We get it. Some sellers often believe that making expensive improvements and/or repairs will pay off before selling their home. Think again. Sinking tens of thousands of dollars into improvements may cost more than you can recoup when selling. Here are some things to consider.

Kitchen upgrades. Yes, everybody loves a fancy kitchen. Solid wood cabinets. Soft close doors on cabinets. Fancy marble countertops. High end stainless appliances. Some estimates claim you will recover ONLY 54% of money spent. Ouch! So before you go all out, start thinking conservative. Sub-zero appliances vs Maytag or GE appliances is a good example. People like new appliances, but will that 5K refrigerator pay back the 5K you spent on it? Probably not.

Want a swimming pool for yourself or do you think it will attract buyers? Sure, many buyers dream of a pool. There is nothing as soothing as sunning by the pool, having a cool drink, and forgetting life for a bit. I could use that right now instead of writing this blog! OK–I am back! Now, lets consider what it costs. A pool may cost anywhere from the 30K range on up. That is just the starting point. You can spend a lot more if you have money to burn. Now guess what? You will more than likely NEVER recover all the money spent on a pool. Sure, a lot of new construction boasts a new pool, but that pool may not actually be the money maker in the deal. It lures buyers, and the markup from the entire build will make up for any nominal profit on the pool itself.

Carpet? Who loves carpet these days? It stains, absorbs smells (think pets), and can actually REDUCE the price realized from a sale. If you are considering upgrading flooring, tile floor, LVT, and similar products are the most popular flooring in SW Florida.

Before making improvements, consider how long you will be in your home. If you plan to stay for ten years and have young children, that pool may lead to a lot of enjoyment and family get togethers. In that instance, don’t worry about the cost. You only live once, so enjoy life and get what you want.

If you are planning to sell, doing minor improvements and repairs can pay off. A quality paint job can show off your house. Forget DIY and hire someone that can do a professional job. Replace drawer pulls with newer modern looking ones. Replace damaged doors. They can make a bad impression and the cost of a new one is minimal. Pressure wash driveways and walkways.

Spend money where it counts and potential buyers will see value. Hurricane rated windows and doors can pay off when seeking buyers. Upgrading your home to a “smart” home can pay off. That is a trend that is getting a lot of attention these days. Security cameras, upgraded thermostats, smart locks, and safety lighting are inexpensive and popular items for resale. These items may not add value, but make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

If you want it gone yesterday, contact us today. 239-200-5600. We solve problems. No games. No gimmicks. Fair offers. FAST cash.

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