One of the most common questions I get from homeowners preparing to sell is:
“Should I renovate before I list?”
And my best and favorite answer? It depends.
In general there are two things to consider - projected return on investment & how the renovation will affect “saleability”. Not every home improvement project is worth the time, money, or stress especially if you’re expecting a full return on investment. But some strategic upgrades can absolutely help you sell faster and for a higher price, even if the direct return doesn’t net any proceeds.
Renovations That Typically Do Pay Off
These updates are consistently buyer-pleasers and tend to offer a strong return on investment without breaking the bank:
1. Fresh Paint
This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your home a clean, updated feel. Stick to neutral tones that appeal to a wide range of buyers and make spaces feel larger and brighter.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you love bold colors, a fresh coat of soft white can work wonders when it's time to sell.
2. Yard Cleanup & Front of house Updates
First impressions matter. Upgrading your front door or garage door can seriously boost curb appeal and make potential buyers feel more confident before they even step inside. Cleaning up the yard so that it presents as being well maintained is also an easy task with high impact.
These upgrades not only look great they often recoup a high percentage of their cost in resale value.
3. Updated Lighting and Fixtures
Buyers notice old fixtures. Swapping out dated light fixtures, faucets, or cabinet hardware can instantly modernize a space without requiring a full renovation.
Think of it like updating your home’s accessories it’s a small change with a big impact.
4. Minor Kitchen or Bathroom Refreshes
Full gut jobs are rarely necessary before selling. But small, cosmetic improvements like:
- Replacing outdated countertops or faucets
- Repainting cabinets
- Adding a stylish backsplash
- Even just cleaning up caulking and grout goes a long way!
Renovations That May Not Be Worth It
On the flip side, here are a few things I usually recommend skipping unless absolutely necessary:
- Major structural changes or layout overhauls
- Fully customized renovations that won’t appeal to the largest buyer pool
- Super high-end finishes in a neighborhood where you won't see the return
When in doubt, always compare the cost of the project against your local market and price point expectations.
Thinking of Selling in the Next 6–12 Months?
The best time to start planning is now. I’ll help you walk through:
- What’s worth updating (and what’s not)
- How to budget smart
- What buyers in your area actually care about
You don’t need to over-renovate or overspend to get a great return you just need a strategy that works for your home and your goals.
