If you have a home that is overdue for a renovation, you might be worried that it will be difficult to sell as a "fixer-upper". In fact, you might delay listing your property for that reason.

The good news is, you don’t need to fix up everything in your home to prepare it for sale. You can be selective and choose only those projects that are most likely to help your home show well and sell quickly.

Here are some projects to consider:

·       Repairs. Few things stand out more during a viewing than something in obvious need of repair. That includes minor issues, like a dripping bathroom faucet, as well as major concerns, such as the central air conditioning unit not working. Get these repairs done.

·       Painting. Painting is one of the easiest and most affordable DIY projects you can do. Yet the impact it can have on your home is stunning. Some rooms are completely transformed by a fresh coat of paint.

·       Light fixtures.  A quick and affordable way to add flair and ambiance to a room is by updating the light fixtures. With all that is available on-line today, it is easy to find budget-friendly options that will completely transform the feel & look of your home.

·       Kitchens & Bathrooms. Buyers love to see great looking kitchens and bathrooms. In fact, there are even magazines devoted just to those rooms! You don't necessarily need to do a major renovation of these spaces, but a makeover can be a good idea. Consider replacing sinks, countertops, and/or cabinet hardware.

·       Floors. If the floors in any of your rooms have become worn and unsightly, look at options for refreshing them. Consider replacing carpeting, refinishing hardwood, and/or getting tiles professionally cleaned and polished.

·       Outdoors. Sometimes you can compensate (a little) for a less-than-ideal interior by sprucing up the outdoor space. Explore ways to improve your deck or patio, walkways, and landscaping.

Even if your home is older, you can make it more attractive to buyers with any one of these projects.

Want more ideas for finding eager buyers for your home? Call today.

Two of the biggest stressors for DIYers are projects that cost too much or take too long. Unfortunately, there’s no sure way to guarantee that one or the other (or both) won’t happen. But there is a lot you can do to minimize the probability.

When budgeting, a big mistake DIYers make is not considering the little things. For example, you might budget for drywall panels but neglect to include the cost of nails, tape and plaster. It's easy to overlook these small items thinking they won't add up to much of an expense. But often they do. In fact, for many renovation projects, the little things account for up to 20% of the cost.

Another expense that is often overlooked is taxes. When you find a bathtub you like for $399, be sure to budget for what you'll actually pay out-of-pocket. Also, don't forget possible delivery expenses.
A budgeting tip many experts recommend is to price everything you need and then add 10%. That gives you a buffer.

Regarding scheduling, consider whether or not you've done this type of project before. If you're laying hardwood floors for the first time, there's a learning curve. You'll likely take two or three times longer than you would if you were more experienced.

Even if you have experience with the type of project you’re undertaking, it's human nature to underestimate how long it will take. So, if you feel confident you can install that sink in an hour, give yourself two.

A lot of this, of course, is common sense. But if you take a common sense — rather than an optimistic — approach to budgeting and scheduling, you'll stand a much better chance of your DIY project going smoothly.

You’ve found a contractor that you want to work with – make sure you do your homework before work begins! Check things like:

- Their references
- Their current jobsites
- Their standing with their trade union
- Their standing with the Better Business Bureau
- Get detailed estimates

If all goes well, you now have a contractor and your project can get underway. Keep the following in mind:

- Do not pay in full for a job upfront. The contractor may require a portion of the payment to get supplies. The remaining funds should be paid out on a schedule: second payment when an agreed-upon amount of work is completed and final payment at the completion of the job.

- Be sure to inspect the work being done periodically and before making a scheduled payment.

- Hire someone you can communicate effectively with, with whom you can have a conversation and understand each other’s expectations & requirements.

- Ask for insurance and the Workers Compensation Clearance Certificate before the job starts. Failure to get these things can leave you in a very vulnerable position should anything happen on the site, such as damage, injury, etc.

- Ensure that your contractor knows how to file for permits and is able to get them when required.

- Ask for a written contract outlining the construction schedule, the payment schedule, a precise description of the work being done. Contracts protect both you and the contractor. If they stand behind their work, they should be happy to have the guarantee that a contract provides.

All this being said, once a contractor has done good work for your in the past, I may not be as particular with getting multiple quotes, especially for smaller jobs. Make sure you value their time and try to create a longstanding win/win relationship.