@Renee Anders It is a tricky situation; however, if you are thinking of getting the highest and best price for the property, it is a good idea to spend the money upfront for at least the aesthetics. 

legally, yes, but  if he's used to living in a not-aesthetically pleasing place for so long,   why  fix something that isn't broke?    

I looked at a house once that was in a great location, and aesthetically pleasing, but it was not what it seemed. 

The house next door is kind of dumpy, but the house across the street has had clear aesthetic improvements. 

@Jaron WallingI know but interest rates are historically low, I feel compelled to capitalize on that for fear of missing out.I’m also looking at properties in CT that may undervalued due to minor aesthetic and structural issues.

. :) That sort of approach works for mortgages where it's a number you can quantify and exactly measure, but not for being a Realtor where it's an aesthetic and a feeling. 

I do have a contractor buddy that said he did a similar space more like 500 sq ft for about $60k very bare bones but still aesthetically pleasing.

And as far as aesthetics like paint on a sidewalk/porch, why are occupancy inspectors concerned with such a minor aesthetic item?

Definitely neutral paint with co-ordinating mouldings - white or off white, crown moulding really changes a property so go for crown moulding in the great room if you can unless it would clash with the style of the property - for example if you are going for a modern, minimalist aesthetic you don't want moulding to contrast you want the neutral tones to be uniform across the whole space.Class Cs: the same as above applies but tone down the price tag: choose neutrals, don't waste money on up market appliances just instal new clean lookalikes - buyers in this market want the property turnkey so they don't have to renovate as long as the kitchens and bathrooms are modern and attractive they will be satisfied but you do want to choose your aspirational feature - as many as you can afford within your budget .If you fix everything that's broken, you paint and replace outdated bathrooms and kitchens and your exterior is attractive and clean you have won half the battle.

In Europe the pipes are considered an aesthetic element and often left exposed outside the building, so I hear, and I think you've caught that spirit; I love it that you've left the stack out the open.