Cost effective improvements

Bill that's some good basic information new investors should be aware of.

If you think about it, all those from 1 thru 4 have to do with curb appeal (exterior) and interior curb appeal. But, if you label them from most important to last, I would do it this way:

1. "Cleaning & De-cluttering" <-- (This works well, when you don't need to do hardly anything but light cosmetic repairs to the home or if the entire property needs a rehab (gut job). When the house is all staged, make sure it has a light cleaning every once in a while, until the house sells. Consider cleaning and de-cluttering part of exterior curb appeal, not just interior, too!)

2. "Plumbing, Electrical, Drywall, Roofing, A/C and any structural repairs <-- (Get this stuff done BEFORE the rest, not after. You eventually need the house to be in pristine condition, before the open house or before showings. You don't want this to bite you in the butt, later.)

3. "Landscaping" <-- (This gives the potential buyer "first impression", aka curb appeal & sparks their interest to WANT to look inside. You need to get them to WANT to come inside, and this will help big time.)

4. "Lightening & Brightening" <-- (Goes hand in hand with curb appeal, and that "first impression". It's should be all about the colors on this one, especially outside and inside the house. Use oatmeal color on the inside, and a light color for the outside, not wacky pink or crazy purple.)

5. "Home Staging" <-- (Mostly done to the inside of the house and if done right, will also sell a home 2 to 5x's more than an empty. NOT every room NEEDS to be full of stuff - just an "appearance" to give the buyer what it could look like, or what they could do "if" it were their home. I've also seen people use inexpensive furniture with covers or cardboard boxes that look like furniture. Impersonal artwork (from target, walmart, kmart that look like a million bucks), window coverings, table settings, little things for the kitchen & baths, and a little bit for furniture will go a long way. You get the bedroom furniture that's made for the bedroom - just don't go overboard. For great staging ideas, watch HGTV's "Get It Sold", or "Designed To Sell" for basic ideas. Allow 1 to 3% of asking price for a budget to use. This should be the last step to help you sell that house.)

If you do this right, it could work good on rentals or vacant lease option homes, too. I have experience on this, because I used to do home staging for an investor in Idaho. I have more ideas, too. But, this is great. I'm glad you found this, Phil.

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I could use that information for my own house as well

although I don't see the 'cost-effectiveness' in repairing the plumbing and electrical.
In some cities here in Cali (East Bay) it's now required that the lateral lines that connect to the main city sewers be inspected/repaired/or replaced prior to selling a property-ouch!

valerie

I am about to sell my home and that is good information for me!!!!

Shirley