26 Aug Should You Renovate Before Selling Your Calgary Home or Sell It As Is?
If you’re thinking about selling your Calgary home, you may start noticing all the things you could update. The kitchen feels dated, the walls need paint or the flooring has seen better days.
But does it make sense to renovate before selling?
Not always. Some improvements can help your home show better and reduce buyer objections, while others may cost far more than they add to your eventual sale price. The goal should be to spend money where it will have the greatest impact.
Start With Simple Improvements
Before considering a major renovation, look at the smaller things buyers are likely to notice.
Fresh paint, professional cleaning, repaired trim, updated light fixtures and minor maintenance can make a home feel considerably better cared for without requiring a large investment.
Flooring is another area worth assessing. Badly stained carpet or damaged flooring can affect a buyer’s impression, but that doesn’t necessarily mean replacing every floor in the house.
As we discussed in what buyers notice within the first five minutes of walking through a Calgary home, buyers often form an impression of a property’s condition very quickly.
Does the Kitchen Need to Be Renovated?
Kitchens are important to buyers, but an older kitchen doesn’t automatically require a complete renovation.
If the cabinetry and layout are functional, smaller updates such as new hardware, improved lighting, fresh paint or a new faucet may be enough to improve its appearance.
A major kitchen renovation shortly before selling can be risky because you may not recover everything you spend. Buyers may also have different tastes and prefer to choose their own finishes.
The same applies to bathrooms. Clean, functional and well-maintained often matters more than having the newest tile or vanity.
Fix Maintenance Problems First
Visible maintenance issues can create more concern than dated finishes.
Leaking faucets, damaged doors, loose railings, cracked caulking, broken fixtures and unfinished repairs are usually worth addressing before listing.
A collection of small problems can make buyers wonder whether larger maintenance issues have also been overlooked.
When Does Selling As Is Make Sense?
Sometimes the best decision is to do very little.
A dated home can still sell successfully when its condition is reflected in the price. Some buyers actively look for properties they can renovate themselves rather than paying more for someone else’s upgrades.
Your neighbourhood and price range matter as well. Buyer expectations can differ significantly depending on the type of property and area of Calgary. Our guide to the best Calgary neighbourhoods for families, professionals and investors provides more information about what attracts different buyers across the city.
Talk to a REALTOR® Before You Renovate
If you’re making improvements specifically because you intend to sell, consider talking to a REALTOR® before calling a contractor.
A local REALTOR® can compare your property with competing homes and help identify which improvements are likely to matter to buyers and which may not be worth the expense.
Sometimes the recommendation will be to make a few strategic updates. Other times, the smartest choice may be to clean, repair and list the home as it is.
If you’re considering selling your Calgary home, Miranda Moser can help you determine where to focus your time and budget before putting your property on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I renovate my Calgary home before selling?
It depends on the property’s condition, neighbourhood and price range. Smaller repairs and cosmetic improvements are often worth considering before committing to a major renovation.
Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?
Not necessarily. If the kitchen is clean and functional, smaller cosmetic updates may make more financial sense than a complete renovation.
Can I sell a dated home in Calgary?
Yes. A dated home can still attract buyers when it is priced appropriately and marketed effectively.
What should I renovate before selling my Calgary home?
Visible maintenance issues, damaged finishes, cleanliness and inexpensive repairs are generally good places to start.