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Vincent, Should I Update the Plumbing and Fixtures Before Listing?

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

 I would say update depending on the condition of the plumbing and fixtures. It may just need to be polished up with a little bit of Brasso to give it that showroom shine (the fixtures of course).

There are several good reasons to make sure all of your plumbing and fixtures look  good and are in good working order before putting your home up for sale. When potential buyers come to look at your home, they are likely to turn on faucets and flush toilets "just to see". This is no time to make a bad impression with grungy old fixtures, leaks or stained sinks. Before showing your home, you should make sure that all faucets and knobs are clean and shiny (again I've found Brasso to be quite cost effective, at only $4.00, in giving it that brand new look we're looking for). If needed, buy new ones. They don't need to be expensive.  An inexpensive but shiny and obviously brand new fixture will make a far better impression than an expensive but old and stained one. Another good reason to look after these items before putting your home up for sale is the likelihood of a home inspection prior to closing.  Most savvy buyers will insist on allowing an independent contractor to perform a home inspection before closing. The inspector will be checking for leaks, pressure and making sure any appliances included with the home are in good working order. If the inspector finds any problems in these areas, it could easily cause a delay in closing.

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Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

We suggest if they are going to change them out to consider the trends and make the new ones look updated. If the money is going to be spent, make it count for as much as possible. Just my 2 cents.

Oct 12, 2007 05:49 PM
Richard Perkins
R PERKINS REALTY - Stockton, CA

Good post, update always help but put the money were the house needs it most! good luck

Oct 12, 2007 07:22 PM
Cheri Dueker
Transitional Designs, LLC - Saint Louis, MO
Transitional Designs, LLC, Home Staging St. Louis
I agree with Bob and Carolin. I had had sellers replace their outdated fixtures with the exact same fixtures. When I commented, the seller informs me they are "new". Yea-but still dated!
Oct 13, 2007 02:35 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes

Bob & Carolin- Absolutely. If they're going to change them then they might as well go with a different look.

Richard- I agree... sometimes the fixtures are the least of their problems.

Cheri- You're right. This is why we need to bring it to the attention of our clients. After-all, it does make a difference when the buyers are putting offers on the home.

Oct 13, 2007 03:13 AM
Mike and Dawn Lewis
The Lewis Team at Keller Williams - San Diego, CA
The Lewis Team at Keller Williams in San Diego CA

Vincent,

Good post. My listings always sell faster when the homeowner keeps them clean and neat. Polishing and replacing fixtures are very important too. I used brasso in the Marines to polish my belt buckle. If it's good for the Marines it's good for the homeowner. I watch buyers faces when they are looking at homes to a read on them and what they like and don't like. Dirty drippy discolored faucets are a huge turnoff.

Mike Lewis

Oct 13, 2007 05:49 AM
Lori Kim Polk
Premiere Home Staging : Home Staging Services - Roseville, CA
Home Stager - Roseville, Sacramento
The competion is so great that every homeowner should take a look at what is in and what is out.  Updating the lighting, faucets, and hardware makes a huge impression and one that should not be overlooked. You are doing them a favor by suggesting this :)
Oct 13, 2007 08:26 AM
Becca Briggs
Rochester, NY
Thanks for tip on the Brasso, I wasn't formula with this.  Great staging tip!
Oct 13, 2007 11:49 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes

Mike- I absolute agree with you. The looks on the prospective buyers faces says it all!!

Lori- Thanks. I do agree that I'm doing the client a favor (a huge one) it will show better and get better offers, in turn putting more money in their pocket for transaction.

Becky & Nicole- You couldn't ask for a larger return on a minimal investment of $4. Use it and you'll see exactly what I mean.

Oct 13, 2007 12:14 PM
Betty Haney
Haney Consulting - Calgary, AB
Vincent, thanks for the tip about Brasso.  Will be purchasing some on my next shopping trip.  Betty
Oct 13, 2007 02:56 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon
Great advise and even you do have to replace a fixtue, the $50 you spend for that fixture is better than the $300 the buyer is discounting for the condition of the bathroom if you have old fixtures.
Oct 13, 2007 05:09 PM
Janice Sutton
1st Stage Property Transformations - Murrieta, CA
Home Stager - Temecula Murrieta
Thanks for the advice.  I haven't had a need to use it yet....but I am sure there will come a time!
Oct 14, 2007 05:21 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes

Betty- It's really worth it, and little dab goes a long way.

Todd- Couldn't have said it better myself. If a seller understands that basic concept he'll be easier to work with and wealthier at the end of the transaction.

Janice- Give it a shot, it's cost effective and restores even the dullest looking fixtures giving it a showroom shine.

Oct 14, 2007 05:53 AM
Dan Forbes
Bradenton, FL

Thanks for the Brasso tip. There's only one chance to make a first impression.  You are giving good advice to your sellers.

By the way, thanks for reading and commenting on my post: Lesson 11: Ten Facts Sellers Need to Know About Short Sales

Oct 17, 2007 10:34 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes
Dan- Thank you, after all Quality Service is Everything!! (would you agree?). In regards to your post it is right on the money. I enjoy working shorts and love helping distressed property owners find solutions to their pre-foreclosure dilemma. Best of luck Dan.
Oct 18, 2007 04:21 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel
Good post. Just updating fixtures can get more than 100% return on investment.
Oct 31, 2007 12:49 PM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes
Gita- Thanks. You've the heard the old saying "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", Making it look like new gives it a more appealing look, doesn't it? Best of luck.
Nov 01, 2007 06:38 AM