The same applies to bathrooms.  A super-sized Jacuzzi tub or luxury steam shower could lead buyers to think about how much hot water they're going to paying for.  Again, the focus should be on APPROPRIATE for the house and its price point.

Garage conversions are another popular conversion project.  Maybe you want a media room or a place for the pool table of your dreams?  But the garage is an important space for many buyers and the lack of a garage could lose you a sale.  Most buyers will  knock your house off their list rather than think about converting the garage back to a place to store cars, bikes, garden equipment, etc.....

Final Word:  do it well, do it smart, do it with an eye to the future when you may want to sell. OR do what you want to do for yourself and your own enjoyment. But know what it will bring you.  If you are thinking about updating your house with the idea of putting it on the market in the next couple of years, call a real estate agent and get a professional opinion about upgrades likely to add value to your house and help it sell fast.

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