I have had two real estate agents do a "fair market evaluation". Of course it never feels high enough for the seller and it too high for the buyer, so I guess if everyone is unhappy, it is "fair".
That said, she gave me some suggestions. First of all, paint the ceilings. That's reasonable although because I have cathedral ceilings in 3 rooms, not exactly affordable. Change the bathroom light fixtures. I agree with that. That can be a cheap fix. The current ones are the 1980's type with the wooden base and clear, decorative light bulbs. They are dated but I notice they still sell them.
Change the hallway ceiling light fixtures. I like the ones I have, but if I am painting the ceilings, this won't be an expensive fix either. Change the exterior lights on the front of the house. Okay, I can do that. I found one that I like for $75 so multiply that times 3. Change the light fixtures on the back of the house on the deck. That seems like overkill, but I can find some that I like for about $30 each.
Now here is the part that seems like overkill. My kitchen and baths are vintage 1984. If we stay here I would redo the kitchen and the bathroom cabinets, put in granite, etc. She suggests that I change the FAUCETS in the bathroom. They are clean, shiny and in good repair. They are the kind that operate with one hand and have the plastic,crystal knob. They still sell the faucets and I can buy new knobs. This part isn't cheap. DH can wire lights, he doesn't do plumbing. I have 6 sinks and new faucets and a plumber, that would be $1000. If I stay, I would redo the bathrooms anyway. I would assume that anyone buying this house would update the kitchen and baths.
Would YOU replace perfectly fine but dated faucets before you listed the house?
DSs are "handicapped". They can lift the light switch up but they cannot seem to lower it. I unscrew every other light bulb. Its bright enough for them.
