Should I renovate before selling?

The short answer is... it depends.

One of the questions I'm asked most often is whether it's worth renovating before putting a home on the market.

The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

Some improvements can make a significant difference to both buyer interest and the final sale price. Others can cost far more than they're ever likely to return.

Before spending thousands of dollars, I always encourage people to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

Every property is different

A fresh coat of paint, new flooring or updated landscaping might completely transform one property. Another home may be better sold exactly as it is.

Sometimes buyers are looking for a home they can move straight into. Other times they're buying for the land, the location or the property's future potential.

That's exactly why I never walk into a home with the same advice for everyone.

What I consider before recommending renovations

Rather than looking at a renovation in isolation, I always look at the property as a whole.

Some of the questions I ask include:

• Who is the most likely buyer for this property?

• Which improvements are most likely to add value, and which ones won't?

• Is the budget likely to deliver a worthwhile return?

• Are there simple cosmetic improvements that could have a big impact?

• Is the property's value in the home, the land, or both?

• Will renovating help the property stand out from competing homes currently on the market?

Sometimes the answer is to renovate.

Sometimes it's simply to tidy up, declutter and present the home well.

And sometimes, the best decision is to spend nothing at all.

What if I don't have the money to renovate?

One of the things I hear quite often is:

"I'd love to do a few things to the house... I just don't have the money."

If that's you, please don't think you're on your own.

Not everyone has the budget to renovate before selling, and that's completely okay.

Sometimes we can identify a few low-cost improvements that will make the biggest difference.

Sometimes it makes sense to explore other options.

And sometimes the smartest decision is simply to sell the property exactly as it is.

The important thing is knowing your options before you start spending money.

Common mistakes I see

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people spending money in the wrong places.

It's easy to assume that every renovation will increase a property's value, but that's not always the case. I've seen homeowners invest significant amounts into improvements that buyers simply weren't prepared to pay extra for.

I've also seen people spend tens of thousands of dollars on renovations they never needed to do in the first place.

They assumed a new kitchen, expensive bathroom or major makeover would automatically add value.

Sometimes it does.

But sometimes buyers simply aren't prepared to pay extra for it.

More money doesn't always mean a better result.

Sometimes a few simple improvements can completely change the way buyers see a home.

How I look at it

Every home has a different story.

Every owner has different goals.

And every budget is different too.

That's why I like to look at the whole picture before recommending that someone spends money.

Sometimes I'll suggest a few simple improvements that are likely to make a real difference.

Sometimes I'll tell you not to spend another dollar.

Either way, my advice is always based on helping you achieve the best outcome for your situation—not on a one-size-fits-all formula.

Cheryl's Tip

If you're already wondering whether a renovation is worth it, don't book the trades just yet. Have a conversation first. Sometimes a 30-minute walkthrough can save you thousands of dollars.

Let's Talk

Every property is different

The information in this guide is general in nature and isn't intended to replace advice that's tailored to your individual circumstances.

If you'd like to talk through your own property and your options, I'd be happy to help.

by Cheryl