Updated August 1, 2023.
Aim for your neighborhood's norm.
You've lived with those ugly kitchen countertops for a decade. Should you replace them now that you're ready to sell your house?
So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve kept it well maintained to protect your investment, knowing that buyers usually seek out homes that require fewer repairs. But how do you know if it’s in good enough shape to sell? Maybe you’ve lived with a broken handrail or chipped counter; will those things matter when selling? What’s worth fixing, and what can you let slide?
So here are few things to consider when prioritizing your home improvements.
- Definitely: Clean up and de-clutter inside and out. Mow the lawn, clean out the flower beds, and fix that sagging gate.
- Low costs: Repaint rooms that look tired. Replace dated wallpaper, and floor coverings that show stains and traffic patterns. New lighting can make your home stand out, too.
- Moderate costs: In some neighborhoods, your house may sell easier if you install a fence, update doors and trim, replace dated countertops and back splashes, or make upgrades like installing a programmable thermostat. These changes you can majorly improve your home’s curb appeal.
- Major costs: Only in the most extreme cases is your house likely to require such major work as complete kitchen or bath remodels, new windows, or other energy efficiency projects, or replacing a roof or furnace that's outdated but still functioning.