To Renovate or Not to Renovate? That’s always the question before listing your home, right?

Every seller wants to achieve the maximum sale price for their property, and a quick renovation could make all the difference.

Consider looking at the other homes for sale in your area. Is there something they have that your home doesn’t? Are you able to add that element to your property without vastly altering the existing footprint of the house?

Work out who your ideal buyer is before you spend any money. Analyze the demographics of your area and then look at renovating to target them. Your real estate agent can help you with this information and provide you with recommendations of what your potential buyers are looking for.

For example, if you’re targeting families, make sure your backyard is fenced and secure. Or perhaps you think your place might suit a single parent, so you might want to spend some money on security screens or alarm systems. If you think your home would appeal to retirees, maybe adding a curbless shower to your main bathroom would be attractive.

In many cases, you’re best to fix up a few things rather than do a full-scale renovation. There are two areas that should always be in good, working condition that will have likely have the biggest impact on all prospective buyers.

Kitchen

Kitchens are often the focus for many buyers. It may be the first thing they look to replace or pay more for if a property has one that they really like. You may not be able to afford a whole new kitchen, but for a relatively small budget, painting cabinets and/or replacing the hardware on them is a great alternative. You can make a big difference with good, attractive lighting and clutter-free, clean surfaces.

Bathroom(s)

In the bathroom, re-grouting, eliminating all limescale, and replacing taps will go a long way, even in older bathrooms. The bathrooms need to look fresh and hygienic. Paint the walls with neutral shade and ideally add a new shower curtain or a standard glass screen.

These basics can make a big difference in buyer’s perceived value of your home and the price they offer for it.

Article adapted from content provided by Liliana Warr of Showhomes Tampa Bay