Stop Spending Money on This Before You Sell Your Home
Key Takeaway
The goal before listing isn't to upgrade your home, it's to get your money back and then some. Think return on investment. Painting could be a good idea, while adding a media room or putting solar panels on the roof usually isn't. A walkthrough before you spend can save you thousands.
If you're thinking about selling your house, people always ask me what they need to do to get it ready for sale. The goal before listing isn't to upgrade your home. It's to get your money back and then some, and those aren't always the same thing.
What is ROI, and why does it matter when selling?
The big word is ROI: return on investment. Some improvements earn their cost back at closing. Others just make the next buyer's day. There's a fine line in where you get your money back, and knowing the difference before you spend is what separates a smart sale from an expensive lesson.
Which projects should you think twice about?
- Adding a media room: I would not do that.
- Putting solar panels on the roof: that one doesn't do very well.
- Painting: could be a good idea.
Why a walkthrough helps
The best thing you can do is call me before you touch anything. We'll walk through your house together, and I'll tell you what you should do, what you shouldn't do, which furniture should be removed, and how to rearrange it. One walkthrough can save you thousands.
Thinking about selling?
Remember: return on investment. Learn more about selling with HomeCoach, check your current number with our home valuation tool, or contact HomeCoach to set up a walkthrough. This is C.W. Ross, multigenerational HomeCoach and certified real estate planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I upgrade my home before selling?
Not necessarily. The goal is to get your money back and then some, so focus on return on investment rather than upgrades for their own sake.
Is adding a media room worth it before selling?
C.W. Ross says he would not add a media room before selling.
Do solar panels add value when selling?
According to C.W. Ross, putting solar panels on the roof doesn't do very well in terms of return.
What can a pre-listing walkthrough help with?
C.W. Ross will walk through your house and tell you what you should and shouldn't do, which furniture to remove, and how to rearrange it.