Question: I plan to sell my house soon. I am thinking of upgrading the kitchen to granite counter top and stainless steel sink, which will cost about $4,000 in total. Do you think it's wasting of money to replace the current ceramic counter top and porcelain sink? Will I get most of my money back when I sell the house? Answer: If you're going to spend $4,000 to fix up the kitchen because it's pleasing to you and you were going to stay on the property, then a "yes" would be easy. However, the real question is different: Will the suggested improvements help you sell the home for a better price? To answer this question, visit nearby open houses and see how they compare. Also speak with local real estate brokers. Not spending for improvements you don't need, if you don't need them, is the equivalent of increasing your sale profit by $4,000 in this case. Also, the basic rule for buyers is that they seek the least expensive home in the most expensive neighborhood they can afford. Will your up-grades move the property to the top of the local price pyramid -- and thus make the home more difficult to sell?

Published: February 27, 2008

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