In a market where properties sell very quickly, is it always necessary for sellers to carry out certain renovations before listing their home? A quick overview with Vanessa Milliard-D’Anjou, real estate broker at LD Real Estate Agency.
Vanessa Milliard-D’Anjou makes a distinction between properties aimed at first-time buyers, which generally sell around the median price for a single-family home in Sherbrooke—$460,000—and those selling at a higher price. “For the first category, major renovations are not always worth it,” she explains. “By major renovations, we mean a complete overhaul of the kitchen or bathroom. vendre sa maison The key elements to look at and fix are things like a leaking roof or a significant crack in the foundation that could lead to water infiltration—in short, anything that poses a risk to buyers. Otherwise, small renovations are enough to optimize the home’s presentation and, in turn, secure a good price for sellers.”
“Small renovations” include repainting rooms in light, neutral colors or fixing minor visual details that might catch a buyer’s eye. “The important thing is that the house looks clean, uncluttered, and well maintained without spending a fortune,” Vanessa explains.
Should you redo the kitchen?
Contrary to popular belief, replacing the kitchen is often unnecessary. “Buyers would rather pay less for a home with an original kitchen than pay more for a property with a renovated kitchen that doesn’t match their taste.”
Vanessa also points out that it’s better not to renovate at all than to rush the job and end up with mediocre results. “In any case, for a home under $500,000, buyers usually expect to invest in renovations over the next few years. They don’t necessarily want a turnkey property—they want to make it their own.”
The elements that make a difference
According to the broker, small details can make a big difference during a sale.
In addition to essential repairs, a thorough cleaning can also work in the seller’s favor. “I recommend washing windows, walls, and moldings, and making sure there are no dust bunnies in corners or behind the toilet. (maison à vendre)We also advise our sellers to declutter as much as possible and clear the walls so buyers can easily picture themselves in the home. It’s amazing how much a property’s overall upkeep can influence the final price,” she says.
What about higher-end properties?
Homes priced above $600,000 are most often purchased by people who already own property. In such cases, they are usually looking to upgrade.
“If a property is selling for $800,000 or $900,000, visitors expect to see higher-end materials and features—such as quartz countertops, hardwood floors, an up-to-date kitchen, a glass and ceramic shower, and impeccable finishing. (estimation propriété gratuite These buyers place greater importance on details, finishes, and materials. In this case, it’s important to analyze which renovations will help sell the property more easily while still recouping the investment.”
A final tip: don’t renovate according to your personal tastes. Instead, opt for a neutral, timeless style that is likely to appeal to the greatest number of buyers.
LD Real Estate Agency is here to advise you
Are you selling your property and unsure about what work to carry out? No worries—the LD broker assisting you will walk through the property with you and schedule two meetings to discuss which renovations would be beneficial before listing.
“Ultimately, every case is different,” Vanessa concludes. “We’re here to discuss and provide advice based on each person’s situation and property.”
