Expert: Michael McClure - 1/28/2008

Question
I am helping my aunt do some renovations on her double wide 3BR 2BA mobile home. It is aprox 17 yrs old. I have replaced flooring, installed ceramic countertops and painted. What else can I do to up the re-sale value of the house?? We do not have alot of money to put into this. It needs a new patio door, the thermal pane was shattered 3yrs ago, but due to the size its needs to be custom made and it costs too much. So if we pulled out the patio door and installed a large window  would that be beneficial or would we get more money selling it with a broken patio door. (it doesn't look broken- but the glass is flimsy) I don't know much about home revovations so any basic idea's would be great! Thank You!

Answer
Hi Ashley....Personally, I would replace the glass.  I would think that putting a window there properly would be more expensive.
The whole thing is "eye appeal"...first impressions are extremely important, so consider this, walking up to the front door, and in the house.  Make it nice, flowers, clean walkway, etc.  Carpet should be new, or very clean.
Don't know where you are, but I would suggest getting a dealer to sell it, making sure to mention that the buyer's pay all closing costs!  This is the way I do my listings....sellers pay nothing.

Good luck, and write back with any other questions...."~ M