However, don’t ignore necessary repairs that could raise red flags during an inspection. If your roof is leaking, or your wiring looks like a toddler's attempt at an abstract art piece, fix those before you list the property. The last thing you want is a buyer’s inspector flagging “electrical nightmare” as a deal-breaker. But here's where things get exciting: I’ve seen homes sell for $50,000 or even more than initially expected, after strategic upgrades and repairs. For instance, a kitchen and bath remodel that might cost around $15,000 could easily add an extra $50,000 to the sale price—even more in some cases. If you approach it the right way, you can transform your property’s market value. Starting with the Basics Every listed home should meet the basic expectations of any buyer. We're talking sound roof, functioning gutters, no cracked foundations, and a working HVAC system. After all, buyers want a home they can live in—not a fixer-upper (unless that’s your target market, of course). Finance-mandated inspections are usually required, and if your home has major defects, you might not even make it to the market without first addressing those issues. The market value of a home is driven by comparable homes that have recently sold in the area. Over-remodeling might sound tempting, but if your neighborhood isn’t ready for a $450,000 kitchen, don’t expect your $25,000 remodel to elevate your home’s value that much. The property needs to meet neighborhood standards. Mechanical Maintenance: Don’t Skip It! It’s easy to get wrapped up in the fun stuff—like picking out shiny new light fixtures—but don’t forget about the basics that keep your home running smoothly. Things like electrical systems, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Buyers want a home that works (crazy, right?). Lender's demand it and when the appraiser comes out he will put a condition on the Appraisal
before he will release the Appraisal. Key mechanical features to check:
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