A question we get from prospective sellers all the time and unsurprisingly, the answer can depend on a few factors.

The first thing to take into account is the likely cost and likely benefit.

If you’re a builder or handy person and can do the work yourself, chances are it will be more economical than hiring trades to come and do it for you. Bear in mind also that there is little point in spending $50,000 just to make an extra $50,000 on the sale. It’s too risky. If you’re going to go through and take the time and expense of renovating, you’ll want to be confident that your investment is likely to be doubled or better!!

Next, take a look at the scope of work. If your home is beautifully maintained and it just needs a lift in the garden to give it some curb appeal, then chances are that it will be worthwhile getting the work done. After all, you never get a second chance at a first impression. If, however, you get the feeling that updating the carpets, for example, is going to lead to the curtains needing to be changed, which will then make the door handles look out of place and the paint colour dated….. You get the picture! Sometimes one simple job will lead to many, many more and may well be better left to the buyer.

Then comes the matter of taste! That stunning red kitchen you saw in the showroom might be down your alley but will it appeal to others? This is why we normally advise sticking with muted tones.

So, the answer really is to look for bang for your buck. Anything where you can spend a little but create a big transformation. Paint is often a cheap way to totally update the look of a home as is mulch in garden beds and even having the home styled with modern furniture and effects.

Clearly no right and wrong here. A question of opinion. A good real estate agent can be your best guide in making these decisions. We know what sells and what buyers are looking for and also have a good working knowledge of approximate costs to do the more common upgrades. If you are considering a move and need some advice on what to do (or not do), the team at Barry Plant are here to help. After all, we’re just people helping people.

Please see below our impressive sales for the week!

• 29 Burke Road, Ivanhoe East sold for $2,150,000
• 43 Somerville Street, Doncaster sold for $1,800,666
• 37 Lonsdale Street, Bulleen sold for $1,350,000
• 14 Templemore Drive, Templestowe sold for $1,381,100
• 4 Braham Street, Donvale sold for $1,210,000
• 1/66 Chippewa Avenue, Donvale sold for $1,011,000
• 20 Aanensen Court, Montmorency sold for $991,250
• 15 Everglade Avenue, Forest Hill sold for $975,000
• 1/54 Banks Road, Eltham North sold for $900,000
• 1/137 Porter Road, Heidelberg Heights sold for $870,000
• 119 Springvale Road, Nunawading sold for $825,000
• 1/83 Willow Bend, Bulleen sold for $810,000
• 1200 Main Road, Eltham sold for $850,000
• 407/9 Red Hill Terrace, Doncaster East sold for $382,000
• 209/7 Berkeley Street, Doncaster sold for $330,000
• 12 Toogoods Rise, Box Hill North sold!

Currently under offer and will be sold soon:

• 19 Monarch Ridge, Lower Plenty
• 14 Orr Lane, Montmorency
• 37 Culwell Avenue, Mitcham
• 29 Burke Road North, Ivanhoe East
• 30 Lloyd Street, Heidelberg Heights
• 1/3-5 Skeffington Street, Bellfield
• 119 Altona Street, Heidelberg
• 32 Launders Avenue, Wonga Park
• 26 Lynette Avenue, Warrandyte
• 209/7 Berkeley Street, Doncaster
• 10 One Tree Hill, Donvale
• 103/195 Thompsons Road, Bulleen
• 21/750 Doncaster Road, Doncaster
• 2/4 Browns Avenue, Ringwood
• 15 Gaffney Street, Coburg
• 3/38-40 Burnt Street, Nunawading
• 1/38-40 Burnt Street, Nunwading
• 4 Hogan Court, Box Hill North
• 3/98-100 Carrington Road, Box Hill
• 3/137 Porter Road, Heidelberg Heights
• 32 Baird Street South, Doncaster
• 7/36 Mitchell Street, Doncaster East
• 2/314A Reynolds Road, Donvale
• 79 Jolimont Road, Forest Hill
• 58 Landscape Drive, Doncaster East
• 1/136 Parker Street, Templestowe
• 1/22 River Street, Briar Hill

Spiro Drossos

Managing Director

Barry Plant Eastern Group