Our Mount Prospect client was the executor of a family estate and wanted to understand what the difference in value they might receive if they invested in upgrades prior to selling—and specifically what projects would provide the best payback. This is where The Burhop Group stands out. We look at multiple scenarios and help you assess the best ways to spend your money based on your desired goals (or based on your budget and timeframe).

We know the key to maximizing value at any level is making the right improvements that appeal to the widest pool of buyers, while at the same time putting the right selling plan and marketing steps in place to capitalize on your investment.

Below is the evaluation we did with this seller, comparing selling the home as-is versus two levels of various home investments:

AS-IS / Investment: $0 / Value Estimate: $365,000

PROJECTS: None

ESTIMATED PAYBACK: N/A

Level One / Investment: $5000 / Value Estimate: $380,000

PROJECTS: Clean and re-stage personal items; store some furniture; paint all of the walls and trim throughout; complete small repairs; upgrade 3-light fixtures.

ESTIMATED PAYBACK: 3x payback

Level Two / Investment: $9400 / Value Estimate: $410,000

PROJECTS: All Level One items plus: paint the kitchen cabinets; change out the vanity and faucet in the main bath; repair and spray the main bathtub; rent larger staging items (sofa and two chairs).

ESTIMATED PAYBACK: 4.8x payback

The seller chose Level Two, and we went to work selecting paint colors, fixtures, and other finishes. We also provided the contractor recommendations, managed the entire process, and added a little “staging magic” to the mix. The result exceeded expectations—the seller received multiple offers and a price well above our estimates:

The Results: $442,675 and 8.2x payback!

SEE MORE BEFORE & AFTERS OF OUR CLIENT’S HOME BELOW!