“I’ve seen appraisals come in higher for homes with boring-but-solid upgrades like roof replacements or new HVAC systems, even if the kitchen was dated.”
Totally agree about the “boring” upgrades—nothing kills a deal faster than an old furnace or a leaky roof. But I’ll admit, it’s tough convincing folks that insulation is sexier than subway tile. I’ve had clients who wanted to blow their budget on custom cabinets, but when the appraisal came back, it was the new windows and upgraded plumbing that really made the difference. Sometimes you gotta remind yourself: shiny doesn’t always mean valuable.
Funny how people get hung up on granite counters or fancy fixtures, but when it comes time for an appraisal, it’s the stuff you barely notice that bumps up the value. I remember when we replaced our roof—felt like a boring way to spend money, but the appraiser actually mentioned it in his report. Meanwhile, our outdated bathroom didn’t seem to matter much. Ever notice how buyers walk in and comment on the backsplash, but inspectors and appraisers are all about the bones of the place? It’s not flashy, but it pays off.
