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I often have people ask me, what should I do about my house? I’m planning to maybe sell it soon. I always tell them to check the age of the roof, that most insurance companies will not insure a home that’s over 20 years old. If it is tile …have Don Poss Roofing or Boulerice Roofing do an inspection, and replace cracked or chipped tiles on the roof. Check the hot water tank… because most insurance companies will not insure a hot water tank that is more than 15 years old. Is your electrical box a Challenger brand? (many of which were installed in Black Diamond in the early 1990’s.) That Electical box will not pass an inspection because insurance companies will not insure that brand because of a history of fires. How old is your HVAC system? Units last about 10-15 years. How old are your appliances in the kitchen? How are your windows? Are any of them them rotting out? (a lot of the Pella windows that were put in Black Diamond homes years ago have not withstood the test of time, because they weren’t painted correctly to begin with.) What is the condition of your flooring, especially if you have carpeting? I’m including a couple articles that talk about what should be updated in your home (Florida Association of Realtors) as well as an article on… should you include furniture in the sale of your home.
Renovations That Can Help Homes Sell Faster…Strategic upgrades can attract buyers and strengthen first impressions, from fresh paint and minor updates to newer HVAC systems and better curb appeal. (FAR):
The adage “there’s a lid for every pot” suggests
that, even in relation to the real estate market, there’s bound to
be a buyer for every home on the market. Price is a significant
variable in the minds of potential buyers, but there are additional
factors that can affect the impression people get of a given home.
Certain home features can tip the scales in favor of sellers. In
fact, various renovations can help sell homes more readily. And
these renovations need not cost a fortune. Putting a home on themarket can be stressful, but these renovations may help it sell
fast:
A fresh coat of paint
Although painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some
do-it-yourselfers can tackle, it’s not a task relished by many.
Painting is messy, it takes time and requires moving furniture. In
fact, prepping a room for painting often is the toughest
component of any painting job. But fresh coats of paint can
create a strong first impression.
Choose a neutral color and get painting. Jennie Norris,
chairwoman for the International Association of Home Staging
Professionals, says gray is a “safe” color that has been trending in
recent years.
Minor bathroom remodel
Remove dated wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-
glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for
fast fixes in a bathroom. You’ll recoup an average of $10,700 at
resale, making a minor bathroom remodel a potentially worthy
investment. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround,
floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures can cost roughly $10,500
and offer a greater return.
Redone kitchenThe kitchen tends to be the hub of a home. This room gets the
most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to
focus your remodeling attention.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry estimates
that homeowners can recover up to 52% of the cost of a kitchen
upgrade upon selling a home. Buyers want a functional and
updated kitchen. Trending features include drawer-style
microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets
and even wine refrigerators.
Updated heating and cooling system
Better Homes and Gardens reports that homeowners may be
able to recoup 85% of the cost of new HVAC systems when they
sell their homes. Heating, cooling and ventilation components
are vital to maintain. You don’t want buyers to be taken aback by
an older system, and many millennial buyers are not willing to
overlook old mechanical systems.
Fresh landscaping
A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers will see. If they pull up
to a home with eye-catching landscaping and outdoor areas that
are attractive yet functional, they’re more likely to be intrigued.
Often buyers will equate a home that features an impressive
exterior with upkeep inside as well. The American Nursery
Landscape Association says the average homeowner may spend
$3,500 for landscaping.
Improving a home’s chances to sell quickly and at a higher priceoften comes down to making smart improvements that catch the
eyes of buyers.
© Copyright, 2026, The Key West Citizen. All rights reserved.
Sell your home with or without furniture? Here are some thoughts from a Century 21 colleague:
Your furniture: Should you offer to sell it with the home? Or is it better to take it with you? You could also sell or donate it separately from the home sale.
Not sure what’s best for your upcoming move? Here’s what to think about:
- Distance: How far away are you moving? The farther you’re going, the more difficult (and expensive) it may be to move your existing furniture and belongings. Make sure you factor in truck rentals, movers and other costs you’d incur to move something before deciding to take it along for the ride.
- Finances: Selling your furniture (or offering to include it in your home sale) could give you extra cash to put toward moving or other expenses. If the extra money is worth more to you than the furniture, selling might be the right choice.
- Fit: Will your current furnishings fit in your new home? Think about the layout and room measurements to make sure your existing furniture suits the new place.
- Need: Does your furniture still serve your needs as a household? Older bed frames and other pieces may no longer be the size, design or style your family needs now.
- Marketability: Including furniture in the deal might help with your home’s marketing, especially for potential buyers who are moving from far away or buying their first home. Staging can help with this, too.
