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We Made the Improvements...this CAN'T be a Short Sale ! Seller Rants

By
Real Estate Agent with EXP Realty 414-525-0563 57026-90 Broker

  There are reasons people make improvements to their homes...sometimes it is because that is how they choose to live...not because they expect every dollar and appreciation to be returned when they sell it. The features that a Remodelinghomeseller considers important....and the ones that the Buying public value may not be the same....that thought process sometimes doesn't enter in before the "pre remodel, addition, redecorate" mode.  Sometimes there is no reason it SHOULD...you make changes, choose colors, design rooms for the way YOU live, what you enjoy...how YOU use a home...not for the trend in design or the next buyer.

    In Wisconsin...a finished lower level....or at the very least, the ability to finish it (higher ceilings and open spaces) is an important feature.  The amenities often go well beyond what used to be thought of as a refuge or "man cave"....Full baths, Lower levelwet bars, kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, home theaters, etc. are all now part of the "That's Entertainment" one can well expect to find.  

     A finished lower level is a wonderful thing...it can be entertainment central, a suite for guests...older children, multi-generational families....we love ours and a walk out makes it light and pleasurable as an "escape" from real life !

        To some people it's a priority....but when it is at the expense of an updated kitchen and bath....oops.....updates are the name of the game here....and while finished lower levels are great ...they don't replace upgrades in other areas of the house where they are "expected" in various price ranges and neighborhoods. 

Posted by

Sally K. & David L. Hanson, ABR, CDPE, CSS, e-Pro,ILHM, REDS


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Comments (11)

Les & Sarah Oswald
Realty One Group - Eastvale, CA
Broker, Realtor and Investor

Great tips. Homeowners need to realize that some upgrades do not have as much return on their investment as if they upgraded the kitchen or bathroom.

Sep 19, 2017 07:46 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Major improvements do not always bring you positive dollar returns

Sep 19, 2017 08:00 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I spend a lot of time warning my clients not to overinvest in their homes for their neighborhood unless they know for sure they'll be living in their homes for at least the next decade. I also always encourage them to speak with me about pros and cons of various projects before undertaking them. I'm happy to report that most of my clients do call me first for advice.

Sep 19, 2017 08:27 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson

We have done our own and others' General Contracting....sometimes homeowners...ourselves included ...do the renovations to please themselves !

Sep 19, 2017 08:51 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Good morning, Sally and David -- taste-specific changes in a home are great for those who make those decisions, the renovations don't always "translate" to a buyer/new owner.   Choose wisely.  

Sep 19, 2017 08:49 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Sally and David getting Sellers to realize that not all home improvements and upgrades are equal and impact the value of a home very differently.  Though to convince them of that when they have made the improvements in the wrong areas.

Sep 19, 2017 11:40 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I always try to emphasize to clients that they should let me visit their home before they start remodel projects, especially if they are doing it to get their home ready to sell.

Sep 19, 2017 12:04 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson

That works Brian England but sometimes they are new....and the projects complete !

Sep 19, 2017 01:51 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Fortunately or not upgrades can be "expected" and not as valued by some buyers.  For the seller it was a big deal to do!

Sep 20, 2017 01:04 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson

True enough Jay Markanich it is not always the same "upgrade" that the Sellers and the market value.....and there is the problem.

Sep 20, 2017 01:56 AM
James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

Good morning Sally.

What is an upgrade to one means nothing to another.  My suggestion, ask before you spend a lot of money on something that does not add to the value of your home.

Sep 20, 2017 02:51 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

A seller updated her tired looking kitchen to one with cherrywood cabinets. Our buyer hated them and wanted white instead. The seller said...that was the old ones we got rid of! Not all upgrades are for every buyer...

Sep 20, 2017 08:14 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson

True enough Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400  different tastes for different spaces !

Sep 20, 2017 08:17 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

We call them finished basements and they are in high demand and very popular features in Clarksville.

Sep 20, 2017 07:45 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

there are lots of reasons that sellers rant during a short sale - every seller has a different rant

Sep 22, 2017 05:19 AM