.Link: 7 affordable DIY home projects to increase a home’s value by Marketwatch.

The goal is, to recoup and exceed any $$$ invested in any property on projects that may result in a higher sale price. Otherwise, why bother?

For this reason, we like this article from Marketwatch.  These are seven low-dollar, simple upgrades that help a buyer feel comfortable and positive about a property.

It is impossible to say what a property might have sold with an unkept lawn, 1978 fixtures, and a dirty basement, vs. a fresh-mowed lawn, updated fixtures, and a fresh-smelling basement.  That said, spending $30,000 on upgrades to a home that would sell for $400,000 as-is, but sells for $425,000 with the upgrades is a potential loss to avoid.  The ROI isn’t there.

For this reason, we like this article.  It points out simple and low-effort improvements that instantly improve the space and the property.

We should point out pointers from our own article, “How to Un-Smelly Before You Selly,” which provides tips and advice on enhancing a house’s smell, which may register consciously or subconsciously on a potential buyer’s impression of a property.  For example, an old realtor’s trick was to bake cookies before an open house – a powerful olfactory impression.

This is all about ROI and maximizing a property’s market appeal.  The investment, time, and effort have to be recouped at sale, over what the property would have sold for as-is.

Another important tool is Remodeling Magazine’s Cost v. Value database. This tool provides data on what improvement projects cost on average vs. what the recoup value is at sale.  From garage door replacement to exterior siding replacement, this tool provides data for various property improvements. Available for 150 markets.