Which updates/repairs would be worth making for a house being put up for sale?
Jen M asked:
My mother in law is planning to put her house up for sale this spring. Which of the following updates would be worth doing?
All of these items are currently in good working condition
Replace original windows with vinyl
New kitchen countertops (the current ones are very 70’s)
Patch/replace crack in concrete driveway
Replace original wood garage door w/ new vinyl door
Replace all original interior doors w/ new 6-panel doors
Both of the bathrooms were gutted and replaced in 2007, the roof is approximately 10 years old, the gas furnace was replaced in 2006, the hot water heater is not even 1 year old, and all of the flooring was replaced in 2007, so she has put a lot of money into the house within the past couple of years, and is wondering what else should be done to get the most out of her home.
Sam
My mother in law is planning to put her house up for sale this spring. Which of the following updates would be worth doing?
All of these items are currently in good working condition
Replace original windows with vinyl
New kitchen countertops (the current ones are very 70’s)
Patch/replace crack in concrete driveway
Replace original wood garage door w/ new vinyl door
Replace all original interior doors w/ new 6-panel doors
Both of the bathrooms were gutted and replaced in 2007, the roof is approximately 10 years old, the gas furnace was replaced in 2006, the hot water heater is not even 1 year old, and all of the flooring was replaced in 2007, so she has put a lot of money into the house within the past couple of years, and is wondering what else should be done to get the most out of her home.
Sam
Tags: Crack, Flooring, Panel Doors
February 8th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Laurine
right off the bat, the kitchen and baths are the most noticeable to women. If the counters are really out of date, that can be a reason not to buy, because it is not as easy to fix as say, replacing doors. I would do the counters, but if you go laminate, it needs to be the updated color and style. Everyone now wants granite, concrete and large tiles on their counters.
February 9th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Arnita
kitchen and bath then floor coverings make sure the yard is trimmed nicely put fresh flowers in the home get rid of ALL clutter make sure closets are cleaned out and painted make cookies on day of showing so home smells homey……get a VANILLA air freshner but not overpowering vanilla soothes the common beast
February 10th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Lanell
That’s a big no on the windows. Use nice blinds so you do not notice the old windows. And yes on the counters, but be careful what you pick it has to appeal to 90% of people. Yes on the garage door if it is in the front of the house. No on the drive way. And a maybe on the 6 panel doors depending on how bad the doors are.
Send me pictures and I can tell you more.
February 12th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Lucas
Spend the money on what people see AND on any repairs that need to be done.
The buyer will have a home inspection done. Figure out the problems that the inspector will find and FIX THEM NOW. You are going to need to fix them anyway but if the buyer catches the problem, it because a point of worry for them.
Places to spend money
Landscaping. Clean the year, and make sure the outside looks 100%. Many times, buyers will never even go into a house if the outside looks bad. They just assume.
Clean the inside and keep just what you need in the house. A packed house doesn’t show well and people will think the house is too small.
Fresh paint in a light color is good. Don’t replace the doors.
Kitchen: if the counter top is in good condition, keep it. But I would make sure that the counters are clear of stuff and that the appliances are CLEAN. Also look at painting the walls.