After living in a home for many years, a client had asked me thse all-important questions: 

Should we remodel and then sell? Or should we sell without remodeling? 

The answer is twofold: Remodeling can add significant value to a property.  It can also slow the selling process. 

When considering a remodel, ask yourself: what features you would like to add, and then ask yourself if a buyer pay for the remodeled features. There was a time when most kitchen remodels featured dark or even black granite. Trendy then, but homeowners now seem to be returning to white marble and other “green” finishes.  Kitchen improvements, although highly desirable, can be a personal statement.  A wrong choice could slow the selling process as a buyer considers:

• Can I live with “their” choices?
• Do I pay to have all their remodel ripped out and start over?

Of course, you want to re-coup your remodel costs in the sale price, but will a buyer see the value in your personal choices?  A buyer might step away from a purchase because the remodeled features may not appeal and the buyer doesn’t want to pay “twice” to make their changes.

What can add value in a remodel?

• Kitchens and bathrooms are key
• Over “personalization” with trendy surfaces and features can also add considerable value.
• Green selections are a hot-ticket item.
• Buyers like features such as radiant heat in bathroom floors, lots of counter space and cabinets in the kitchen.   

But stay “neutral” in your choices.  Visit open houses of similar properties both remodeled and un-remodeled. Get ideas from the choices others have made to help determine what you would want to do and what you would avoid.

In the end, ask your Realtor their opinion.  They will certainly be able to guide you with the answers to the question:  Should we remodel or just sell?