07/02/2026
Sometimes Doing Half the Work Costs You More
I recently walked through a townhome with a family who had inherited it.
As soon as I stepped inside, I could see it had good bones. The water heater was less than five years old, the water softener had been updated, the HVAC had recently been serviced, and the home had newer maintenance-free windows.
But it also had years of deferred maintenance. The home had been lived in by a smoker for many years, and it needed some updating to compete with what buyers are looking for today.
The family decided to renovate the main level with new flooring, fresh paint, and updated light fixtures which could definitely made a difference.
But they decided to stop there. 🤨
The decided to leave the lower level exactly as it is, with old carpet, dated bathroom fixtures, green paint wall, and a tiny toilet that made the space feel much older than it really was.
I understand why they made that decision. Renovations are expensive, especially when you've just inherited a home.
But here's what I told them...
Buyers don't pay top dollar because half the house looks great. They compare your home to every other home on the market. If one level feels updated and the other feels like a project, they immediately start subtracting the cost of those repairs from what they're willing to offer.
That's why I always encourage my clients to talk with their real estate agent before spending money on updates.
Sometimes a complete renovation makes financial sense. Sometimes it doesn't.
Sometimes you're better off selling the home as-is and saving yourself the time, stress, and expense.
Every home is different, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
My job isn't to tell you to renovate. My job is to help you figure out which option is most likely to leave you with the highest net proceeds. Sometimes that means renovating. Sometimes it means doing very little. The important thing is having a plan before you start.
If you've inherited a home or are thinking about selling, let's have a conversation before you spend a dollar on renovations. A simple walk-through today could save you thousands tomorrow.
Natalya Kelly, Realtor®
📲 612-351-3808
📧 [email protected]
🏢 NS Real Estate Group | Ashworth RE