value of a home is determined by the prices of comparable homes recently sold in the area. Extensive remodelling to sell the home or to increase the value may not pay off. The property needs to be up to the standards of neighbouring homes, so while the kitchen has to be comparable to others, as in the example above, spending $25,000 to remodel a kitchen in an area where comparable homes recently sold for $375,000 will not increase the house’s value to $400,000. While it may be a helpful selling feature, it won’t return dollar-for-dollar value. MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE IS A MUST It is easy to get wrapped up in the more eye- pleasing aspects of preparing a home to sell. However, the upkeep of all the more mundane aspects of the home cannot be overlooked. These mechanical features require consideration: • Electrical boxes and wiring • Natural gas lines • Plumbing • Central heating and air-conditioning If these components are old, outdated, or not working correctly, the home’s appeal is
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