What to prioritize for getting house ready for sale?

[Anonymous]

We are getting our house ready for sale and are trying to figure out which upgrades are actually worth prioritizing before listing.

I’ve included two Zillow rental links below — one shows the basement level and one shows the rest of the house. Together they represent the full home. The lower level has worked well as a flexible living space and has been especially appealing to traveling nurses, but the home will be marketed as a single-family residence.

Link to rental listing for main house: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4726-15th-St-NW-0-Washington-DC-20011/2054499537_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

Link to rental listing for basement apartment: https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4726-15th-St-NW-Washington-DC-20011/468886_zpid/?utm_campaign=iosappmessage&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=txtshare

Planned / likely updates:
    •    Full interior repaint (definitely happening)
    •    Kitchen refresh — currently mid-range, aiming to make it present more high-end. Do we do a whole new renovation with new cabinets and everything? Or spruce up what's there?
    •    Debating between new floors or a polished backyard upgrade (thinking pergola, bamboo/planters, outdoor living feel, while preserving space for a car if needed)

What are your instincts in looking at this...the good, the bad, or the ugly?
    •    Which updates tend to matter most to buyers right now?
    •    Floors vs. outdoor space — any strong opinions?
    •    Anything you’d prioritize or skip before listing?

[Anonymous]

The post made it sound like the house needed major work/renovation but the photos show a very marketable property that does not need work.

If I were you I would not put ANY money into it now but let buyer do whatever tweaking they may like.

And I would ask Jeff to delete this post.

[Anonymous]

Some quick reactions.

I would get a realtor's opinion on whether it's worth investing in serious renovation. You never know what your buyer will like or dislike.

I like the basement colors better than the upstairs. It seems clean and bright.

Maybe as a first step, think through whether your house is bright enough/you have enough lamps. Dim corners feel dirty.

I can't get a good look or missed the picture of the main kitchen head on. The cabinets are short and you don't have a soffit. That does seem dated but who knows what color schemes your buyers would want. This might be a trouble spot but a kitchen remodel is $$$.

I don't like big marble tiles/panels. The bathrooms are not in style. But they look clean and in good repair. So...would not necessarily mess with these.

The front door is aesthetically interesting but feels insecure due to the bands of glass. I get that it was probably chosen to brighten up the house. What kind of shade do you have on it? Might want to optimize that area if the shade is ugly. I'd go for something translucent.

You might want to stage some of the rooms for beauty vs. space utilization. Some of the furniture looks jammed into corners which will make people contemplate whether it's hard to use the space.

[Anonymous]

PP. Don't bother with the outdoor space. A pergola would be a waste of money. It's clear there's some socializing space and people who like yards will have ideas without needing to see the area staged. Just keep it free of personal effects while it's being shown.

[Anonymous]

PP. Once again. I would like to understand what's going on with the black & wood wall that the living room TV is mounted on.

Did you install or inherit the wood trim? Did you paint the wall black? Is it chalkboard paint? Does it help with watching TV? Maybe this is the cheapest area to restyle. It reminds me a little of 1960s mid-century modern with white walls and slim furniture or Scandinavian design.

[Anonymous]

Buyers are very price sensitive and will continue to be. Save your money on the renovations (aside from fresh paint) and list for a slightly lower price. You'll get multiple offers, it's a desirable property.

[Anonymous]

That basement doesn't seem legal for a bedroom with bo egress windows.

[Anonymous]

Definitely paint - I wouldn't waste any money on outdoor space, the new owners can do that. For me, the bathrooms need a whole lot of love. Those huge slabs need to go, the vanities, faucets, everything. You can leave it for the new owners to do themselves, or you do it. Agree the black wall needs to go - make it bright

[Anonymous]

What about crown molding? And just focusing on paint, trim, and maybe new floors?

[Anonymous]

The basement finishes and closet space are bigger than most houses. I’ve been inside before. What do u think the bathrooms could be done for improvements?

[Anonymous]

Don’t do anything except very deep cleaning, everything in very good working order and landscaping, and price it attractively.
If you insist
New light paint.
Refinishing hardwood floors.

[Anonymous]

I’d list as it sits, no need to spend money and try to guess what a buyer wants. Someone will like it as it sits.

[Anonymous]

Do a thorough cleaning, paint and list for a realistic price. Anything else is a waste of money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do a thorough cleaning, paint and list for a realistic price. Anything else is a waste of money.

+1