SAVE MONEY: Home Upgrades Not Worth it Before Selling!

[@MarcoRivers-ov4tw]

I'm favoured, Getting my own Truck has always been my Dream for my business. I just acquired 2 recently, earning $32K weekly has been really helpful. I can now give back to the locals in my community and also support Charity Organizations.

[@sTJOHNMED]

As a beginner what do I need to do? How can I invest, on which platform? If you know any please share.

[@Debbie-u1c]

Yes! I'm celebrating £32K stock portfolio today... Started this journey with £3K.... I've invested no time and also with the right terms, now I have time for my family an…

[@rajaee201h46]

Started with 5,000$ and Withdrew profits 89,000$

[@Jeffersonhadr]

I'm glad to write her tay I do hope she will help handle my paycheck properly☺️☺️☺️ Can I start with as low as $1,000?

[@roybuisson]

Please who is this Mrs Jenna This sounds so good andI would like to be a party to this, is there any wayl can speak with her?

[@Renee-b5b]

Mortgage rates are currently at an all time high since 2000(23 years) and based on statistics on inflation, we might see that number skyrocket further, a 30-year fixed rate was only 5% this time last year, so do I just keep waiting for a housing crash before buying or redirect my focus to the equity market

[@randettawolf]

The stock market is no different, to maintain profit, you need to have some in-depth knowledge on the market

[@brenda-v7c3k]

True, I mostly just buy and hold stocks, but my portfolio has been mostly in the red for quite awhile now. Unfortunately to be able to make good gains, you’ll need to be consistent and restructure your portfolio frequently.

[@DillonMcgaha9]

In my opinion, it was much easier investing back in the 60s but it’s a lot trickier now, those making consistent profit in these times are professionals reason I’ve been using an advisor for the past 5 years to consistently build my portfolio in preparations for retirement.

[@phill-s3s]

my partner’s been considering going the same route, could you share more info please on the advisor that guides you.

[@DillonMcgaha9]

There are a handful of experts in the field. I've experimented with a few over the past years, but I've stuck with 'Grace Adams Cook' for about five years now, and her performance has been consistently impressive. She’s quite known in her field, look-her up.

[@Peggy731]

I had an avocado green oven. It works fine. I took the door off and had it painted white at a car body shop. It looks sparkling now & matches the stovetop that had to be replaced. It cost less than $100.

[@lizzieb6311]

Brilliant! How smart of you! 💜

[@AudraLambert]

Sounds like a smart move.

[@patriotgrammy8632]

I did the same thing with a refrigerator before I sold a home back in 1998. What a difference it made in the kitchen plus I was also able to get my asking price. Colored appliances have never been my thing.

[@cardsaremycanvas9065]

What a great idea!

[@Marylandhappiness]

🤓 Smart

[@johnborges5938]

I love love love that she specifically mentions the date when she talks about something changeable like market conditions. So smart. Everything about this channel is just so well done.

[@pia9343]

Nuts and bolts: clean clean clean and fresh paint.

[@audralamberthomes]

You got it!!

[@rebeccaburgess5333]

My home is officially sold. The 2nd realtor I hired, really pushed my home. I am so happy 😊.

[@kerryperryman3025]

Agree that any of the outdoor stuff should be for the pleasure of the homeowner only. Put my home on market and the only thing people cared about were the basics like roof, windows, HVAC etc.

[@keeptrying5962]

I agree. Similar vein, I often see homes I might like to buy, but they've 'renovated' (for example) the kitchen to something I hate AND JACKED THE PRICE UP to pay for it. Like I might've gone for it if they hadn't done both those things.

[@bettysmith4527]

My brother and SIL bought a beautiful house several years ago, and they raved about the large patio complete with outdoor fire place, they LOVED it. Fast froward about 8 years, they are sick of the maintenance, it costs them 4K every 4 years to have it cleaned and re-sanded (not really sure what it's called), and they barely use it! Remember whatever you put in will need maintenance, and sometimes that just add costs instead of value!

[@BeckyB11]

Awesome, Audra! Great information, especially about the kitchen appliances! 😊

[@edithengel2284]

Yes!

[@MaddieBr]

22 years ago I bought a 4/2 and made it a 3/2 with large bathroom and WIC. I have enjoyed it for myself. Almost all houses in my 60s neighborhood are 3/2 with tiny baths, so I won't lose money on it.

[@mike-uw6wt]

She specifically said she is not talking about your situation. Also, any 22 year old bathroom is dated at this point.

[@audralamberthomes]

Sounds like you know your stuff:)

[@keeptrying5962]

Maddie, I believe I understood the intent of your statement, just sharing your experience (not to challenge anybody or anything). In your case, it'll probably be more desirable to buyers IMHO because it has the bigger closet and MB.

[@MaddieBr]

​@@mike-uw6wtI just had it repainted white, new fixtures, looks great. My point is that buyers shouldn't be afraid to make such changes.

[@midlife_minimalist]

I’m in FL and yes, roof pretty much has to be under 10 years old. Never heard anything about windows but I’m in NE FL so maybe in the South where the codes for wind speed are stricter

[@jasminecoffen1670]

I really needed this video as I am getting ready to sell. I was thinking about the pool but not anymore after this.

[@AudraLambert]

Yes, I would not recommend a pool if you are planning on selling in the short term.

[@Reed-2big]

@@AudraLambert I’d think Florida, in limited area might be beneficial, past that pools used to lower the house value.

[@lizzieb6311]

@@Reed-2big Have you priced a new pool lately? I’m a Floridian. For a moderate sized in ground concrete pool you’re looking at $80K and UP…Frankly, the whole pool thing is seen as unattractive with the cost of upkeep is expensive…and.. insurance companies charge a nice up charge for pool homes due to the added liability.

[@Reed-2big]

@ I’m far north of you, but in Maryland, farther south, last century pools were indeed causing prices to be lower. As for maintenance I’ve always thought they were a nuisance even when I wasn’t the life guard having to do any of that! With the exception of the one farmer behind us having a small pool I don’t think there are any of the above ground pools within 20+ miles. In Jax Fla a couple of neighbors put in pools, but in Fort Lauderdale area they seem much more prevalent, depending on the area. I have enough trouble keeping the bears out of the trees, the groundhogs from digging under the house to have a pool where I have to worry about the deer drinking chlorine🤫 😂 I don’t even want to maintain a hot tub!!!

[@arizonashopper5095]

Yeah, no. There's no way you'd get your money back on that big ticket item. Pools near me are VERY common, but they cost around 100K to put in right now. And appraisers are only giving about 30K in value to pools (and until recently, it was $10K!). Put your money in small things that will make it look fresh and not as dated. Like paint, light fixtures... like Audra said. Maybe a new vanity in the bathroom, bc you can get those from Costco or pallet resellers fairly cheap, and that would update the cabinets, faucet and counter all at once.

[@mushroom_thrillers]

I hope you’ll talk about popcorn ceilings. For mid level homes, how much does this detract?

[@terrywade3696]

I’m moving from Southern California to Phoenix area. Here’s what I’m looking for: Air-conditioning and heating, owned (not leased) solar panels, 2 car garage with automatic opener, fully fenced yard, clean well kept older home (inside and out) 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1400+ sq.ft. living space, well kept neighborhood, covered patio, large master walk-in closet, updated appliances, interior laundry room and drawers in the bathroom vanities! These are my must have items. So, I’m guessing that anyone looking to buy my house is probably looking for the same things.

[@arizonashopper5095]

Right now is the first Buyer's Market in Phoenix that we've seen for many years. And it's like that in many places, bc buyers are waiting in the sidelines for the rates to come down in the spring (which is a terrible approach, but that's a whole other topic). So if you are able to, I would try to get under contract in AZ first, and sell your other house in the spring when activity picks up, as it does every spring (esp if there are any couple more small rate drops). Just an idea for you. Source: I'm a Realtor in AZ and see desperate sellers here every day.

[@cheriefrenchtulsarealtor1]

Love the jacket!

[@ivyroses4380]

We are spending 15K or so to spruce up our home because we havent done anything to it in 10 years.. "Sprucing" being the key word here. Additions etc is just NUTS. Good luck to all.

[@Kay12181]

I always look forward to your new episode. A lot of great information, thanks.

[@AudraLambert]

Well...thanks! You've been a huge supporter of mine. Appreciate it.

[@tatianastarcic]

I'm hoping there will be a housing crisis so I can buy cheaply when I sell a few houses in 2025. As a backup plan, I've been thinking about purchasing stocks. What advice do you have for choosing the best buying time? On the one hand, I continue to read and see trading earnings of over $500k each week. On the other side, I keep hearing that the market is out of control and experiencing a dead cat bounce. Why does this happen?

[@TinaJames222]

Investing in real estate and stocks might be a wise choice, particularly if you have a sound trading plan that can get you through profitable days.

[@nicolasbenson009]

You're not doing anything wrong; you simply lack the expertise necessary to make money in a bad market. In these difficult circumstances, only really skilled experts who were forced to witness the 2008 financial crisis could expect to generate a large wage.

[@Vincent-j8u]

Recently, I've been considering the possibility of speaking with consultants. I need guidance because I'm an adult, but I'm not sure if their services would be all that helpful.

[@nicolasbenson009]

Finding financial advisors like Sophia Maurine Lanting who can assist you shape your portfolio would be a very creative option. There will be difficult times ahead, and prudent personal money management will be essential to navigating them.

[@sharonwinson-m8g]

I located her through google, sent her an email, and scheduled a call; hopefully, she will reply because I want to start the new year off financially strong.

[@jasdhaliwal336]

I already have a pool but needs to be plastered and new pool equipment. We don’t use it at all. Should we keep it for selling purposes in the future? we plan on staying in the house as long as we can. We’re 67 years old right now we live in Southern California. I also heard maybe just rumors that NewportBeach is not giving out permits for swimming pools anymore. The cost the of having a pool is also expensive. I feel like.

[@arizonashopper5095]

There are companies that can build a deck over it and shut down the water and pool equipment. Then you can leave it in place for the next buyer, without having to maintain it.

[@nickc3856]

So you're saying I won't get an ROI on my gold-plated jungle gym in the backyard?

[@AudraLambert]

You're funny!!

[@Kwilt2collect]

Struggling with just this in Oregon. I have a 1950 MCM all-original ranch I'm rehabbing.

[@AudraLambert]

I know its tough investing and putting money into any investment. I think you will be fine:)

[@mwebb3014]

It is considered an historic home and many people (like me) want an all-original 50s home. If you have original bathrooms, they are gold. Please list it as an historic MCM gem.

[@angieherron5305]

You’re the best Audra!! Thank you!

[@audralamberthomes]

You are so very welcome. Happy to help!

[@Juliet875]

Thank you so much. Always excellent Information, so very helpful.

[@AudraLambert]

So glad you got some value!!

[@MyLoganTreks]

Absolutely Agree with Audra, especially when it comes to solar I'm hearing in Florida insurance carriers say it may void roof warranty or have issues with homeowners insurance. Waste of money. For instance I saw someone install a Tesla wall and the new buyers were elderly people who actually didn't want it. Lol what a waste of money!

[@ladikmk]

If you need new windows in Florida, get hurricane windows even if you can only afford to replace a few at a time. They're worth every penny.

[@macumbajc]

Excellent pieces of advice! Thanks loads!

[@BetsyMosier]

I took out a 4th small bedroom, divided it in half lengthwise, 1 half is a jack & jill closet and the other half became another full bath. Not sure about it value-wise but I love having a full bath for each bedroom.

[@michelleellis8383]

Here in GA, bathrooms add value, up to 10k a piece, based on value 10:46 10:48 of home. Bedrooms are flushed into square footage but not counted, as far as appraisal. Now, will it sell a home Perhaps. An example would be a four bedroom home, and that 4th bedroom is barely big enough for a bed. Makes no sense to give value for a teeny tiny room.

[@stewieztrail5577]

Audra thank you for another great video. Loving it!! An idea for a follow up to this topic that I would love to see is, what does the Appraiser use? If these are possibly bad investments would the appraiser not use them either? Do they use anything other than sq footage and bedrooms? Thank you again.

[@dalgguitars]

Thank you for the videos!

[@Dogwalkingmom22]

Strange question; I have been working on my house to get ready to sell. House was built in 2000 As a result I have 2 walk in showers built with 1// tile and a glass frame to incident the walk in door for both. I checked into having the glass frames replaced and got two estimates each was around 4,000 -4200 for both showers. ( fun fact; I had another company come in and quote me an estimate of 14,000 for the same project….I couldn’t get the idiot out of the house fast enough! Maybe you could do a video on how to deal with contractors? Especially for older folks living alone?) I live in an area with hard water. I’m not planning on rehabbing the bathrooms- but I wondered if redoing those frames around both walk in showers would help with a cleaner look for the bathrooms? I’m planning on painting ( second question/ is it okay to paint over wallpaper?) both bathrooms. Great fan! Thanks!

[@markh.6687]

In 2016 I had a roofer quote me $10-12,000 to re-deck and re-roof an 800 sq. ft. house. The roofer who got the job was on the roof for about 20 minutes, and his first words when he came down were that I did NOT need a new roof! It turned out I needed about $450 worth of minor repairs to stop a leak, and change my vent stacks.

[@jeffgoesrandom4217]

Some people specifically do not want a pool...so, that is either a lost prospect or lost extra money...they will fill it in.

[@keeptrying5962]

I always enjoy and appreciate your videos. We're thinking about listing next spring (in rural TX, horse property). I've been considering painting our house a different color, but I'm OCD-ish and that would mean we'd be painting outbuildings/barns to match. I WILL NOT be likely to get that money back (absent the outlier). Might help sell it quicker though. 🤔 I think I'll just make sure everything's immaculate and everything is working. I see comps listing at top dollar (and not getting it, absent the outlier that everybody thinks they're gonna get).

[@angelaw6877]

Thank you

[@lindayoungwoolf]

I so do appreciate your advice

[@Alaska2024-AS]

Hi from Alaska....and yes the furnace needs to be working! I love your channel!

[@Patricia-v7z]

I just watched one of your videos titled, "Should I buy my house from the Listing Agent? Dual Agency explained." Question: How does one (buyer) go about locating an agent to represent them? Thanks for the information.

[@janiceestes9518]

I want to put my home on the market. My realtor said it would sell within the first two weeks. My home is well kept, super clean, organized and maintained inside and out. Said the price point is good for the condition of my home. The last 3 years I have designed all my closets and had them installed by a closet company. I added a 4 seasons sunroom. Even in my window tracks you will not find a speck of dirt. My kitchen stainless sink after 9 years has not one scratch on it. My home is a show place. How can she be sure if it would sell in that timeframe? She did say there are only 10 homes in my area for that price point and my home shows the best.

[@bettysmith4527]

I LOVE my four season sun room (the previous owner added it in the 80s when they were popular), this is the only room I need, except the bathroom!

[@juliahelland6488]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! 💯 ❣️

[@cardsaremycanvas9065]

I love your content Audra! I’m Canadian but still find it super helpful, we are looking to downsize and getting our house ready. To me the market is the market if you are buying on the other end it should reflect whatever change so you sell a little lower you buy a little lower. I would really love to understand how realtors do comparables outside of # of beds and baths. For example I don’t have a finished basement but live in what I like to call a bunga-loft so my rec room is above ground. Should I compare to other bungalows? What about sq footage, how much does that matter? I would really love a video on this! I know you are going to say trust your realtor but this would help us understand if they knew what they were doing. Thanks again for all your amazing advice!

[@lazerhawk2192]

Yeah, it's really hard to say without seeing your property. I go first off location, the lot size, layout, mechanicals (plumbing, electrical etc...) then the finishes. Come up with the cost of your home if you were to build today, figure out what a lot near you is selling for, then tac on 40% for taxes. I would buy a functional layout over square feet assuming im not doing major renovations. I would then look at what other properties in the area are selling for. Edit: I forgot to mention to look for unique features of the house. Don't renovate your basement unless you doing it yourself. Basements are low to negative ROI.

[@mgtowski395]

Is the slowdown seasonal or something bigger?

[@AudraLambert]

Its definitely bigger shift than normal....I attribute it to the uncertainty in the election. Ugh. Not fun right now.

[@mgtowski395]

@@AudraLambert Thanks, Audra. Do markets swing back after the election, in your experience?

[@ericgarcia9142]

I sold a house about two years in Orlando with solar panels from Tesla. It was about 18k. I sold the house quickly and for a good pft. It was a small 3/2. The reason it sold was because the buyer lived the solar panels from Tesla.

[@2023Red]

Audra. Paint question. Six years ago we had the entire interior painted in red, green, and light gray. It still looks like new but it is not eggshell white! For $7000 we can upgrade to eggshell. But is it worth it? We ask your opinion. Of course any realtor will say yes to every upgrade as it improves their check at closing. Your opinion please.

[@EK-cr5ht]

Eggshell is not a color, it's the sheen level of the paint. Audra would tell you (she tells us all, over and over and over in case we're a little thick) PAINT YOUR INTERIOR WHITE. NOT gray, not any color. White. A warm white, not stark paper shrieking white. White Dove, Swiss Coffee, google warm whites in eggshell sheen (and the trim can be semi gloss version of the same color, too. ). I bet it will sell much faster than keeping the colors you have. Watch more of her videos, she says it many times. But I'm not her. I do pay attention, though. :D

[@Scully331]

Audra, thanks for all the great advice! I am interviewing two listing agents. Both put forth a great deal of research and numbers and were terrific. What can I do for the agent I don't choose? A gift certificate? Is that legal, ethical, appropriate? What is a gift you have received from a potential client that you appreciated? I live in the state of Georgia. Thanks!

[@bettysmith4527]

Just thank them and refer them to a friend when needed.

[@banne8834]

Im not sure why anyone would add a pool, speaker system, or outdoor kitchen before selling. There are lists of upgrades that truly add value to your home. If you are doing upgrades, and know you will sell in the future, say 2 - 5 years, only add things that add value. This is somewhat neighborhood dependent though, historic neighborhoods, construction grade cookie cutter homes, or established affluent neighborhoods change some of the calculus. Know where you live (hopefully you got your home and understood that ahead of your purchase).

[@lisat.8138]

What about these items? My roof is old and it looks it. My deck is also old and no amount of power washing can hide that. Should I replace them? I feel that buyers will not want my house at all if I don’t.

[@bettysmith4527]

Probably yes to the roof, no to the deck as long as it is safe.

[@janetstraw191]

I’m almost afraid to ask - but we installed an $18,000 walk-in tub in our main bathroom. Was that a big mistake?😖

[@bhazleton]

Excellent info

[@cryptjams9912]

Maybe an odd question, but is a water heater worth changing if it's 15+ years old? How much would a new tankless water heater be seen as an amenity in a buyer's eyes?

[@michelehoward4113]

We replaced ours. Just a heads up…it’s very likely that you will have to change gas piping if you use gas. My plumber said most houses over 10 yr old will need to do that. We did have to do that and it was expensive.

[@cryptjams9912]

​@@michelehoward4113Thanks for the reply. Yes, I'm aware of the modifications that need to be done and have already gotten a quote. But right there are some crazy good state incentives that make installing a new tankless the same cost as getting a storage water heater, so if an old water heater is something that'll show up on an inspection report, may as well pre-empt that by getting a new one.

[@Ruby-if4jf]

Thank you! 😅

[@susananders3834]

Excellent video, thank you. Audra did not say this, but regarding not replacing carpets, I have seen other presenters recommend to just cover up stains with staging. Please don't do that. Yes, do make your property look as good as possible, but please be careful about hiding defects. I love my house, but there have been cheap DIYs from prior owners that didn't last long, and I am working on repair and replace.

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Here in Utah, we put pink plastic flamingos in front yard to upgrade our home & outhouse's values.

[@georgiahamilton4346]

Audra do you think the seller market will improve in Spring 2026?

[@AudraLambert]

I do think the real estate market will improve. There just isn't that much inventory.

[@Reed-2big]

@@AudraLambert There used to be a small window in Jan/Feb where selling could advantage and quick.

[@MrMarkS-lg7yk]

Another interesting segment! I appreciate your expertise/insight and honest talking points. And I keep saying it: your presentation skills are terrific! 5-Star +++. I'm an SDGE customer, too. I had no idea it was the most expensive supplier in the country, but it comes as no surprise, considering my monthly bills! SDGE always finds a way to squeeze out cash like a toothpaste tube. :>)

[@AudraLambert]

Laughing about the toothpaste tube...thank you for your comment. Really appreciate your support.

[@mrsbluesky8415]

I like simple, less maintenance homes. More stuff like a pool and solar panels just means more work and expense for me.

[@createwithconfidence8094]

Great video

[@ForKnFifties]

WOW what people do you know that can afford to do elaborate upgrades 😮

[@briandavis4442]

I dont know where you get all this "refurbished" stuff. I thought this was about what not to do.

[@EllaBella-76]

Yep never do it repair and clean do the garden or get someone to they going to rip it all out 😂Literally -We have a garage we don't live in it but it's shot up in value over the years from £69 k to just over £525,000 rural village but good transport -Me I am sleeping in a coat we are conservation area we have decided other than small improvements we can actually do -It's a no no no !We do have a Spate Summer house I am not staying in - /People already want to buy it !Upstairs is huge !A huge attic Bedroom ,but I am cheaply re doing that but not expensive -Someone said oh buy a new lead flat roof it lasts a lifetime 😱Lead Flat roof costs a fortune they all want to change everything basic Magnolia paint or white -We have new Boiler -I think I put myself in a wardrobe ..Or a something -

[@Rixdog01]

What's with the shoulders? 🤣

[@Ruby-if4jf]

What do you think about buying a house off grid?

[@donnacarraway9182]

What do you think about taking a house off the market during this downturn in the housing market??

[@kt6332]

👍👍👍

[@bo8573]

Solar panels are relatively new in the US? 😂😂😂 Backward much?

[@arizonashopper5095]

What's up with all these posts that tee up for a scammy 'investor' recommendation? Holy cow, the comment section is full of them. Audra if I were you, I'd be deleting the posts that say they are waiting for the housing market to crash and until then, need help with the stock market!