When selling, presentation trumps renovation

Property sellers are better to concentrate on the presentation of their home rather than trying to renovate before they sell.

Renovators risk overcapitalising unless they know what they're doing, recalling one home where the owner spent $60,000 putting in a new pool, hoping it would boost her sale price substantially. She only received $30,000 more for the property.
The most financially successful jobs are smaller-scale, lower-cost renovations that improve the exterior appearance of homes.

Street appeal is king. Many people do a 'drive by' before looking inside. It's much easier to sell a house that looks good on the outside than vice versa. People make up their mind before they get to the front door whether or not they like a property.How the property looks from the outside is more important than ever.
A great-looking facade will increase the positive experience when the buyer is making enquiries.

I recommend the following five tips for anyone thinking about renovating before listing their home for sale:
1. It's better to focus on presentation rather than renovation. Getting professional advice from a property stylist will give a better result.
2. Simple things like moving furniture, extra lighting, adding artwork and cushions will improve resale value.
3. Renovations will always cost more and take longer than you budget for.
4. Don't just design what you like. If the idea is to sell it at the end, you must cater for the local market.
5. Talk to a local real estate agent to find out what price bracket you should keep the final product under (i.e. don't overcapitalise).

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