W
hen Sue and JC Eithier sold their late father's home in Port Washington, a real estate agent suggested listing it for $800,000 as-is. However, the Eithiers decided to spend around $28,000 on improvements, including painting and patching walls, which ultimately helped them sell the house at its listed price of $950,000.

    Long Islanders considering selling their homes should be aware of the potential costs involved in preparing a property for sale. These expenses can include hiring professionals to stage the home, making aesthetic improvements, and addressing any issues that may arise during inspections. According to Beth Cartone, an associate real estate broker with Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, buyers in this area are educated and will wait for a house that presents well.

    To give potential buyers the impression of a move-in ready home, sellers can consider making improvements such as painting walls, replacing old appliances, and re-caulking bathrooms. Andy Bonadio, who renovated his Douglaston Tudor before selling it last year, spent around $450,000 on modernizing the home, which ultimately sold for over double its purchase price.

    Sellers should also be prepared to address any surprise expenses that may arise during the sale process, such as removing hazardous materials or repairing foundation issues. According to Nikki Sturges, associate real estate broker with Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, sellers need to depersonalize their homes and make them appealing to a wide audience.

    To reduce costs, sellers can consider taking on some of the work themselves, like the Eithiers did, or hiring professionals who offer competitive rates. Storage costs can also be minimized by getting rid of unnecessary items. While it may be possible for owners to sell their homes without a real estate agent, research suggests that they may see lower profit margins.

    Experts agree that investing money in preparing a home for sale can lead to a higher return on investment. As Cartone said, "The more you do, I believe the more return that you will get."