Timing and strategy are everything when it comes to selling your home. Having a clear plan can help you maximize your return on investment without overspending. Forget over-the-top remodels—smart, targeted upgrades are often all you need to make a big impact and get the highest return on investment (ROI).
When considering the best renovations to do before selling, focus on what buyers consistently value most: a bathroom refresh, curb appeal improvements, and a stylish kitchen update. Nail these areas, and even modest home updates can pay off significantly.
Then, once your home is updated, you'll be ready to advertise your home for sale effectively to attract serious buyers and stand out in a competitive market.
1. Kitchen Refresh: High ROI Without the Full Remodel
For most buyers, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also one of the most expensive rooms to renovate, which is why many buyers want it move-in ready. The good news is you don’t need a top-to-bottom remodel to make an impression. Small, strategic updates to the kitchen offer some of the best returns.
A minor kitchen remodel averages around 70–80% ROI, often outperforming a major remodel, which tends to fall closer to 50–60% ROI. In other words, smart cosmetic fixes pay off better than big overhauls for home sellers.
Kitchen updates that deliver:
- Swap outdated cabinet hardware for sleek, modern pulls and knobs.
- Paint existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Upgrade light fixtures and the kitchen faucet for an instant style or efficiency boost.
- Replace worn countertops with affordable but attractive materials like laminate, butcher block, or even quartz if your budget allows.
- Add a neutral backsplash to tie the look together.
These changes keep costs low while creating the “wow” factor buyers are looking for. For sellers working on a tight timeline, such as a military member during a PCS move, a refreshed kitchen can be the difference between buyers seeing “projects” instead of picturing themselves hosting family dinners in their new home.
2. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter
Your home’s exterior makes the very first impression on the buyer, both online and in person. In fact, many potential buyers decide how they feel about a home before ever stepping inside. That makes curb appeal one of the smartest areas to invest in.
Simple exterior projects often deliver the highest ROI of all home improvements. Replacing a garage door can return 95–100% of its cost, while a new front door replacement follows close behind at 90% ROI. Even basic landscaping and fresh paint on trim or shutters can make your home pop in photos, leading to more showings.
Curb appeal details worth addressing:
- Refresh landscaping: mow, edge, prune shrubs, and add affordable, colorful flowers or planters for a welcoming touch.
- Paint the front door a bold, modern color and update house numbers or porch lights.
- Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways for a clean look.
These quick wins don’t just look good; they communicate to buyers that the home has been well cared for, reducing hesitation and bringing in stronger offers.
Photo by hikesterson from Getty Images Pro via Canva.com
3. Bathroom Refresh: Small Fixes, Big Impact
Bathrooms, like kitchens, carry additional weight in a buyer’s decision-making. Fresh, clean, and modern spaces give buyers confidence that the home is move-in ready.
A midrange bathroom remodel typically yields 65–70% ROI. Making simple cosmetic improvements costs far less and still creates the same impression.
Bathroom updates that shine:
- Replace dated lighting, mirrors, or vanities with clean, modern options.
- Re-grout or re-caulk tubs and showers for a fresh, like-new look.
- Upgrade faucets, towel bars, and hardware for a polished, timeless finish.
- Swap out old toilets or sinks with water-efficient models if the budget allows.
Most buyers want a low-maintenance, move-in-ready property, especially if they’re working on a shortened timeline. A bathroom that looks updated and clean signals less work for them and a faster, smoother sale for you.
Need to Stretch Your Budget? Try These High-Impact, Low-Cost ROI Moves
You don’t need a full-scale remodel to boost your home’s value. Small, strategic improvements can make a noticeable difference in both buyer appeal and return on investment.
Elbow Grease Pays Off
Before you pull out your credit card, tackle what’s free: cleaning and decluttering. A well-organized, sparkling home signals to buyers that the property has been cared for. Consumer Reports notes that thorough cleaning and decluttering can raise your asking price by up to 5%. For a $300,000 home, that could translate to $15,000; all for a weekend of effort. Donate or sell items you no longer need, scrub high-traffic areas, and make every room feel bright, spacious, and inviting.
The real ROI winner? Home staging. Staging your home has an average 2,334% ROI and often increases the sale price by 5-15% or more. Get tips in Home Staging 101.
Entryway Upgrades: Small Touches, Big Impression
You don’t need a full renovation to make your entryway stand out. Even modest upgrades like a fresh coat of paint on the front door, a cheerful welcome mat, and a seasonal wreath can create a warm and inviting entrance. These improvements often cost under $200, yet they help buyers feel at home immediately, which can lead to faster offers.
Fresh Paint: Affordable, High-Impact ROI
A fresh coat of paint is one of the best upgrades to do before selling, especially when walls are outdated or feature bold colors that may not appeal to buyers. Neutral shades like soft grays, tans, or warm whites make rooms feel brighter, larger, and move-in ready.
Paint cost estimates for a three-bedroom home:
- DIY painting: $200–$500 for paint, supplies, and primer. You can save a lot of money, but it may take a weekend or two, depending on your schedule.
- Professional painting: $1,200–$3,000 depending on labor rates and prep work. Hiring pros can save time and effort on your part.
Even if hiring a professional painter pushes your budget a bit, the payoff comes in stronger buyer confidence and potentially faster offers, making it one of the smartest, low-cost investments before you advertise your home for sale.
Now that you know how to target the best bang for your ROI buck in renovations, take advantage of the time to start the process of getting your home on the market!
