Are you looking to sell your home and don't want to do any work? Think again!

[Alan Asriants]

Stop Doing the Bare Minimum and Expecting Top Dollar

I run into a lot of sellers who want to do the absolute bare minimum before listing their property—yet still expect top dollar. You don’t need to be a high-producing real estate agent to know that strategy rarely works.

Maybe it’s leftover mindset from the post-COVID market, when anything would sell regardless of condition. Or maybe it’s today’s economy making people hesitant to spend money. Either way, I’m surprised at how many sellers refuse to do even simple, inexpensive updates before selling.

I’m not talking about full kitchen remodels or major renovations. I mean basic stuff: a fresh coat of paint, swapping out dated light fixtures, replacing outlet covers, deep-cleaning the carpets, or pressure washing the exterior. These are small investments that make a big difference in how a property shows.

Think about it—don’t you want potential buyers to walk in and feel: “Wow, this place is nice”? That’s the reaction you should aim for with every listing.

When I was younger, I bought and sold all kinds of things—from model kits to cars, and now houses. Even with cars, I’d detail the interior, buff out scratches, replace bulbs, maybe upgrade some trim pieces. The product might not have been brand-new, but it looked cared for, and people noticed. That care gave me a psychological edge with buyers.

Selling real estate is no different. It's not just about ROI or "will I double my money?" Sometimes, making your property show well means it sells faster, with less stress, and maybe even for more money.

So if you’re selling, do the touch-up paint. Replace those old baseboards. Eliminate that odor. Clean the carpets. Upgrade that outdated light fixture. Even if you don’t get a dollar-for-dollar return, you’ll be ahead of the competition who didn’t bother.

Remember—presentation often matters just as much as updates or renovations.