What Should You Renovate Before Listing?

One of my favorite parts of real estate is helping clients make budget-friendly updates to get their homes sold quickly.

But the question remains: which updates are truly worthwhile?

It's a fantastic question, and the answer is, well, it depends. 

Not all renovations yield a good return on investment, so it's crucial to prioritize updates that will resonate with buyers and increase your home's value. The good news is, in the current market with low inventory, homes with suggested updates below are selling above asking price every single week.

So if you've been considering selling, NOW is the time. 

Making just a few improvements can make your home even more appealing to buyers and may even result in a bidding war. 

Below are a few of our go-to suggestions for sellers:

1. Improve Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it's important to make a good first impression! Simple upgrades such as painting the front door, adding a few potted plants, and trimming shrubs and hedges can make a big impact. Investing in landscaping can also boost your home's curb appeal, as well as its overall value.

2. Make Upgrades to Your Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home and one of the first things a potential buyer looks at, especially when browsing through listing photos. Replacing outdated appliances, installing new countertops/backsplash, and adding a fresh coat of paint to cabinets can go a long way in appealing to future buyers. 

Check out the before and after of a recent client’s kitchen below!

Before + After

3. Elevate Your Bathrooms

Like the kitchen, bathrooms can greatly impact a buyer's decision. Simple upgrades such as new light fixtures, faucets and updating tile can make a big difference. 

4. Update Lighting

Installing modern lighting fixtures can brighten up your home and make it look more modern and updated—add dimmer switches, update flush mount lighting, and new chandeliers.

5. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Walls and trim easily get dinged up and smudged over time. Consider painting any rooms that need a refresh a neutral color. A few of our favorites? 

  • Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (a versatile light gray that looks great with white trim)

  • Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (a light, neutral greige)

  • Sherwin Williams Alabaster (a warm white that isn't too stark)

Pro tip: Most walls should be painted in Eggshell finish and trim in Satin or Semi-Gloss.

If you need recommendations on contractors to help you tackle these projects, please reach out! We're happy to connect you with our preferred vendors.


Ready to find your perfect home?

We can help you move forward.

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