[Tippiechick]

I look for the obvious stuff. I also know a great home inspection. If selling, get one done by a REPUTABLE home inspector. Keep this on file. He can tell you what you should fix to bring it to code, to make it look better, and/or simply improve things. Your realtor should make note of it in the listing.

Floor plan and good bones are keys for me. A good coat of paint and a bit of elbow grease can fix about anything if the price is right.

If I am going for a house at market price or near it, I want little to no maintanance work. I want to see that the home has been well cared for. I want to see that the homeowners have a lifestyle of cleanliness. Is there a good smell?

I look at the plugs. Are the squarely set? Did the contractor just hurry through the job as fast as they could throw the house up at the time.

Are the light switches dirty? That's a turn-off.

Are the windowsills clean?

Is the paint PROFESSIONALLY done?

Did the homeowners do the little things? If they did, it's a good chance they have taken good care of the house.

Thing is, you need to remember your top-out. That is, what is the maximum asking price for your property. If your potential profit is going to be seriously eaten up in the remodeling, you'd be better off to do some mild repairs. OFFER A DECORATING/PAINTING/CARPET ALLOWANCE IN THE LISTING.