Money, time, and energy are among our most valuable resources, especially when selling a home. As you prepare your property for listing, it is important to consider which improvements or repairs are unlikely to yield a worthwhile return on your investment, such as:

• Window treatments. Unless they are worn or damaged, don’t change them, as buyers may have their own preferences.
• Appliances, unless they are broken or very outdated, in which case, consider buying used.
• Floors (except in the case of very noticeable damage). Rather than replace hardwood, refinish it, and deep clean other types of flooring.
• An aging HVAC system — if it’s still functioning well, don’t replace it.
• Minor electrical or plumbing issues, such as switches that don’t work, dead outlets, or a faucet that drips a bit before stopping.
• Code violations that were allowed earlier. The building code is constantly changing.
• Minor cosmetic fixes, unless you are handy. However, if the cost of the repair is likely to exceed the potential return upon sale, or if you risk making further damage fixing it yourself, leave it as is.