17 Jun What upgrades should I do before selling my house?
Before you sell your house in Burlington or Oakville, it’s important to take on some projects to get your home ready for buyers! You want to sell your house for the best price possible, but sometimes it can be tough to figure out what upgrades before selling your house are worth it, and what upgrades you should skip. Here’s what adds home upgrades before selling add value, vs what’s not worth it when selling your home in Burlington and Oakville.
Should I renovate the kitchen before selling my house?
Short answer – no. I’ve seen listings where homeowners poured a ton of money into a full kitchen remodel and yet it still sat on the market. Everyone has a different idea of what a perfect kitchen renovation looks like. There could be just one design choice in the kitchen that throws a buyer off and they’re not willing to spend top dollar on something they’d rather change. Maybe your choice of cabinetry isn’t their choice. Maybe you invest in new kitchen remodel, when most buyers would want to blow out a wall and open the main floor. Those buyers may not be willing to spend top dollar and still have to take on a major reno anyway!
A full kitchen renovation in Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton can cost tens of thousands, and even into six figures. Plus you have a large investment of time (your own to do the reno + you’re losing time you could simply be on market) In many cases, you may only recover a portion of what you spend.
However, there are some small upgrades you can do to your kitchen before selling that won’t break the bank, but will have a high impact. So what budget friendly kitchen upgrades can you do before selling?
– Upgrade your light fixtures! Keep them modern, avoid harsh lighting tones, and when possible, coordinate them with other light fixtures in the areas nearby (dining room, hall lighting, etc)
– Replace worn and dated cupboard hardware. New modern knobs and pulls can really change the feel of the room at a very budget friendly cost.
Should I re-paint before selling my house?
Short answer – YES! Painting your home is one of the most cost-effective things you can do before selling your home. Buyers can feel the difference the moment they walk in. It brings a freshness to the home that can’t be achieved simply by cleaning walls and trim. So what colour should you paint your house before selling?
I’ll always recommend a neutral colour. Fresh neutral paint makes every room feel like a clean slate: fresh, bright, and one less thing for the buyer to tackle when moving in. All they have to worry about is putting their personal touch on the home! It makes it easier for them to envision themselves in the space.
I once had a buyer comparing condos – same layouts, same square footage. One was blue. Every time we talked about the condos, she referred to it as the blue one. Did it make it memorable? YES! However, she actually bought the unit that was painted in soft white. The ceilings felt taller, the whole space was noticeably brighter, and she didn’t have to worry about the project of painting.
How important is curb appeal in selling my house?
I always recommend a landscaping clean up before selling your home! Not a full overhaul or redesign. But keep the gardens weeded, pruned, mulched and maintained. Keep the grass trimmed, and the pool clean. In our area of Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton, your seasonal maintenance will look a little different depending on when we list your home, but we always want it to be clean and inviting.
Small touches like seasonal planters and a clean doormat can add huge curb appeal without breaking the bank. If you’re ready for a little more work, consider changing out dated exterior light fixtures, house numbers and mailboxes.
Should I take on major replacements before selling my house?
Generally no, replacing functional windows, roof, furnace and AC systems are not areas I see a large return on your investment. You won’t necessarily see a full return on your investment here, but if these major elements are in poor condition, you may find some buyers are deterred from your home or want to discuss repairs during an inspection. I do NOT recommend taking on a rental furnace or AC as a way to replace these systems. It may be sold to you as a low cost option, but often you’ll have to pay the buy-out at a huge premium. Replacements are quite case-by-case, and I’d advise you to connect with me before making this investment so we can strategize.
Is a deep clean really necessary before selling my house?
Absolutely yes! Buyers notice when a home looks (and smells) exceptionally clean and cared for! It’s worth the time and cost of a professional cleaner.
Should I finish my basement before selling?
If you’re doing this for you, yes! If you’re doing it just for resale value, I’d think twice. This is similar to a kitchen renovation in my opinion. There are so many options for how to use this extra space. Some buyers may want a huge recreation room, a custom gym area or an office. Some may prefer to build out an extra bedroom and bathroom, maybe even require a full in-law suite. On the flip side, some buyers will not even consider a home with an in-law suite. Renovating a basement from scratch is an opportunity for a buyer to customize, and it may not give you the return on investment you’re hoping for. It’s best to see what the demand is like in your local area before you sign up for a large reno like this!
Before we list your home, I’ll walk through your home with you and help prioritize what will move the needle on your sale and give you the best bang for your buck.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Emily, a Realtor ® in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton. Be sure to follow along for more takes like this, new listings, and some local fun along the way!
