Start with the buyer, not the renovation.
Before spending money, I look at who is most likely to buy the property and what they will actually value. A tired home aimed at renovators is a very different proposition to a family home where buyers expect to move straight in.
Fix the things buyers will price against you.
Maintenance, obvious damage, poor presentation and unfinished jobs can make buyers mentally deduct more than the actual cost of fixing them. That does not mean a full renovation is required. Often the best preparation is selective: presentation, repairs, cleaning, gardens, paint where it genuinely improves the home, and removing distractions.
Spending $30,000 does not automatically add $30,000 to your sale price.
Get the advice before the invoice.
If you are considering a kitchen, bathroom, flooring or a larger project specifically because you plan to sell, get an appraisal first. Sometimes the market will reward the work. Sometimes the better financial decision is to sell the property as it stands and let the next owner make it their own.
THE SIMPLE VERSION
Every property is different.
If you're weighing up what to do with yours, I'm happy to have a look and give you a straight answer based on the property, the local market and the buyers we're actually speaking with.