The buyer is allergic to granite... Do your awesome counters have value in the eyes of the buyer then?

Chris, some buyers prefer to select their own countertops, paint colors, etc...but landscaping is a LARGE plus in my area.

Chris, I KNEW you had to be kidding about someone being allergic to granite! :)

Leilani

Chris,

So true....price is really all that matters to most buyers.  Great post.

Ann Hayden in St. Louis, MO

Chris, this is so on the mark, and so hard to get some sellers to grasp!

Chris,

Did you know that some granite is "radioactive?" Some people take geiger counters into homes to check is the granite is emitting whatever radioactove things emit.

Chris,

Did you know that some granite is "radioactive?" Some people take geiger counters into homes to check is the granite is emitting whatever radioactove things emit.

I love your ratio advice:  be in the lowest 1/3 price-wise, and the top 1/3 condition-wise.  Makes perfect sense! Geiger counters at home inspections... that's new for me, too!

I agree with Marcie, the ratio advice is a great line!

My friend dropped $3500 for granite countertops in the Master Bath before listing his house, thinking it would help to sell it.

A comment from an agent who showed the house:

"Buyer was concerned about the granite countertops - she heard that granite stains easily - would your Buyer be willing to replace it with formica or corian?"

This is a great post.  It's important for sellers to consult their realtor and/or stager first to see if it's worth the investment.  Some items definitely are and are in fact "cost of entry" - at least in most cases.  Many will help reduce time on market (which has a value) and many will improve value.  But, that increased value may look more like being able to keep their price vs. taking price reduction.

And, when they do make changes, make sure they are neutral.  Usually with granite, as an example, there are certain basic ones that have universal appeal (e.g. Ubatuba) and there is no real benefit by upgrading to more expensive granite, esp since some buyers will like; others won't.

In addition, I think it's important for realtors to be up on these home improvements so they can provide knowlegdeable advice.  I"m reading above from Fred, and this info is clearly incorrect...the buyer and realtor have gotten things mixed up.  Marble is very porous and stains easily; granite, however is the opposite.  So, that issue could have been easily addressed.  (On the other hand, if it is really marble and the realtor got it mixed up, then this is not the smartest improvement).

Chris,

You're quite right, but if the buyer wants to renovate, they are of no value!

Brian

Beauty (and value) are in the eye of the beholder.  What may be a "wow" factor for one buyer may be something another buyer "expects".  The updgrades you paid extra for a few years ago simply help to sell your house faster these days, though not necessarily for more money.

I had a seller who paid a fortune for silk wallpaper in the 80's and couldn't understand why no one wanted it.  And he used it to justify what he wanted to list his house for.  Sellers can't expect to recoup 100% of what they spent twenty-five years ago.