I'm wondering about the impact of small, cosmetic changes on home value. My mother-in-law has a house that needs serious work—its exterior has no curb appeal, the AC is broken, there are popcorn ceilings, and the kitchen cabinets are water-damaged and falling apart. She's been trying to make affordable cosmetic improvements and usually hires whoever is available rather than a professional. We've painted her laminate kitchen cabinets and walls gray, creating a dull atmosphere. In her bathroom, there's a mix of small white tiles and large marble-looking tiles that clash, plus the installation is just plain sloppy with uneven grout lines and wobbly tiles. While I've given her my thoughts on this, she believes she's doing a good job. I worry that these updates are just wasting money, especially since she might be hesitant to find out her home's actual value. Should she stop these small fixes and get a professional valuation instead? Do buyers appreciate these kinds of updates, or could they actually lower resale value?
2 Answers
Honestly, those quick fixes aren't adding any value and might even hurt the resale value. Sounds like the house needs a full overhaul, not just these piecemeal updates. If she thinks these changes are helping, she’s really just throwing money away.
If she's happy living there, maybe it’s best to let her be. You've shared your thoughts, but ultimately it's her choice. A little loss in sale price down the line is just part of home ownership. It’s her home, after all.
Exactly! Buyers won't pay more for low-quality improvements. It’s kind of like flushing money down the toilet.