AVOID Costly Home Updates! How Much Is Too Much? TAKE THIS QUIZ!

[@jbuggy21]

That is a very cool tool, thank you for putting that together. We just listed our house (concealable condition). We had good mechanicals. Then spent $35K (5.5% of ARV) to fix a few small but significant issues, plus the cosmetics (paint, carpet, blinds, kitchen countertop, deep clean) so the home showed as move-in ready. Other than windows and kitchen cabinets, we polished all the remaining rough edges. We went a little over budget so no staging, but the vacant photos + virtual tour looked great. We also did pest and home inspections so we could fix the mandatory and disclose everything else before offers came in. We got an offer $15K over list within 4-days, they waived appraisal and inspection. We estimate we're grossing $70K more than we would have had we not spent the $35K. Knowing our market really was key in making our decisions. We're proud that we bought our new buyer's time...my guess about 5 years...there are still updates to do, but there's nothing they have to immediately start working on.

[@KatiSpaniak]

This is wonderful!! Thank you so Much for sharing!!

[@pxn748]

we just bought an "unpolished potential" roof-2023, A/C 2023, H2O heater 2022, and we don't have to undo any renovation we didn't like!

[@KatiSpaniak]

Excellent!

[@amanacatandhisdog8836]

Love how you use pictures as concrete examples of the points you are making.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thank you!

[@thereasoner9454]

Great video and information. During the video, I assumed you were going to mention landscaping at the end. I agree that if you have fresh landscaping on anything other than a Modern Move-in it makes everyone look for problems in other areas of the house. Landscaping is easy for do-it-yourself folks, and if it looks new, it's only for show to buyers. My personal suggestion is once you have decided you are likely to sell your home in the next couple years or longer, is to do the landscaping FIRST, if you are adamant about it. This way, by the time you finish everything else, the landscaping has weathered a couple years, filled in, gotten a few weeds growing, but still looks amazing, yet lived in. It shows as a better taken care of home. Keep up the good work, you got my SUB!!

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thanks for your awesome comment!!

[@timward3116]

I'm curious about the differences between "dated" and other terms such as "vintage" or period-specific terms like "mid-century" or "mid-century modern." When does a recognized classic design style become something that's "dated"? What is the difference between "dated" and just plain old? Might be a good topic for a video!

[@Web3WondersUS]

Great practical advise. As a gardener, I didn't like the last one but house after house, so true! And my forever home, where we have so far spent 15 years, I am holding off on the expensive hardscape until I can see clearly forecast my 15 year living arrangements and you provided the roadmap I needed. Thank you!

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thank you for your comments!!

[@kathrynp7595]

The visuals are so helpful Kati

[@KatiSpaniak]

Glad you like it!

[@curtissharris8914]

One of the smartest videos I've seen in a while.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Now that is a compliment!!

[@ajsstuff4080]

Make sure you get the updated Seller's Playbook. I had the one from June. The updated version has so much more information. Thank you Kati!

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thanks!!!

[@mettajennifer]

Backs up to a PANERA!? yes please 🤣

[@showdogmissy]

I can't wait to see the next videos.. I really enjoyed this latest drilled down version of the 'home status' categories.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thanks!!! Glad you liked it!

[@stanleyhape8427]

When we decided to put the house on the market, the realtor walked through and then wanted to sit down and "talk about it ". She had list of high dollar renovations that "needed to be done " to appeal to the biggest group of buyers and get the best price. Yes, i understand that if i spend money, i can get the money back with a higher price. But that is time off the market to complete those renovations and potential problems along the way. Plus the buyer will be living with my style choices and not theirs. Not every kitchen needs to be gutted and redone every few years. Our house is move in ready. It's a fully functional house. We spent a few weeks cleaning, painting, and all kinds of stuff. The realtor was pleased and disappointed that we didn't take her advice. I think some people confuse a well taken care of dated house with a house in poor condition.

[@cherylanon5791]

Yes, I get tired of hearing "that's dated" as if it's bad, bad, bad. I would rather buy a solid constructed home with good mechanicals & roof, water & septic/sewer, which is a bit dated or even a lot dated, than some of these plastic-y grey walls and white plastic woodwork.

[@nutritioncoachjo]

@@cherylanon5791I hear ya! Flips actually scare me more than a house that may just need a little updating. I see flips as “what is under all that cheap new remodel”. I personally wouldn’t buy a flip but my husband was a former home builder so that may have something to do with our mindset.

[@virginiamoss7045]

The unpolished potential homes shown have rugs on top of carpet. That makes me head explode! Not only is the rug a tripping hazard, but it clutters the room, making the floor space seem smaller. And carpeting is generally undesirable for a lot of reasons.

[@estebancorral5151]

You are on the money. Also, carpets are havens for dust mites,dust, pet dander, etc.

[@USmomma4]

What amazing, helping content! Thank you so much for your guidance!

[@KatiSpaniak]

I'm so glad you found the content helpful! Your support means a lot to me!

[@angelbulldog4934]

We have become a nation of such precious princesses. Everybody wants "perfect" (which doesn't even exist in the human realm), but "perfect" means its somebody else's design choices. That's a big and hard no for me. I want it to look like me, not Tarek and Christina! 😅🤮 In 1988, my ex and I bought a '59 brick ranch--3 BR/2 BA with lots of good features. The decor was old, but it was a joy to turn it into OUR home, step by step. We must have been marginally successful. Friends came in, kicked off their shoes, and put their feet up. That was exactly what I wanted. 😊

[@MargueriteSolari]

A generation has been raised on HGTV, and expect their first home - there is no longer a "started home" apparently - to come straight out of a design magazine, and needing absolutely nothing.

[@ariea.devalois1564]

Exactly. This video is nonsense.

[@waterbug1135]

The question owners should be asking is "do I need a listing agent"? And don't ask an agent. On a $500k house the listing agent wants $10-15k...for what? Pics? An owner can hire the same pro for $139. Sign? That's just to advertise the broker. Homes really don't need a sign. Cheap if you want one. Lockbox? If a buyer is actually interested they will make an appointment so you can be there. The lockbox thing is so agents can show a buyer a bunch of houses just for comparisons to educate the buyer. Listing on MLS? Anyone can list for $200-400. Last thing listing agents say they do is "help negotiate" with buyer. You can't negotiate? It does take some effort in coming up with a price you'd be OK with. That's what makes negotiating easier.

[@laurachau1847]

You can say the same thing for a lot of services. Why hire an accountant when you can research and do it yourself? Why hire a plumber? Electrician? Lawyer? Contractor? Heck I’ve even diagnosed a family member with Alzheimer’s with google! Nowadays you can google anything and everything if you want to do it yourself. The catch is for a lot of people they either don’t have the time or the desire to learn. They work enough hours and want that family time. Also, some people are just not good at negotiations or they’re introverts. There could be many reasons why people want to hire professionals to do the work for them, people who already know what to do and are doing it over and over versus someone who has to spend hours researching how to do something. So here’s the answer to your “why hire” when you can do it yourself.

[@highonsmog]

I'm not an agent, just a guy on YT. Agents ARE often a terrible waste of money, but if chosen carefully, can bring you closer to a decent deal. Let's say you sell FSBO, and buyer walks in to your showing. They talk to you directly. They hear your lack of confidence, or overconfidence, and know how to proceed with manipulating you. A good realtor is impartial, not as desperate, but "greedy" enough to get the sale done on seller's terms and in their interest. I know a small business lady who sold her home to another woman who she resonated with. Lady gets the offer, accepts it, and woman who bought it verbally gave her 90 days move out after signing, but used a paper contract with "keys on signing". Pushed it in sellers face and told her to move out while she was packing her 80 years worth of treasures, and took everything she owned and sold them or tossed them. Make matters worse, buyer rented the home and barn to a dozen renters, turning her old neighborhood into a parking riot, so seller's neighbor friends were dismayed. Seller died a year later. RIP. She was my mom's friend. The point, we humans get personal. We screw up.

[@rickdejean4649]

I need to take less naps and get busy. But I don’t want to wake the cat 🐈

[@KatiSpaniak]

Huh?

[@lynnz109]

I get it! I would work on that project but I don't want to wake the dog!

[@LucitaBrown]

‘Fewer’ naps, not less naps.

[@icberg2glac]

Why does HVAC and A/C need replaced? I moved into our home 10yrs ago and was told we had to upgrade the units. Furnace is working fine. We have maintenance done on it twice a year. A/C blows very cold. A technician replaced a part a few years ago. He told us it works great. Can get colder than the temp we keep it at. I feel like this is a tactic used by real estate agents to have the seller make unnecessary upgrades. Or for a buyer to worry about an replacing a unit that works well. What are your thoughts?

[@lisafreda2873]

Excellent video Kati. Thank you

[@KatiSpaniak]

You are welcome!

[@ArtamStudio]

"Is there a reason someone wouldn't buy your home?" Yes, it's a condo. We condo owners are screeeeeewwwwwed!

[@Maddie2u]

Exactly but I'm going to give ity best shot anyway.....no way I'm staying $450 a month for nothing....like living in a prison.....I'd rather live in a yurt on a hill and may just end up doing that!

[@dreamreader5006]

Why do you require my billing address for a free digital download?

[@KatiSpaniak]

Go to sellerplaybook.com and you don’t need to put anything in.

[@brianjames4169]

YOU are GORGEOUS!!!

[@Pipsterz]

13:31 🔥🔥Hey Kati, The quiz is *_not_* in the Seller's Handbook as stated ("it's all printed out in there"...?) We downloaded it, checked all 24 pages and there is no quiz showing. Please update. Thanks.

[@MomAsol]

great video I learn lots of ideas thanks for sharing.

[@angiew4544]

Everything in our house will be pretty much done when we sell but not planning on putting in new ac or heating. AC is about 18 years old and heating 20+ but everything works and have had no issues. Figured with everything else done the buyer should be ok with having to replace at a later date since nothing else needs to be done.

[@cherylanon5791]

If the HVAC passes inspection with flying colors you're good to go!

[@laurachau1847]

Love your content! Thank you! ❤

[@KatiSpaniak]

Thank YOU!

[@HaroldLeeDye]

Thanks for sharing good advice. H.Lee Dye Remodeling Contractor

[@imaresurcher]

after watching this video and doing the matrix and getting surface shine i still have no idea whether or not to replace the floors, kitchen, bathroom all from 2005

[@KatiSpaniak]

So what’s updated that gives you surface shine?

[@imaresurcher]

​@@KatiSpaniak thanks for the reply. the home was built about 20 years ago and nothing has changed since then. no inspection issues except maybe replacing furnace as it's also ~20 years old but working fine. seems to fit more into the unpolished potential category for cosmetic updates as there is some wear n tear and it is builder grade dated. windows still good. so i guess i'll re-do kitchen bath floors and paint. still it's very hard to tell if this will bring an ROI. similar size new build homes on same street were asking 40-50k more than my home valuation. but agents are not very good here and don't know the area as well as i do so hardly worth getting their opinion.

[@johnd4348]

Always repaint. Recarpet if carpet is outdated or very worn and stained. Carpet is very cheap to do. Pressure wash house and concrete.

[@terismith4307]

Unless you have cement fiberboard siding. Pressure washing voids the warranty and damages that type of siding.

[@SigFigNewton]

Why would you replace a fully functional driveway with a fully functional driveway unless living in HOA that forces the neighborhood to waste millions to make the neighborhood worth a hundred thousand more?

[@KatiSpaniak]

Well most people like their homes to look good

[@estebancorral5151]

What type of idiot would by a house having their property rights fettered by nit-picky pscychopaths?

[@SigFigNewton]

@@KatiSpaniak yeah people are pretty silly, huh Here let me plant and water this invasive grass species in a region short on water

[@adriaba790]

Maybe because the functional highway is cracked and Will fall apart shortly

[@imaresurcher]

i got surface shine category and it doesn't describe my home at all lol. house has no inspection issues

[@flhbradley]

My husband spilled water soluble paint on carpet but cleaned it with carpet cleaner. Should I put some type of wood floor in? This is a Hugh room with a medium splotch on the floor. Frances

[@KatiSpaniak]

Hard to say without knowing the condition of the rest of the house

[@EllaBella-76]

@fhbradley •Maybe cheap as chips I am not doing ours it's the entire attic room they have quoted me huge amounts tried sell me really gross carpets -My sister in laws maisonette with my brother she was asking ages ago this is leasehold old Victorian house bottom two floors big flat good area of London that was ok but went up and up in vallue she had it valued -Purchased £249 k sold £629 k I think Carpet and paint is all they did I am getting new double glazing I am freezing to death here in UK then I find out we did not have double glazing anyway it's so cold comes in Feb .My brother was advised go stay away two weekends in a row -Do sealed bids they all offered the exact price all 6 couples ?POSSIBLY your Husband should pay my Dad did this when decorating 😂😂He thought disguise it -With moving furniture

[@Cherrysmith2809]

I bought a modern move-in a year ago, because that is how I get to roll at this stage in life lol. It is a twenty year old property, flipped. I marveled that he did the job right. He did not just give it a surface shine. He updated every single appliance with high end replacements, including AC, and finishes. He added some bells and whistles, some of which were lost on me TBH. What does a 74 year old woman need with five TVs, 3 sound bars, and seven dedicated Sonos systems to include the garage and two outdoor areas? Do I appreciate the relaxation afforded by the Jacuzzi tub that powerfully roars to life amidst changing colors of the water? His only mistake, arguably, was not considering the type of buyer, as my neighborhood is largely retired professional folks. The flipper is in his 30s.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Glad you found this perfect home!!

[@ann419]

Thanks so much for this, it's your best video yet! And I love all your videos! The quiz is super helpful and makes a lot of sense.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KatiSpaniak]

My best video yet!!

[@pippenlapue9643]

I just turned 60 I retired at 55 and traveled done for now. I plan on living in my home for another 15 yrs. When is it okay to give it a face lift.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Whenever you want! Do it for you if you are going to be there for 15 years

[@estebancorral5151]

@@KatiSpaniakthat is the dumb answer. Do it in the spring or summer when the weather will not impede the work.

[@sarawilliam696]

I’m in Ohio and the housing market here over the last 7-8 years is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Homes that were bought for $130K in 2015 are now being sold for $590k. I’m talking about tiny, disgusting, poorly built 950 square foot shit boxes in quiet mediocre neighbourhoods. Then you’ve got Better, average sized homes in nicer neighbourhoods that were $300K+ 10 years ago selling for $750k+ now. Wild times.

[@brucemichelle5689.]

Home prices will come down eventually, but for now; get your money (as much as you can) out of the housing market and get into the financial markets or gold. The new mortgage rates are crazy, add to that the recession and the fact that mortgage guidelines are getting more difficult. Home prices will need to fall by a minimum of 40% (more like 50%) before the market normalizes.If you are in cross roads or need sincere advise on the best moves to take now its best you seek an independent advisor who knows about the financial markets.

[@carssimplified2195]

Personally, I can connect to that. When I began working with a fiduciary financial counsellor, my advantages were certain. I got into the market early 2019 and the constant downtrends and losses discouraged me so I sold off, got back in Dec 2021 this time with guidance, Long story short, its been 2years now and I’ve gained over a million dollars following guidance from my investment adviser.

[@PatrickFitzgerald-cx6io]

This is huge! think you can point me towards the direction of your advisor? been looking at advisory management myself.. seeking ways to invest and make more money with the uncertainty in the economy.

[@carssimplified2195]

Certainly, there are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with ‘’Aileen Gertrude Tippy” for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive.She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@PatrickFitzgerald-cx6io]

Thanks a lot for this suggestion. I needed this myself, I looked her up, and I have sent her an email. I hope she gets back to me soon.

[@lisafunkyhairedteacher6574]

Hi Kati, is a central vac system considered a “luxury item” or obsolete?

[@mistyhead1]

My house has hardwood floors. We have wall to wall carpet over the hardwood floors. Should we leave the carpet down or rip it up? We don't want to spend the money to refinish the hardwood, so we are wondering if it would be better to just leave the carpet down or have the old hardwood exposed without refinishing it.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Rip it up. It shoots better in photos

[@MomAsol]

I bought my house and has old dirty carpet on it I cleaned it many times but it always has stink smells to it. Good thing I rip it all up and found a beautiful hardwood floors under the carpet but only problem is it has some paint splatter in like dots in many areas. I did all the cleaning using paint removal it does need some work but now all good then I cleaned well and Polished it now it looks like brand new floor. I only spend maybe $10.

[@KidCity1985]

Reall great vid, thank you.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Glad you liked it!

[@tibitaylor]

I downloaded the document and there is no mention of a quiz. The version on the link is Seller's Playbook - Download 7_24. Please advise.

[@tibitaylor]

@@KatiSpaniak Yay! Many thanks!

[@SusanMoriarity-v2f]

Age of the house is relative to the market.

[@EmpressBree]

Could you do this from the buyers pov please❤️

[@cherylanon5791]

There's not enough Sellers right now-- so Kati is desperate to find homes to sell, for her buyers who are waiting. Kati is trying to encourage people to get their homes cleaned up and ready to sell!

[@EmpressBree]

@@cherylanon5791 Understandable. Thank you 😊

[@RoxannAnderson-b4b]

Where do you find the quiz?

[@KatiSpaniak]

In the playbook sellerplaybook.com

[@RoxannAnderson-b4b]

There it is. Thank you!

[@historicaltvvideos8971]

Don't buyers realize that everytime they have the house inspected, the price goes up and time is wasted?

[@designalternatives2757]

What is minimal renovation costs a fortune these days! Contractors are gauging people';s eyes out!

[@joannebutzerin6448]

Your link for the playbook does not workl

[@KatiSpaniak]

Hi, sorry about that! Please use this bit.ly/SellerPlaybook71

[@flhbradley]

The paint won’t come off the carpet. Frances

[@s99614]

So, pressure wash the back deck?

[@KatiSpaniak]

Yep

[@denisebenedict9692]

The quiz is not in the playbook. ???😢

[@KatiSpaniak]

It should be, where did you download it from?

[@ToddM452]

Please call it concrete not cement. Cement and water makes the concrete.

[@thatguy7085]

Driveway refinish… about $300. Not expensive at all.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Not to replace the asphalt

[@thatguy7085]

@@KatiSpaniak no need to replace… patching shows you are maintaining the property. I’ve done it for both concrete and asphalt. Both are inexpensive if you do them yourself. I just refinished a driveway for under $200. Looks new. Just fill in the cracks, then apply a top coat with Elmer’s glue mixed into the Porter cement. Lasts for years, until it cracks from weathering again.

[@marieh9627]

These houses look like all of the old, neglected houses selling for 700K in NJ.

[@fasteddierocs]

Fake out the buyers ? Nice one

[@dantosinferne]

Man the way you judge each tier is absolutely baffling. You show a house that is stupid gorgeous and youre talking like its meh? 5:43 , Bro the fuq that house is gorgeous and worth twice what our house is worth. Wouldn't that be considered a half mil house in some locations? This channel clearly isnt for average homeowners wtf 😂😂

[@KatiSpaniak]

My typical viewers are over 45 years old. And it's middle road America.

[@dantosinferne]

@@KatiSpaniak more like upper mid road in hcol area lol our house is smack dab on the average home price for our state (230) and that house at 5-6min here could easily ask 100k over the average lol but you call that very dated? Not in good shape? "Ok"? A lipstick-less pig? HA! Yeah ok. Your eyes are more attuned to HGTV then average buyers and average budgets, be careful. The only dated things about it was the wallpaper, laundry flooring, and the sink, easy polish projects, such good potential that landscaping could actually bring a worthwhile return. Your surface shine example is WAY more "dated", and buyers are growing wary of obvious flips like that. Cheap new renovations are not better than older cared-for quality and the slew of internet phd millenials are catching on (and becoming the prime buyer demo). Your unpolished potential house should be flipped with the concealable. It's more dated, foundationally dated too and it would be extremely expensive to change or requires a buyer with that taste, less universal, and needs more work (but the landscaping IS gorgeous, fairly!). It seems your judgment was based less on the show quality of the home as an example and more on the scale/orig price range. The 5-6min house is the best one to invest in with wise and tasteful updates and you'd get the biggest returns. The unpolished is far more expensive to "polish". Unless you mean the entire structural design of the rooms lol Just be cautious. Don't let your judgment drift too much towards the mean. You're missing diamonds and steering people more towards trends rather than longevity and your eyes are much better then that! Never stop! Bless and best wishes

[@fasteddierocs]

Fake it Make it and take it ....ba ha ha ha ha

[@stick7646]

I call surface shine lipstick on a pig.

[@KatiSpaniak]

Very true

[@ariea.devalois1564]

Old/dated does not mean "gut everything". Old/dated does not mean "not in good shape". This is ridiculous. That log cabin thing needs a bulldozer but some of these other houses are just old, very well maintained homes and they don't need a "gut". Seriously. Also, I do not want someone else's furniture in my house, however updated it might be. I want the old owner to take all their crap whether they bought it last week or not, out. The furniture, when I look at a house to buy, gives me a sense of space, that's it. I don't want it, I don't care how new it is.