Special offer

While We're At It

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

 

How much work should one do before selling? Do you paint, re-carpet, update counters, remodel old baths, and install a new kitchen while we're at it?

It depends on your budget and how much time it will take to do these projects. Did you notice the four most expensive words

while we're at it? 

A remodel, and a move can be overwhelming for most people. On Sunday, I will have a guest talking about how she only wanted more cabinets over her laundry, but one thing led to another, winding up with a total gut of her kitchen. 

When you watch TV shows about any contract work, it seems everything is done in twenty minutes. A wrong cabinet or a broken granite counter is not rectified in minutes. They must be reordered and can stop progress on the rest of the project.

Many decisions exist, from flooring to counters, to appliances to lighting. How to choose your contractors? Do you have a GC? Do you use a kitchen designer?

And then, If your home is eighty years old, you may be in for some surprises, including what you find under the floor and behind the walls. 

Listen in on Sunday while we talk to a homeowner during reconstruction.

How to listen

WCBM.COM

WCBM app

To Call In 410-922-6680

 

 

 

 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Radio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE
Sundays 12 noon.

Author: Real Estate The Rome Way

About me
My blog
My website
My radio podcasts

(410) 530-2400
CALL OR TEXT

EMAIL ME

Comments (14)

Trish Cole
Veterans United Home Loans of Puget Sound NMLS#1907 - Puyallup, WA

Important information right now.  A year ago a seller may not have had much to do in order to get full priced offers.  Consulting my Real Estate Broker on what updates are needed, makes the most sense, before plunging into new projects that are not necessary.

Feb 25, 2023 12:27 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Hi Trish Cole, Thanks for stopping by. It is a good idea to consult your Realtor before you start big projects.

Feb 26, 2023 08:21 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

What a great topic, Margaret. All you have to do is watch some of the Cable shows to see that even the most experienced investors/flippers come upon items that can change the time-frame, investment or even if they can continue. 

Feb 25, 2023 02:41 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

That is so true, Kathy Streib. So many things can change the time frames going over budget and whether the project can continue.

Feb 26, 2023 11:44 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

You make good points about elements to making a home market ready, Margaret. Time is one thing to measure.  Another is cost vs. profit ratio when making certain renovations.

Feb 25, 2023 06:44 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Time and cost vs. profit are big considerations when undertaking this construction. Myrl Jeffcoat 

Feb 26, 2023 11:47 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Margaret, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Feb 25, 2023 06:44 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks for the feature Myrl Jeffcoat 

Feb 26, 2023 11:51 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I bet there are a lot of interesting things that have been found in older homes when doing remodels!

 

Feb 26, 2023 05:04 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

That is so true, Kat Palmiotti. In today's show, my guest talked about finding a stone wall behind the kitchen walls and iron pipes in the floor. You never know just what you will find.

Feb 26, 2023 11:59 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Margaret,

Great topic to be discussing on your show. Its amazing how long projects can take. Time is definitely something to take in account as well as the cost vrs profit ratio. The best thing to do as a homeowner is make it a point to do an upgrade project on an on-going basis and enjoy the updates and not just wait 20 years and make updates to sell!

Feb 26, 2023 05:55 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Dorie Dillard Austin TX  Good point. Keeping up with a home while living in it allows you to enjoy the property and have it ready when it's time to sell.

Feb 26, 2023 12:01 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Margaret,
Some quick updates can get expensive as the reality that "one thing leads to another"  kicks in. Sometimes it's best not to start at all and let the new owners fix it to their liking.

Feb 26, 2023 07:53 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Hi Carol Williams 

And that's sometimes the advice we give someone when it is time to sell.

Feb 26, 2023 12:03 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret "while we're at it" can get quickly out of control.

Feb 26, 2023 12:16 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

That is so very true. Those words "while we're at it") have caused many folks to exceed their planned budget, George Souto 

Feb 26, 2023 12:27 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

"While we are at it," could also be categorized under the topic of, "my wife's favorite saying."  🤣  Expensive and, for me, not so optional!

Feb 27, 2023 11:58 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Can you hear me smiling, Ray Henson ?

Feb 27, 2023 06:10 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I can hear you smiling all the way in Arizona, Margaret.  😃

Feb 28, 2023 04:57 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Home sellers are in very good hands when they seek your professional real estate advice and assistance.

Mar 02, 2023 08:04 AM