One of the first questions homeowners ask is:

"What should I fix before I put my house on the market?"

The answer is almost always the same...

It depends.

I know that's probably not the answer you were hoping for, but every home is different. Before you start spending thousands of dollars on renovations, it's worth taking a step back and looking at what will actually help you sell.

Value vs. Saleability

You can think of home improvements in two categories:

Improvements that add value

These are projects that may increase what your home is worth, such as:

• Updating major systems
• Replacing an old roof
• Finishing usable living space
• Major kitchen or bathroom renovations

While these projects can add value, they don't always return every dollar you spend.

Improvements that improve saleability

These are the projects that help buyers fall in love with your home.

Often they're the least expensive:

• Fresh paint
• Deep cleaning
• Decluttering
• Touching up landscaping
• Small repairs you've been putting off
• Better lighting
• Clean windows

These improvements may not dramatically change your home's appraised value, but they can make a huge difference in how buyers feel when they walk through the front door.

What Today's Buyers Are Looking For

The National Association of REALTORS® recently found that the most common improvements REALTORS® recommend before selling are painting, taking care of roofing issues, and simple cosmetic updates—not necessarily complete remodels.

That tells us something important:

Buyers want homes that feel well cared for.

A clean, bright, well-maintained home often makes a stronger first impression than one with an expensive renovation but obvious deferred maintenance.

Don't Spend Money Until You Have a Plan

Be cautious not to spend thousands of dollars on projects you don’t need, while overlooking small improvements that would have made a much bigger impact.

Before you start renovating, ask yourself:

• Will buyers actually notice this?
• Will it help my home stand out?
• Will I likely get my money back?

If you're not sure, don't guess.

My Advice

Before you spend a dollar, I'd be happy to walk through your home with you.

Together we can decide:

• What I'd recommend doing before listing.
• What I'd leave alone.
• What will help your home sell faster.
• Where you'll get the best return on your investment.

My goal isn't to have you spend more money—it's to help you spend it wisely.

If you're thinking about selling this year, let's make a plan that fits your home, your budget, and today's market.

— Catherine Costa, REALTOR®
Helping you make informed decisions with less stress and more confidence.