Yesterday, I wrote a post called, 'Keeping Up With the Joneses' Pays in Real Estate. In it I discussed the importance of making sure that you keep your house updated to the standards of the neighborhood.
What most sellers want to know is, 'what kind of improvements are worth the money?'
Of course, this is going to vary from place to place from price-point to price-point.
Many of the exterior updates that your neighbors are making are things that 
you can see. Some of the exterior updates that you might notice include: changing light fixtures, replacing windows, trim repair, deck sealing, replacing gutters. Other outside upgrades that you might notice being done include adding a deck or patio, a water feature (such as a water fountain), landscaping, and new exterior siding or painting.
you can see. Some of the exterior updates that you might notice include: changing light fixtures, replacing windows, trim repair, deck sealing, replacing gutters. Other outside upgrades that you might notice being done include adding a deck or patio, a water feature (such as a water fountain), landscaping, and new exterior siding or painting.It is important to find out what kind of improvements your neighbors are making on the inside, too. Some of these might include floor upgrades such as hardwoods, new carpet, and new tile. Your neighbors might be adding new lighting fixtures, new appliances, new cabinets, new counters and new plumbing fixtures. If over the years your neighbors have all remodeled the kitchen or bathrooms, you will need to consider how your home will compare to those homes
Some of the system oriented replacements that people in your neighborhood might be making include replacing the furnace or HVAC system or installing a new water heater.
Remember, it isn't enough just to clean out your closets and get the carpets cleaned when you list your house for sale. You need to take into account the work that the people around you have been doing and make sure that your home is equally well appointed. A home that is in good condition, with updates that are common for the area and priced well, will sell!
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