Thinking of Selling Your Home? What to Renovate (and What to Skip!)
So, you’re ready to sell your house. But as you walk through your home, you notice the floors are scratched up from years of family adventures, the paint is chipped, and the kitchen feels like it’s stuck in another decade. Oh, and let’s not even get started on the lawn. Sound familiar?
Before you start swinging hammers or writing big checks, take a breath. Deciding what to fix (and how much to spend) before selling can feel overwhelming, especially with rising construction costs and higher interest rates for borrowing. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to break the bank to make your home market-ready.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Go Overboard
Here’s the deal—small, strategic upgrades can go a long way. Focus on boosting your home’s appeal without turning it into your dream house. Why? Because your dream house might not be someone else’s dream. Think practical, not perfect.
Smart Fixes That Pay Off
Let’s talk about where to invest your time and money as some projects practically pay for themselves (and then some). For example, A 2023 survey by the National Association of Realtors found replacing a garage door or an entry door can bring an almost 200% return on investment. Not bad for an easy upgrade.
Curb appeal is king. The first impression your home makes is crucial, and small updates outside—like lawn care, landscape maintenance, or even minor touch-ups—can make all the difference. That same survey found lawn care, landscape maintenance and overall landscape upgrades can bring returns between 100% - 200%.
And don’t forget the little things indoors. Refinishing hardwood floors, for instance, costs around $3,500 for a 2,500-square-foot home but can add about $5,000 in value. Simple fixes, big impact.
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Skip These Big-Ticket Items
Some projects sound tempting but aren’t worth the splurge. Remodeling a kitchen or adding a bathroom, for example, can be risky. Your personal design choices might not align with a buyer’s vision, and the financial payoff often doesn’t justify the expense. For example, adding a primary suite addition or a high end kitchen remodel recoups anywhere from 25% to 40% of the investment.
Instead, keep it simple. Think cosmetic updates like:
Also, don’t underestimate the power of a deep clean, decluttering, and fixing lingering smells. Sparkling windows and tidy spaces make your home feel inviting—no major reno required.
Share Your Story
Have you tackled renovations before selling your home? What worked (or didn’t)? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!