How Much Should You Update Before You Sell

So, you've lived in your home for 20 years, and now you're getting ready to sell.

But... you haven't made many cosmetic updates over those 20 years.

So, as we walk through your home together, you're explaining to me that you are thinking about making a few updates to the home before selling, such as... 

1. Fresh paint
2. New light fixtures 
3. Flooring in a few rooms.

But... as you start updating those areas, we realize that other areas are then going to start looking more obviously and comparatively dated...

1. Kitchen countertops and cabinet hardware
2. Dated cabinetry, fixtures and hardware in the bathrooms.
3. Wallpaper in two rooms
4. Drop ceiling in the basement

And on... and on...

So... if you start making improvements... where do you stop?

I don't think there's one single answer.  

Sometimes it will depend on your budget... or your timeline for wanting to sell.  

We'll often want to put it in the context of what improvements other homes in your neighborhood have had when they have recent sold.

And we'll always want to make pricing adjustments if there are significant improvements that you are letting the buyer make on their own after you sell the house to them.

So, yes, you should consider making some improvements before you sell your home... but let's talk strategically about where to start... and where to stop.