Wanting to sell your home? Are you on the fence about about renovating before listing? 

Every time a home owner decides to sell an older home, they will ask the question 'should I renovate before I sell, or sell as is?' This can be a daunting decision to make as all homeowners want to get the biggest return on their investment. Some inexpensive tips from the experts may be helpful before starting a expensive renovation:

  • clean and de clutter, then clean and de clutter again

  • get rid of personal items

  • making sure entrances and decks are in good clean shape

  • staging, making the home welcoming with furniture, lighting, fireplaces, soft music

  • appealing to all the five senses, including smell

Shelly Kramer, Royal LePage Integrity, Agent, says surprisingly the housing market had a strong December, coming in about 26% more sales than in 2015. Kramer's advice about selling an older home is to sell as is, and price accordingly.

Using the for mentioned tips are highly recommended along with updating paint, updating hardware on doors, and change out dated light fixtures.

Kramer says if a homeowner is going to renovate, the best return will be in the kitchen and bathrooms. If you are newto renovations this isn't the time to try out your DIY skills, hiring a professional will save you money in the long run.

"You don't want to see a home that has a handyman feel about it. Buyers want to see good craftsmanship when they (the sellers) have renovations done."

Cecily Woolrich, Woolrich Group Design and Construction, Managing Partner, says the first thing you want to do is a big clean.

Woolrich says if you are going to renovate, you need to evaluate the area you are in and do not attempt projects that are beyond your skill level.

"Some of the houses that are really bad, which are great flips, could be worth doing a whole renovation. At that point you really should know what you are doing, be familiar with your trades, and really have a good grasp of what things cost in order to get a good return on your investment; that isn't for the average home owners."