Home Improvements That Add Value Before You Sell

Selling your home is a significant financial decision, one where every detail matters. This includes the renovations you can make before listing that can decrease the time on the market, curb appeal, and even the selling price. Real estate agents at The Selling Team with Keller Williams Realty are here to help you find the best renovations for your home prior to selling that can increase its value. Here is a realistic guide of renovations you can do to sell your home and get high returns.

Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! The importance of curb appeal is significant when looking to sell your home, it sets expectations before a buyer even steps inside.

“It’s the first impression a buyer gets on your home whether they're driving by or they see it from online” Keller Williams agent Dillon Swan said when asked about the significance of curb appeal.

Tasks like simple landscaping, paint touch ups, and decluttering the yard are simple, budget-friendly ways to improve the curb appeal of your home before selling. However, there can be some options to improve curb appeal that may not be too pocket-friendly, but they do give more in return. If you are planning to stay in your current home for a couple more years, it would be important to consider the condition of your roof, because that is a big selling point. Same with new doors, siding, or windows.

“If it looks good on the outside, a lot of people are going to assume that it looks good on the inside” Keller Williams agent Zachary Caltrider added.

Fresh Paint

One of the easiest ways to improve your home before selling is adding a fresh coat of paint. Most agents suggest painting your walls neutral colors to give them a bright and fresh feel. A clean canvas can appeal to a wide variety of buyers, giving your home more interest. However, some agents say it may not be necessary:

“Whoever buys the house may come in and repaint it anyways, so sometimes I don't recommend it” Keller Williams agent Jayden Soles said.

Painting should be considered if your home has any accent walls, bold colors, or personalized designs. Some buyers may not have the same taste, and not being able to envision themselves in a home for sale can potentially be altered by the paint colors.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Many people say kitchens and bathrooms are the selling points of homes. Keeping these spaces in your home updated and clean will be a helping hand in the process of selling your home. People spend lots of time in these areas, so, as a seller, it is important to pay attention to the details in these aspects of your home.

Water damage, mold, and humidity on the ceilings are absolutely necessary to tackle before selling your home. Now, redoing these areas may not make sense if you are looking to move quickly, since you may not get your money back, but some easy options to make the spaces more appealing are available.

“Tile and backsplash is a cheaper alternative to improving these areas” Swan said.

Cleanliness of the area is also a cost effective way to keep these rooms in your home up to date and appealing to buyers. Replacing hardware, painting cabinets, and updating lighting are also options to consider before selling your home.

Repairs & Maintenance

Beyond visible upgrades, agents emphasize the importance of managing repairs and the overall condition of your home. Minor concerns like leaking faucets, cracked tiles, or even dirty carpets might stir buyers away from your home. Deep cleaning your home is especially important.

“People have an easier time envisioning themselves in the space if it’s clean” Soles said.

Professional cleaning can transform a room in your home, ultimately increasing the likelihood of someone purchasing it. Many agents also suggest depersonalizing spaces in your home before selling, such as collectables, photo walls, or excessive decor.

“Over-clutter can be overwhelming for buyers” Swan said.

Overall, the most important changes to consider making to your home when selling are those that improve beauty, functionality, and buyer satisfaction. Most agents agree that sellers should prioritize practical, generally appealing upgrades in their home. However, consulting with one of your agents here at The Selling Team with Keller Williams Realty can answer any questions or concerns you may have in your selling process.

Written by Jada Mohon
The Selling Team with Keller Williams Realty