I have found in my experience that your wow factors should be focused on curb appeal, kitchen, and master bath.As for appraising, it is helpful if you have other sold flips in the area for an appriaser to reference. if not, you can run the chance of it not appraising, even with an appriaser's adjustments so be careful.

Windows – Needs all new windows (I wasn’t quite sure how to count them, since some are side by side, some are smaller, and some are 3 panel…I counted 25 not including the middle portion of the 3 large pane windows) $6000Foundation – Looked okayLandscaping – Remove trees and shrubs, tear down and remove shed, bring in landscaping rocks, power-wash sidewalks and driveway, remove fence in front and back, put new fence in back, new mailbox, plant new shrubs/flowers for curb appeal. ($3000)Exterior – New exterior and screen doors ($1000) Change exterior light fixtures, new shutters ($400)Interior paint/carpentry – Remove all wood paneling and add/replace sheetrock where necessary.

(You can appeal this, of course.)

I have no idea the cost/difficulty of getting such a transition done, but at first glance it seems appealing.

We also felt that making the basement "ready" to be finished might add to the appeal upon sale but not actually finishing it as that would cut into the budget.

Right off the bat the idea of taking on $250K+ in debt does not sound appealing.

If the taxes is very high (6000 for a 2 family home) is this one area where you can reduce cost by submitting an appeal?

Oh and it looks like it is next to a car repair facility so that limits appeal even more.

Go by the properties and look at the curb appeal.

Lack of curb appeal is a good sign of a tired owner who's ready to trade the asset.