UPGRADE OR SELL FOR LESS? WHICH IS BETTER?

I think it depends on the homeowner.  Do they have the extra 5000.00 to spend?  I agree that the ceiling fans should be replaced and some of the other hardware and fixtures, however, the counter tops are a major expenses for some people. Why are they selling in the 1st place?  Are they going to be a short sale? etc.
When I was 1st in real estate I mentioned at a listing presentation that owners should do this and that and a couple of other things just to spiff up the place before placing on market,  Once they had spiffed up the place, they decided that they really still Loved their home and decided not to sell at that time.  Later when the hubby got another job, I listed the property and they told me the reason that they had called me was because I was the one that mentioned to them that they would need to spiff up property before selling.  I guess the other Realtors that they had spoken with hadn't suggested anything.  So I guess it really just depends on the home owner, your relationship with them, and their wallet.  

Have a great day!

Hi Linda, I think this depends on the sellers' cash flow as well as the homes that the listed home is in competition with. Buyers today are looking for updates and such, but I have seen some updated baths and kitchens gone wrong..bad color granite..or tile. Light fixers and fans..definitely..easy change and make a big difference...but when listing, I think it's good to show some pictures of the light fixtures that are popular for ideas. If major updates needed, sometimes better to just price the home accordingly.

Linda, I agree with the ladies above.  I think it does depend on the sellers situation and cash flow at the time that they want to list the home.  The less expensive upgrades like the lighting fixtures I would recommend them doing.  They can check on the various local home improvements stores or retailers to see if they can get a discount or sale on some fixtures to save money.  Now, with the large counter change, that is a tough call.  if you replace it there is the expense as well as the question what color and style to buy.  Your seller make pick something that the potential new buyer would not like.  Everyone's taste is different so, you could attack the situation by offering a buyer credit of "xyz" amount for replacing the countertops.  This would be a statement to a buyer that the seller realizes in their price range they are in they need granite to get the price but, are allowing the buyer to choose exactly what they want and the seller can pay for it at settlement.