Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

Upgrade Disappointments: What Really Pays Off When You List

19:40
 
Share
 

Manage episode 509297828 series 3638053
Content provided by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

Most sellers think value = what they paid + upgrades + emotion.
Wrong. The market doesn’t care what you spent. It cares how your home stacks up. Today we break the myth.

Inside this episode you’ll learn:

  • What buyers actually notice (and what they don’t): quartz vs. marble, 2cm vs. 3cm, custom vs. stock.
  • The neighborhood trap: why over-upgrading for your area burns cash.
  • Timing reality: kitchen/bath remodels often need 3–5 years to return. Two months before the list? Bad bet.
  • The Rule of Three: how to bid contractors so you avoid the “screw-you” price.
  • Comps first, projects second: build to the market, not your feelings.
  • No-brainer refreshers: paint, carpet, flooring—why a $2,100 carpet swap saves you $15,000 on price.
  • Hard stop: don’t convert the garage. You shrink your buyer pool. You don’t raise value.

Agents: use this to coach your sellers with confidence.
Sellers:
bring us in before you swing a hammer. We’ll show you what actually moves the number.

Listen. Take notes. Execute. Then list with leverage.

Want more real talk like this?

Join our Weekly “Wednesday Warrior” Newsletter
Get strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical moves that help you win in business without losing your life.
Subscribe Now

💪 Want to be Mentored by Rachael and Mike?
Lock arms with us at REAL Brokerage

🔥 Step Into the Warrior Agent Coaching Movement
Because working 80 hours a week isn’t the flex you think it is.
Build the systems. Get the support. Have it all.
Join the Movement

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Upgrade Disappointments: What Really Pays Off When You List (00:00:00)

2. Setting the Stage: Understanding Home Value (00:01:35)

3. The Real Value Equation (00:02:38)

4. Why Upgrades Disappoint: Over upgrading for the neighborhood (00:03:36)

5. Expensive Materials Buyers Don't Care ABout (00:05:47)

6. The Rule of Three for Contractors (00:08:01)

7. The 3-5 Year ROI Reality (00:09:11)

8. What to Do Instead: Get Agents Involved Sooner (00:11:25)

9. Cabinet Refacing Discussion (00:13:13)

10. The Vendor List & Contractor Management (00:14:34)

11. No-Brainer Upgrades: Flooring (00:15:40)

12. The $2100 vs $15,000 Lesson (00:16:39)

41 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 509297828 series 3638053
Content provided by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mike & Rachael Novak and Rachael Novak or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

Most sellers think value = what they paid + upgrades + emotion.
Wrong. The market doesn’t care what you spent. It cares how your home stacks up. Today we break the myth.

Inside this episode you’ll learn:

  • What buyers actually notice (and what they don’t): quartz vs. marble, 2cm vs. 3cm, custom vs. stock.
  • The neighborhood trap: why over-upgrading for your area burns cash.
  • Timing reality: kitchen/bath remodels often need 3–5 years to return. Two months before the list? Bad bet.
  • The Rule of Three: how to bid contractors so you avoid the “screw-you” price.
  • Comps first, projects second: build to the market, not your feelings.
  • No-brainer refreshers: paint, carpet, flooring—why a $2,100 carpet swap saves you $15,000 on price.
  • Hard stop: don’t convert the garage. You shrink your buyer pool. You don’t raise value.

Agents: use this to coach your sellers with confidence.
Sellers:
bring us in before you swing a hammer. We’ll show you what actually moves the number.

Listen. Take notes. Execute. Then list with leverage.

Want more real talk like this?

Join our Weekly “Wednesday Warrior” Newsletter
Get strategies, mindset shifts, and tactical moves that help you win in business without losing your life.
Subscribe Now

💪 Want to be Mentored by Rachael and Mike?
Lock arms with us at REAL Brokerage

🔥 Step Into the Warrior Agent Coaching Movement
Because working 80 hours a week isn’t the flex you think it is.
Build the systems. Get the support. Have it all.
Join the Movement

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Upgrade Disappointments: What Really Pays Off When You List (00:00:00)

2. Setting the Stage: Understanding Home Value (00:01:35)

3. The Real Value Equation (00:02:38)

4. Why Upgrades Disappoint: Over upgrading for the neighborhood (00:03:36)

5. Expensive Materials Buyers Don't Care ABout (00:05:47)

6. The Rule of Three for Contractors (00:08:01)

7. The 3-5 Year ROI Reality (00:09:11)

8. What to Do Instead: Get Agents Involved Sooner (00:11:25)

9. Cabinet Refacing Discussion (00:13:13)

10. The Vendor List & Contractor Management (00:14:34)

11. No-Brainer Upgrades: Flooring (00:15:40)

12. The $2100 vs $15,000 Lesson (00:16:39)

41 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play