← All tools
Ken Lam Realty · Tools

What should I fix before I sell?

Tick what you are thinking about. You get a do / maybe / skip list ranked by return, for your budget and your listing date.

$
sqft
weeks
$
0/0 items ticked. Tap a name to see why.
Suggested spend → expected price lift
$0
→ $0
Likely gain after cost: $0 · Budget left: $0
Lift is how much more a buyer may pay, not a promise. It is an estimate built from Cost vs. Value 2025 (San Francisco), NAR reports and local prices. A well-priced, clean house sells. A badly priced, remodeled one sits.
Put it on your calendar

Next steps

  1. Do the "Do" items first, cheapest-with-biggest-return first: clean, declutter, paint, yard. They also make the photos.
  2. Order a pre-listing home and termite inspection. Fix the small stuff now; you will disclose the rest anyway. Check the pest company license at pestboard.ca.gov.
  3. Check every contractor at cslb.ca.gov before paying. Get bids with the repair cost tool.
  4. Follow the full prep timeline in the pre-sale checklist, then run your net in the seller net sheet.

Many people get this wrong: "Remodel the kitchen and I'll get it back." Usually not. In San Francisco-area data, a $97,667 midrange kitchen remodel adds about $47,360 at resale (48.5%). Paint, clean and a garage door often return more than they cost.

Ask Ken Watch 15-sec video

Email this plan to yourself

Ken can walk the house and tell you what buyers in your area really care about. No spam.

Or text: 408-666-2825