Do Home Repairs Matter in Corvallis?

Q:  I suggested simple home clean-up and easy repair items to a client recently who is thinking of placing her house on the market.  She replied that she had read on the internet that she would only re-coup  a percentage  on the dollar for all monies spent on home repair and fix-ups.  So why not just place on the market 'as is'?
 
A: Simply not true.  If you are looking at a total kitchen re-do or bath re-do, that might be true.  If you are looking at paint, cleaning and repairs you could be many, many dollars ahead when you go to sell.  Even changing out old single pane windows for new vinyl windows will put you money ahead.  Windows are often the first thing potential buyers look at when viewing a home.  They expect a discounted price if they are not done.  They will often take the listing price, deduct the cost of the windows and other obvious repairs and make the offer on that basis.  Many buyers don't have money to spend on repairs today, they would prefer to move into a home that is turn-key ready.  Finding money after the purchase to have new windows intalled is usually not going to happen.