DIY or Pro? Smart Upgrade Decisions Before You Sell
Deciding between DIY (Do It Yourself) and hiring a professional comes down to three key factors: skill level, time, and return on investment. Simple cosmetic updates like fresh interior paint, light landscaping, or minor repairs are great DIY projects that can quickly enhance a home’s appearance without a large investment. However, projects involving electrical work, plumbing, structural changes, or roofing are best left to licensed professionals to protect your home’s value and avoid complications during inspections. For middle-ground updates such as bathroom tiling, deck refinishing, or curb appeal improvements, consider both visibility and timeline, as poorly executed DIY work can deter buyers. Strategic professional upgrades, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces, often deliver the strongest ROI (Return on Investment) and help homes sell faster at higher price points.
- When you need to work on your credit. Maybe your credit score is just starting to recover, but you need more time to pay down debts for a couple of years. With rent-to-own, you could start investing in a home while you bring up your score.
- You’re close, but not quite ready to secure a mortgage. You might have a good job with a significantly bigger salary, but you haven’t been there long enough for a lender to consider it a stable source of income. Or maybe you’re self-employed and you’re still building a reliable track record. Rent-to-own allows time to build personal wealth and financial credibility while working toward your homeownership goals.
- When you know you’re going to buy when the lease expires. If you’re not ready to buy when the lease expires, then you will lose any rent credit, i.e. investment, you’ve put into the home.
