Fresh paint beats a new kitchen. A builder-turned-Realtor on the repairs that pay for themselves and the ones that don't.
Before you spend money getting ready to sell, talk to us. I spent ten years building and renovating homes, and the most common mistake I see is spending big on the wrong things.
Usually worth it
- Paint. Neutral, fresh paint in the main rooms is the best return there is.
- Small repairs. Dripping faucets, sticking doors, cracked outlet covers. Buyers notice them and wonder what else was missed.
- Light. Bright bulbs, clean windows, open curtains.
- Curb appeal. Fresh mulch, a trimmed yard and a clean front door.
- A pre-listing inspection on older homes, so there are no surprises later.
Usually not worth it
- A full kitchen or bath remodel right before selling. You rarely get the money back.
- New flooring everywhere. Refinishing what you have often works just as well.
- Personal-taste upgrades like a pool or high-end fixtures.
Declutter first
The cheapest thing you can do is also one of the most effective: pack up a third of what’s on shelves and counters. Rooms look bigger, and photos look much better.
We’ll make a list with you
Before every listing, we walk the home with you and write a short, prioritized list: what to fix, what to leave and roughly what each item costs.
