Top 5 Home Improvement Projects for Sellers

Are you currently offering any services to your sellers right now? Have you ever suggested low cost DIY projects any home seller could do that would reap a high ROI, but it seems to fall on dead ears? Then when other buyer agents or potential buyers provide showing feedback reaffirming your suggestions the home seller seems to open up and is much more receptive to your home improvement suggestions.

Homegain recently released the results of a national survey of the top low cost (under $5,000) do-it-yourself projects for sellers getting their home ready to list. The top 5 based on average cost and return on investment (ROI) to sellers, are:

1. Cleaning and de-cluttering ($200 cost / $1,700 price increase / 872% ROI / 98% recommended)
2. Home staging ($300 cost / $1,780 price increase / 586% ROI / 82% recommended)
3. Lightening and brightening ($230 cost / $1,300 price increase / 572% ROI / 95% recommended)
4. Landscaping ($320 cost / $1,500 price increase / 473% ROI / 94% recommended)
5. Repair Plumbing ($385 cost / $1,250 price increase / 327% ROI / 88% recommended)

These are good tips for the average homeowner who really has no idea where to start for improving ROI on their homes. Some may get very caught up in doing expensive renovations that have low ROI, but a nice statistical picture is a good place to get started on ideas. As you know, every real estate listing is unique and will benefit from a personalized and professional review of where to focus.