"Should we upgrade before selling?"

This is a question I hear a lot. And the answer is not always black and white. Market conditions have always got to be considered when deciding how best to present your property. But also the seller’s financial conditions must be taken into account. Determining your cash flow and timing together with your reason for selling are all important factors to be considered.

But in general an updated or renovated property gets more attention and sells faster than one that needs work. Most of todays’ buyers are simply too busy and find renovating overwhelming to take it on. When they are looking at different properties the renovated updated ones that have the WOW factor always grab the buyer’s attention much more than those that need some imagination to see the potential.

So how far do you go in “prepping” your home for sale?

The rule of thumb is spend wisely and as little as possible. That said, using inferior products is a waste of money too. You need to use good quality paint, carpet, countertop whatever it is you’re renovating and choose neutral tones to capture most buyer’s palettes.

If your entrance stairs carpeting shows that you have a pet and years of wear & tear remember it’s the buyer’s first impression. Spend the money to enhance that area and buy a carpeting that most buyers will look at and want to keep.

If the paint job is showing it’s age and touch ups won’t do the trick then a fresh coat of paint in a neutral tone is the way to go.

These expenditures are well worth the cost and the hassle since the finished product will make your home shine and be able to carry the asking price you’d prefer. Not doing some simple fix ups can result in your home staying on the market longer than the competition and thereby being beaten down in price.

Again, every situation is unique and getting an opinion when you are thinking of selling is always wise. Inform yourself and then you can make a sound decision.