Vanessa Saunders MBA MIMC - SELLING SECRETS YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS

CHAPTER 6 Upgrading with ROI in Mind OI in Mind

Reality Over Hype

Making upgrades to sell your home can range from a simple refresh, like swapping out cabinet hardware, to major renovations like redoing the kitchen or bath. But let’s face it: not every upgrade will give you a return on investment (ROI). In real estate, less is often more—so how do you know what’s worth your time and money? Here’s the deal: upgrades should be made with two goals in mind—maximizing the appeal of your home to potential buyers and ensuring your investment brings value without overspending. While some projects have undeniable allure, others might feel like throwing cash into a black hole. This chapter is all about making smart decisions with your ROI in mind while avoiding traps like the dreaded “As Is” label or misleading marketing tactics. The "As Is" Conundrum: Waving a Red Rag at a Bull Let’s start with the elephant in the room: listing a home “As Is.” It may sound like a straightforward approach to a fast sale, but in reality, it’s more like waving a red rag at a bull. To Realtors, it’s a neon sign saying, “Brace yourself for a battle.” To buyers? It screams “discount central!”—and not in a good way.