Sellers /On January 31, 2013

Cost vs. Value

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Cost vs. Value

I am often asked what improvements that a homeowner makes to a property have the most value when it’s time to sell. Cost vs. Value - the age old question!

The least expensive investments with the greatest returns in the cost vs. value equation are undoubtedly the following:

Fresh paint. Choose a neutral color, and give the interior a bright new look. You may want to consider doing some early packing, and not re-hang all of your pictures. Less clutter will make rooms appear larger, and the new owner will appreciate not having to fill holes.
Landscaping. A carefully manicured lawn, and weed-free beds are an indication that the property is well cared for. Mulch and some color in the flower beds go a long way toward creating that important curb appeal.
Replace carpet and vinyl. New flooring in a neutral color allows the buyer to feel that they are moving into a “new” home.

All three of those improvements tend to encourage a stronger offer on your property, because the prospective buyer is not moving in with a laundry list of “to-do’s” which are likely to be estimated at a higher cost than you’ll actually pay. By doing them in advance, you preclude a buyer for reducing his offer price by the amount he feels he’ll need to invest.

Other additions that aid in marketability are minor kitchen and bathroom remodeling, such as replacing dated counter tops and appliances, and refacing/replacing out of style cabinets.

Carefully consider any major renovations such as room additions, garage conversions, swimming pools, etc. It’s important that you make those investments to enjoy while you are living in the home, because chances are that you will not recoup but a fraction of your cost when you look at cost vs. value. Garage conversions, for instance, may add a great bonus room or extra bedroom, but when it comes time to sell, you’ll have to subtract the value of the garage that you no longer have. If garages are customary in your area, the loss will most likely exceed the gain.

It’s also important to evaluate the improvement based on what is typical in your neighborhood…it is easy to fall into the trap of “over improving,” and ending up with the greatest home on the street, which is never a sound financial move.

With interest rates so low, your best bet is probably to take a serious look at moving up, rather than sinking a lot of expense into an existing home. A real estate agent can give you a good assessment of cost vs. value on your project list and make sure that you are enhancing your greatest asset! Contact us at concierge@lizmoore.com to get a free real estate checkup or to find out how much your home is worth.

Lynnette Tully

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Liz Moore & Associates is a boutique real estate agency renowned for having the region's top agents, with extensive market knowledge and local expertise that is only achieved through relentless training coupled with Liz's extremely high standards for professionalism. When you're buying or selling a home, experience matters.