6 Common Home Improvements Sellers Make Before Listing Their Property

Selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. To maximize your profit, it's crucial to make your property as appealing as possible to potential buyers. While you might be tempted to list your home as-is, small changes and strategic updates can significantly increase its market value. Certain improvements, such as boosting curb appeal and upgrading key rooms like the kitchen and bathroom, can distinguish your home in a crowded market.

This guide highlights the six most common improvements sellers make before listing their home and why these updates are worth the investment. 

1. Enhancing Curb Appeal

Why Curb Appeal Matters

First impressions matter, and the exterior of your home is the first thing buyers see. If your house looks uninviting or outdated, potential buyers may not even walk inside. Curb appeal directly impacts buyer perception and determines how quickly your home sells. 

Key Curb Appeal Upgrades

1. Landscaping and Lawn Care: Freshly cut grass, trimmed hedges, and colorful flowers can breathe life into a front yard.
2. Pressure Washing and Exterior Painting: Cleaning siding, driveways, and walkways creates a polished look. If the paint is chipping or outdated, consider giving the exterior a fresh coat.
3. Front Door and Entryway: Replacing or painting your front door can make it more inviting. Add a new doormat, potted plants, and modern house numbers for a fresh, welcoming vibe.

Cost vs. ROI of Curb Appeal Improvements

The cost of curb appeal improvements varies, but they offer an impressive return on investment. For instance, a new front door can have an ROI of over 75%, while landscaping can yield nearly 100%. 

2. Upgrading the Kitchen

Why the Kitchen is a Priority for Buyers

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it's one of the most scrutinized areas during showings. Buyers are willing to pay more for a modern, functional kitchen. 

Essential Kitchen Upgrades

1. Painting Cabinets and Updating Hardware: A fresh coat of paint on cabinets and sleek new handles can make old cabinetry look new again.
2. Replacing Countertops: If your countertops are outdated, consider upgrading to granite, quartz, or butcher block for a modern look.
3. Appliances and Lighting: Swapping old appliances for stainless steel models and upgrading to pendant lighting adds a contemporary touch.

Cost vs. ROI of Kitchen Upgrades

Kitchen renovations offer one of the highest ROIs, often recouping 60-80% of the cost. Small upgrades like cabinet painting and hardware replacements are budget-friendly yet impactful. 

3. Refreshing the Bathroom

Why Bathrooms Play a Critical Role in Home Sales

Bathrooms are a close second to kitchens when it comes to buyer priorities. Outdated bathrooms can be a deal breaker, while modern, spa-like spaces can win buyers over.

Key Bathroom Improvements

1. Replace Fixtures and Faucets: Swapping old faucets and showerheads for modern finishes like matte black or brushed nickel can make a big difference.
2. Regrout Tiles and Update Vanities: Cleaning or regrouting tiles gives the bathroom a fresh, clean appearance. Replacing vanities with modern versions can significantly enhance the aesthetic.
3. Lighting and Mirrors: Updating the lighting and mirrors makes a bathroom feel brighter, bigger, and more inviting.

Cost vs. ROI of Bathroom Improvements

Bathroom remodels offer an ROI of about 60-70%. Small updates like replacing fixtures and regrouting tile have a high impact without a hefty price tag. 

4. Painting the Interior and Exterior

Why Fresh Paint Makes a Huge Impact

A fresh coat of paint can transform the entire look of your home. It makes the space feel clean, modern, and ready for a new owner. 

Popular Paint Colors That Appeal to Buyers

Cost vs. ROI of Painting Projects

Painting is one of the most cost-effective home improvements. The cost of paint and supplies is relatively low, while the ROI is significant, often reaching over 100%. 

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Why Flooring Affects Perceived Value

Floors are one of the first features buyers notice. Worn carpets or scratched hardwood can signal neglect, while fresh flooring makes a home feel modern and clean. 

Types of Flooring Upgrades

1. Replace Old Carpets: Switch out old carpet for hardwood, laminate, or vinyl planks for a sleek, modern look.
2. Refinish Hardwood: Refinishing existing hardwood floors restores their natural beauty at a lower cost than replacement.
3. Deep Cleaning Carpets: If replacing carpets isn't an option, deep cleaning can still make a big difference.

Cost vs. ROI of Flooring Improvements

Hardwood floors have a high ROI, and potential buyers love them. Replacing old carpets with hardwood can increase the home's value significantly. 

6. Decluttering, Staging, and Deep Cleaning

Why Presentation Matters to Buyers

A clean, clutter-free home helps buyers visualize themselves living in it. Clutter can make the space feel small and disorganized. 

Key Staging Tips for Maximum Impact

Cost vs. ROI of Staging and Deep Cleaning

Staging a home can increase the sale price by 1-5%, making it a worthwhile investment. 

Key Takeaway

FAQs

1. How much should I spend on home improvements before selling?

Spending 1-3% of your home's value on key improvements can yield a high return. Focus on cost-effective updates like painting, landscaping, and small kitchen or bathroom upgrades.

2. Which home improvement has the highest return on investment (ROI)?
Upgrading curb appeal, like landscaping and a new front door, typically has the highest ROI, often recouping up to 100% of the cost. Painting and minor kitchen upgrades also provide strong returns.

3. Can I sell my home without making any improvements?
Yes, but it may sell for less or take longer to find a buyer. Simple, low-cost updates like cleaning, decluttering, and fresh paint can make a big impact without a huge investment.

4. How long do home improvement projects typically take before listing a house?
Small projects like painting, landscaping, and decluttering can be completed in a weekend. Larger upgrades like kitchen renovations may take 2-6 weeks, depending on the scope of work.

5. Should I hire professionals or do DIY home improvements?
It depends on the project. DIY painting, decluttering, and small updates are easy to handle. For complex jobs like flooring installation or electrical work, it's best to hire a professional to ensure quality and safety.