Renovate first · Then sell
Sell as-is, or renovate first? We price both before you decide.
Some homes sell best as they are. Others net more after the right updates. Our team puts both paths in writing, then handles the work if you choose to renovate: design, permits, construction, staging and the sale.
What this is
A pre-sale renovation program, not a sales pitch.
One team from first look to closing
Our partner construction team, Integrity Design and Build Group, updates your home. We stage, photograph and sell it. Scope, cost and timeline are priced before you commit.
Owners of homes that need work
Dated, worn or damaged homes in San Francisco, Daly City and the Peninsula, where the question is whether updating before you list is worth it.
A requirement
If the numbers say sell as-is, we tell you that. Many of our sellers see both values and list untouched. The CMA is free either way.
The decision
As-is versus renovate first.
Neither path is right for every home. Here is how we think about it, and what your CMA will put real numbers on.
| Sell as-is | Renovate first | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to market | Fastest. List when you are ready. | Longer. Scope and city permits set the timeline, and you see it in writing first. |
| Your effort | Minimal. Clean out and list. | Handled by our team. You approve the scope and price before anything starts. |
| Upside | The home sells in the condition buyers see. | Buyers often pay more for a finished home, when the updates match what your neighborhood rewards. |
| Risk | Lower. No construction cost or schedule risk. | Cost and schedule risk, which is why we price it and put it in writing before you decide. |
| Best when | The home is in good shape, or you need to move quickly. | The updates are visible and the after-renovation value beats the as-is value by more than the cost. |
How it works
From first look to listing, in five steps.
Free CMA and walkthrough
Bryan visits the home with a builder's eye on which updates would pay for themselves in your neighborhood, then prepares your as-is value and your after-renovation value.
Bryan AuWritten scope, price and timeline
Integrity Design and Build Group scopes the work. You get cost and timeline on paper, next to the numbers from step one.
Integrity Design and BuildYou decide
Sell as-is, renovate first, or wait. If renovating does not clearly net you more, we say so. Nothing starts until you approve it.
YouPermits and construction
Design, permits and construction, done by the same licensed team behind the projects on this page.
Integrity Design and BuildStage, photograph, list
We stage and photograph the finished home and market it to buyers in English and Chinese.
Bryan Au and Sonny Tang
Inside the work
What a finished renovation looks like.
Rooms from five projects by our partner construction team, grouped by the spaces buyers look at first.
Kitchens
The room buyers weigh most. Each kitchen below is from a project built by our partner team.
Bathrooms
Tile, glass, lighting and plumbing, permitted and inspected.
Stairs and entries
The details people notice in the first thirty seconds of a showing.
Photos are of projects by Integrity Design and Build Group. Every home is different, and results vary. See every project →
What clients say
In their words.
“I can't recommend Brian enough. His communication was excellent from start to finish. Whether it was a quick text or a detailed phone call, we always knew what was happening. He made a stressful process feel manageable.”
“Since it was our second home, we had a lot of questions, and Bryan was able to provide support and answers to guide our decision making. […] I'm also appreciative of Bryan's network. He connected us with multiple lenders, and we were able to work with one who understood our unique situation and gave us real, accurate answers, ultimately helping with the purchase of the home. Great guy, great network.”
“This guy gets it, he helped me with my first investment property purchase and he found me amazing tenants within the same month of closing.”
“Great guy love the communication. Bryan’s honesty really good at what he does and it shows in his work. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”
“Bryan took time to explain the path for home ownership. We wanted to understand the process in the current market and he showed us options.”
“he knows what he is talking about”
“great agent. would use again when i'm in the market for my next home.”
“Bryan is the best real estate agent!”
Verbatim Google reviews of Bryan Au Real Estate. Shortened only where marked, never reworded.
Start with the numbers
See both values for your home.
Six quick questions, one walkthrough, then a written CMA. Free, no obligation.
- Your as-is value today, from recent sales near you.
- Your after-renovation value, with real construction pricing and a timeline.
- A straight answer on whether renovating first beats selling as-is.
Questions
The honest fine print.
How does the renovation get paid for?
It depends on the project and your situation. Every job is scoped, priced, and agreed in writing before any work starts, and we walk through the options together at the consult. No surprises, and nothing begins until you approve the numbers.
What if the numbers say renovating is not worth it?
Then we say so and list the home as-is, or you simply keep the report and do nothing. Roughly speaking, a renovation only makes sense when the after number beats the as-is number by more than the cost, with margin to spare.
How long does a pre-sale renovation take?
Scope drives timeline, and permits vary by city. You get a written timeline with your CMA before you decide, so the trade-off between speed and net is on paper, not a promise.
Do you only work with sellers who renovate?
No. Many of our sellers see both values and sell as-is. The CMA is free either way.