So often, I’ll walk through a house with a seller who is buzzing with nervous energy. They’ll say, "Edna, we’re almost ready to list! We just have twenty more repairs to finish first."

Whenever I hear that, I want to scream, "Stop!"

Before you head to the hardware store or drain your savings account, let’s talk about why "more work" doesn't always mean "more money."

The "Fancy Baseboard" Trap

    I recently had a client who spent thousands of dollars replacing all their baseboards. They weren't broken or rotting; the seller just wanted the bigger, fancier style.

    The kicker? Their AC unit was 22 years old. In the eyes of a buyer, those fancy baseboards are "nice to have," but an ancient AC unit is a "scary expense." They spent their budget on aesthetics while leaving a major functional red flag wide open. When you spend money on things that don't need repairing, you’re essentially gifting your money to the next owner without seeing a dime of it back in your sale price.

The "Walk-Through" Strategy

    The biggest mistake you can make is guessing what a buyer wants. Every neighborhood is different. In some areas, a modernized kitchen is a must; in others, buyers are looking for a "fixer-upper" price point and don't want you to touch a thing.

    Before you start a single project, have a walk-through with your realtor. We see dozens of homes every week. We know exactly what causes a buyer to walk away and what makes them write an over-ask offer.

Your Pre-Listing Checklist

    Instead of jumping into major renovations, focus on these "low-cost, high-impact" moves:



• Declutter: Make the rooms look bigger for free.

• Deep Clean: A sparkling home looks well-maintained, even if it's older.

• Light Bulbs: Ensure every fixture has matching, bright bulbs to open up the space.

• The "Edna" Rule: If it isn't broken, don't "upgrade" it until you talk to me first!

The Bottom Line

    Selling your home is stressful enough—don't add unnecessary construction to the mix. Let’s figure out what adds real value and what is just a waste of your hard-earned cash.

I’m Edna Wilson, your hometown realtor. As hometown as apple pie. Ready to see what your home is actually worth in today's market? Let's chat!