What Improvements Should You Make Before Listing a Home?

This is a common question that I get from my readers. Should they replace their appliances, paint the house, install hardwood floors or new carpeting, etc.

Let me share my usual response to this question. Keep in mind that improvements do not typically produce more in added value than what you pay for them.

The only improvements a seller should make, in my opinion, are ones which eliminate eyesores — that is, things which draw negative attention by a visitor.

I wouldn’t replace items that are dated but that are in good condition. I wouldn’t, for example, replace Formica counters that are in good condition, but I would replace them if they have burn marks or other damage.

Author: Golden Real Estate, Inc.

Golden Real Estate is a prominent member of the Denver/Jefferson County real estate scene. Based in Golden, we service both Denver and Jeffco, representing both buyers and sellers. We're well known for Broker Jim Smith's weekly "Real Estate Today" column published in the Denver and Jeffco editions of the Denver Post's YourHub section each Thursday. The column also appears in several weekly newspapers and is archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com. We have nine agents, all of whom are Realtors and EcoBrokers. Our office is Net Zero Energy since December 2017, and several of us drive electrics cars. Known for our sustainable practices, we accept polystyrene (aka "Styrofoam") for recycling, keeping 200 cubic yards per year out of area landfills.

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