Start With the Home You Already Have

Before deciding to renovate, sellers should evaluate the existing property objectively.

Gary and Linda may help homeowners consider:

• Current overall condition.
• Age and quality of previous renovations.
• Kitchen presentation.
• Bathroom presentation.
• Flooring.
• Lighting.
• Paint.
• Floor-plan functionality.
• Windows and major systems.
• Pool and outdoor living.
• Landscaping.
• Current competing homes.

The first question should not be “What can we renovate?” It should be “What is preventing buyers from recognizing the property’s existing strengths?”

Not Every Renovation Produces the Same Return

Homeowners sometimes assume that money spent on improvements will be added directly to the selling price.

Buyer behavior is more complicated.

The impact of a renovation may depend on:

• Quality of workmanship.
• Materials selected.
• Design choices.
• How broadly the improvement appeals to buyers.
• How the home compares with competing properties.
• Current market conditions.
• Project cost.
• Time required to complete the work.

The cost of an improvement and the value buyers assign to that improvement are not necessarily the same number.

Large Renovations Can Also Delay Your Selling Timeline

A major kitchen, bathroom or whole-home renovation can require design decisions, contractors, materials, permits when applicable and significant time.

Sellers should weigh the possible benefit against the cost, inconvenience and potential delay before beginning substantial work.

Which Improvements May Be Worth Evaluating?

Depending on the property, sellers may want to evaluate improvements such as:

• Interior paint.
• Exterior paint.
• Flooring.
• Lighting.
• Hardware and fixtures.
• Kitchen cosmetic updates.
• Bathroom cosmetic updates.
• Landscaping.
• Pool presentation.
• Outdoor-living presentation.

These projects can sometimes improve how a home presents without requiring a complete renovation.

Targeted preparation may offer a more practical strategy than rebuilding rooms buyers may already find acceptable.

Repairs and Renovations Are Different Decisions

A property can require maintenance or repairs without requiring major renovation.

Issues involving roof condition, plumbing, electrical components, HVAC systems, drainage, pool equipment or other property systems should be evaluated separately from cosmetic improvement decisions.

A Pre-Listing Inspection Can Provide Useful Information

For qualifying listings, Bale Real Estate Group’s Certified Pre-Owned Home Listing Program includes a professional pre-listing inspection paid for by Bale Real Estate Group.

Learning about observable property concerns before beginning cosmetic renovation work can help sellers avoid spending money in one area while overlooking another issue that may deserve attention.

Watch Linda Bale Explain the Certified Pre-Owned Home Listing Program

Information about property condition should help guide the preparation plan.

Professional Staging May Reduce the Need for Major Changes

Some homes do not need extensive renovation to present well.

Furniture placement, decluttering, lighting, paint and staging can materially change how buyers perceive a property’s space and flow.

Bale Real Estate Group provides professional home staging at our expense when appropriate for the listing.

Professional staging can help improve:

• Room flow.
• Furniture scale.
• Visual balance.
• Photography.
• Buyer perception of space.
• Overall presentation.