Someone lives in their house many years and decides it is time to sell.  But before they do they feel the need to add granite to the kitchen, or add a pool, or some other big ticket remodel item.  Why?

Well according to this article from CNN Money,  this expense is most likely not the way to go because it will rarely return any kind of investment for a seller.  A Realtor worth anything would not advise you to take this kind of project on because in many cases you are trying to "predict" what a potential buyer may want. And in many cases, you would be wrong.

Just to be clear, I am not suggesting that you do not do minor cosmetic surgery to get your home "show ready".  Before putting a home on the market for a client, I go through a house and put together a comprehensive list of things that need to be done so that the home will be shown in the best possible light.  But I am referring to painting, de-cluttering, and smaller repairs- not the big renovation.   Pictured is the kitchen from a house I have listed at 1790 Greenwich Ave in Winter Park.  This is a one story house that is one block away from Winter Park Hospital in a very desirable neighborhood with Winter Park Schools.  It is competitively priced at $239,000 and might be perfect for an empty-nester, or a younger family looking for an entry into the area.  All the major "bones" of the house are strong- newer roof, air conditioning etc.  And the kitchen looks great! In this case, I determined with my sellers that a very attractive price point would be most important to potential buyers.


Now take the example of a high ticket granite kitchen update.   First off, a seller may be making a bunch of incorrect assumptions.  Granite isn't the "only game in town" as far as counter surfaces are concerned.  Is everyone a chef? Maybe a potential buyer has no interest in a high end kitchen and does not want to feel like he is paying a premium for one that has recently been installed.  There are all kind of buyers out there- some who want "turn key" homes, others who want to feel they are getting a good deal and enjoy "fixer-uppers".

Oh, and by the way, what are the chances that the seller is going to pick the granite color the buyer has his/her heart set on.....?

Wouldn't a credit be a smarter way to go if a granite kitchen became a negotiating issue with a buyer?  This way, the buyer can get exactly what they want.....and the seller doesn't have to go through the remodeling hassle playing "interior designer" or predict what a buyer wants.

Bottomw line- if a Realtor suggests a big remodel project before listing your home....get a second opinion from another Realtor.
If your Realtor suggests "don't spend your money on a remodel project to prepare your home for sale" -listen up and be happy!

He probably just saved you a lot of money.

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