Make Sure Your Efforts Make The Right Impression

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) home improvement shows on TV and social media are taking over and we love it. It gives sellers fresh ideas to update their homes while saving a little money along the way. But, be careful that your DIY efforts deliver. Most updates look good from afar or online, but the true test is when buyers walk through the door. Poor finishes or craftsmanship are quickly recognized.

As a DIY-er myself, a minor detail I see often is with trim - a raw-edge-to-raw-edge vs. a 22.5 degree-angled miter cut. Make sure you take the time to do a proper finish - no matter the upgrade. Does it affect the utility of a home?  No. Does it affect one's enjoyment of the home? Probably not. Is it a costly thing to fix? Most often, no. But, poor finishes can raise questions in the buyer's mind about where other short cuts were taken, and if those short cuts are behind drywall or other hidden areas.

Make sure you pay attention to the details - one minor shortcut can cost you more than you'd imagine. Take your time, do your research and do it right the first time. 

Brett Beckfeld, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Agent