Not all home improvements are created equal. If you’re looking for the best ROI — especially if you’re selling — check out our top ten recommendations.
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The personal stories of one Realtor’s battles and triumphs in the highly-competitive Bay Area Real Estate Market, seeking to illuminate and humanize the very real ups-and-downs of homeownership.
Sarah and I are often asked by clients, “What should we do to increase our home’s value before selling?”
And while that might seem like a straightforward question, the honest answer is: “It depends.” (Welcome to real estate.)
Much like people, no two homes are exactly the same,nor are the Buyers who walk through them. But if we zoom out a bit, certain updates consistently yield a stronger return on investment (ROI) than others, especially when it comes time to sell. So while you may love the thought of a wine cellar, or a plunge pool, it’s of little value to the Buyer that doesn’t imbibe or would never submerge themselves in ice-cold water (c’est moi).
Understanding that not all improvements are created equal, here are the top 10 Improvements that (usually) deliver REAL value – both perceived, and in actual dollars.
- Paint the inside and out
Paint is the lowest-hanging fruit with the highest return. A fresh coat, ideally in a neutral palette, makes the home feel clean, fresh, and well-maintained. It’s less about personal style and more about creating a light and fresh canvas where Buyers can envision their lives. (Although I’m likely to throw in a little color for punch.) - Landscaping & Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything. A tidy front yard, blooming plants, and a freshly mulched bed can do wonders. (Mulch is the Botox of the garden.) No one is expecting Versailles, but a well-cared for garden is essential. Overgrown hedges, broken pathways, and dead grass send a different kind of message altogether – aka: “We gave up.” - Kitchen Facelift
You don’t need to gut the entire kitchen, but it’s almost always a good idea to refresh it: replacing cabinet fronts and hardware, updating appliances (spend the extra for counter-depth refrigerators; they create a seamless line), and installing new countertops and backsplashes will make a huge difference. DO keep it classic and functional. This isn’t the place for DIY experimentation. - Update Bathrooms
Swap out old vanities and tubs, re-grout tile, replace aging fixtures, and lose the builder-grade mirrors. Updated bathrooms signal that a home has been cared for. Bonus points if the toilet doesn’t rock when you sit down. - Refinish Hardwood Floors
Old, stained, musty carpet is a deal breaker. Hardwood floors are preferred, and they are often hidden under wall-to-wall carpeting waiting to be rediscovered. Additionally, engineered wide-plank hardwood or LVP (luxury vinyl plank) are durable, attractive, and highly functional options, especially in below-grade rooms. Keep in mind that uniformity matters; patchwork flooring screams “parking lot sale.” - New Lighting
Good lighting is like good makeup: subtle, flattering, and transformative. Ditch the Home Depot lights and out-of-date chandeliers. Purposeful, recessed LED lighting can illuminate dark spaces and provide necessary light in bathrooms and back halls. Lighting is often undervalued, but makes the biggest difference at a fairly modest cost. (That’s where we come in.) Bonus if you install dimmers; it’s all about setting an inviting mood, and everyone responds favorably to good lighting whether they acknowledge it or not. - Front Door & Garage Door Replacement
Yes, doors matter. Think of them as the handshake before you step inside. A beautiful, solid front door with handsome hardware and fresh paint creates a positive first impression, while cheap doors signal something altogether different. Additionally, a safe and well-running automatic garage door can be a big plus for garage lovers (don’t underestimate the importance and the appearance of the garage). Small details, big impact! - Energy Efficiency Improvements
New windows, added insulation, solar panels, and Nest thermostats or doorbells might not show up in the photos, but they matter. Today’s Buyers care about energy use (and rising PG&E bills). EV Chargers, battery walls, and “smart improvements” are often “smart” choices. - Systems Upgrades (Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
These aren’t sexy, but they’re often necessary. Outdated or unsafe systems often scare Lenders, Inspectors, and Insurers. If you have knob & tube wiring, wood shake roofs, an aging furnace, or original plumbing, it’s time to replace them. Obtaining reasonable insurance has become our single-largest hurdle when it comes to closing transactions. The fewer roadblocks that exist for the Buyers, the better. - Artful Staging (“Artful” being the operative word.)
This improvement is both physical and psychological, and the most important investment by far. Good staging creates an aspirational lifestyle that helps Buyers fall in love, and love is what not only sells a home, but is the key to creating high demand, multiple offers, and BIG dividends. Think of it like a dating profile: the photos may get you the date, but the chemistry gets you the commitment. Staging is the one area where we encourage you NOT to bargain hunt.
Final Thought: KNOW WHEN TO STOP!
The simple truth is not every dollar spent will necessarily come back in spades;some updates are for living, others are for listing, and others are now becoming mandatory in order to close escrow. It’s important to know the difference. If you’re planning on staying another 10 years in the home, splurge on the soaking tub, the sauna, or the statement tile. But if you’re selling, stay strategic and pragmatic. Remember, Buyers aren’t buying your memories; they’re buying THEIR future, and it’s our job to help them see it. If it feels as if we’ve removed your history from the house, that’s intentional. You are moving on – memories intact – so with all due respect, now’s the time to let go.
If you’re curious about where to start, we’re happy to do a walk-through with you and create a tailored plan that makes sense for your goals, your timeline, and your budget. After all, a home is a BIG leap – whether you’re buying or selling. Have no fear, parachutes are available upon request.
How can we help you?
Julie Gardner & Sarah Abel | Compass Realty
Not just Realtors, but consultants in all things house and home, we’re here to educate, explore, examine and refer . . . In short, you may count on us to take care of your home as if it were our own and anyone who knows us, knows we take pretty darn good care of our homes.
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