Should You Remodel Before Selling?

There are pros and cons to a house remodel before selling your home. You will have to weigh carefully the price and the payoff before deciding if a remodel is the best choice. In some cases, you may be better served to list the house as-is at a more competitive price.

• Check with your realtor to determine the features of a typical home in your area. Adding rooms, bathrooms or special features to your home can bring it up in value with the rest of your neighborhood. On the other hand, make sure you don't make the home too pricey as compared to other homes in the neighborhood.
• Adding square footage is the only solid way to add value to a home. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are another powerful way to make the home a better sell.
  
• If the remodel will occur immediately before you move and you won't be able to enjoy it, it may not pay itself off in the sale and therefore could be a waste of your resources.
• If your home is already up to par with the other homes in your neighborhood, you may consider striking a middle ground and forgo remodeling to sell for a lower price, making a few touch-ups here and there.
  
• Freshening up your home with paint jobs, retiling, carpet cleaning, landscaping, and other minor tasks should be a given when reselling your home.
• More bathrooms typically mean more value, especially if you create a luxury bathroom with a spa tub or specialty shower, or opt for a double-basin sink.
• In the past, it was much easier to sell a home without a remodel. However, because of difficulties in the housing market, renovations before selling have become more necessary.
• If forgoing renovations, be sure not to underprice your home, but still keep the price competitive. Your realtor can help you research homes in your market and determine a good price.
• If your home has wooden floors under carpeting, a good trick to add a significant amount of value to your home is to strip the carpet and have the wood refinished.
  
• Ornate landscaping can be a worthy remodel before selling your home.