How Much Work is Too Much?

I held an open house last weekend for a nice home in Sunset Village.  It's got great space, big windows, a large kitchen and a fabulous wooded lot. 

I call the house a rad, retro Mid-Century modern.  It was built in 1951 and is being sold by the original owners.  This type of house does have a following.  It's an "add a sunburst clock and bring your penny loafers" kind of house, right down to the turquoise wall phone in the kitchen!

But..., there's always a "but", it's too much work.  So, I got to thinking, how much work is too much work?

• Pull up the carpet and expose the hardwood floors - free (except or labor).
• Tear down the turquoise living and dining room drapes - free (except for labor).
• Paint the walls - cheap ($20 for a gallon of paint, multiple gallons needed, plus labor).
• Install a pedestal sink in half bath - cheap ($150 for the sink, plus labor).

Those four "do-it-yourself" projects would take little time and would improve the "look" of the home immensely.  Sure the kitchen needs to be updated and the pink bathroom is a little over-the-top, but the opportunity to put you stamp on the house may be worth it.  And the potential is incredible.

Someone will love the house, love the lot, love the neighborhood and won't be afraid of a little sweat equity.  For them, it won't be too much work at all, but an investment in themselves, their future and their new home.