By LISA SCONTRAS
Custom Publishing Group

A common misconception among sellers is that money spent on upgrades will automatically translate to a higher value when they put their home on the market. But that’s not necessarily so. For the maximum return on your improvement investment, it is wise to ask the experts first.

“It’s a very common misconception,” says Stephanie Chan, a top listor at Prudential Locations LLC in 2005. “It’s important to keep in mind that all upgrades are not created equal.”

Mistakes range from a seller over-improving their home or selecting improvements or colors that may not appeal to buyers to what Chan calls DIY-category improvements or do-it-yourself projects which may showcase expensive materials but poor workmanship. Inappropriate upgrades can not only be a waste of money, she says, but sometimes they end up being more of a detraction.

“I had a client who added a large shiny black Jacuzzi tub in his small studio apartment,” Chan says. “While the Jacuzzi would have been beautiful in a larger home, it just looked awkwardly misplaced in the small studio.”

If you want to get the best return on your investment, here’s what the experts recommend.

Mike Badovinac, a fellow Prudential Locations agent, stresses sticking with the basics.

“Without a doubt at the top of the list is flooring and paint,” he says. “If you put a fresh coat of paint and new carpet or laminate, I can almost guarantee you’ll get your money back.”

Preparing your home for sale is different than what “flippers” do, cautions Chan.

“Most flippers are contractors or handymen,” she says. “They are able to profit mainly because they save significant amounts of money in terms of labor costs on the renovation.”

Their line of work is what gives them the edge and, according to Badovinac, that’s the only way to be a successful flipper in today’s market.

‘“If you’re buying and flipping today, you better be doing the work yourself,” he says.

For typical sellers, Badovinac says after paint and floors, the next most important place to invest improvement dollars is in landscaping and curb appeal. A nice lawn and some flowers are inviting. It’s not necessary, he says, to get too extravagant with koi ponds, rock gardens and royal palms.

“While those things will probably help you sell your house, don’t expect to get all your money back,” he says. “Dollar for dollar, it may not add a lot of value to the house. It’s a fine line.”

Chan believes a seller should also pay particular attention to the kitchen and baths.

“In any home, the quality and appearance of the kitchen and bathroom are central,” she says. “They are both often-used rooms that wear down quickly, so special attention should be given to them to keep them constantly fresh and appealing.”

She adds that simple upgrades have the most impact.

“You can minimize the cost by refacing cabinet doors as opposed to purchasing new cabinets,” says Chan. “Don’t change the bathtub but simply have the surface reglazed. Buy a new lighting fixture or change a rusty old faucet.”

Badovinac says that inventory is approximately 50 to 60-percent higher than it was a year ago, and encourages sellers need to think about how they can make their home really sparkle.

“New appliances can easily and quickly give the house an edge,” he says. “If I take a buyer to five houses and one house has new carpet, a fresh coat of paint and new appliances, that goes a long way.”

Some of the most critical preparations are free, reminds Badovinac.

“Take everything off the countertop,” he emphasizes. “A small kitchen with a microwave on the counter looks even smaller.”

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