Simple upgrades that boost home value and attract buyers
When it comes to selling your home or increasing its market value, not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades can eat away at your budget without offering much in return, while others deliver serious bang for your buck. Whether you’re preparing to list or just want to make smart improvements, here are five renovations that consistently offer the best return on investment (ROI).
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
You don’t need a full kitchen overhaul to impress buyers. In fact, minor kitchen upgrades—like replacing cabinet fronts, updating hardware, installing a new backsplash, and swapping out old appliances—often generate a better return than major renovations. A modern, functional kitchen is a top priority for most buyers and can increase the perceived value of your home.
Pro Tip: Stick to a neutral color palette and energy-efficient appliances for broad appeal.
Estimated ROI: 60–70%
Like kitchens, bathrooms are a big deal for buyers. Updating the vanity, lighting, fixtures, and tile can go a long way. A clean, modern bathroom signals that the home is well-maintained.
Focus on: Bright lighting, a new mirror, water-saving fixtures, and fresh caulking or grout to give the space a clean finish.
Estimated ROI: 75–100%
First impressions matter. Small exterior upgrades like new siding, a fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, or landscaping improvements can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
In particular: Replacing the garage door and front door ranks among the top ROI projects year after year.
Estimated ROI: 100%+
It’s not glamorous, but adding insulation—especially in older homes—offers one of the highest returns on investment. It improves energy efficiency, lowers heating and cooling costs, and is a big win for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Bonus: Some energy-efficiency upgrades may qualify for rebates or tax credits, adding even more value.
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
Flooring makes a huge impact on how a home looks and feels. Replacing outdated carpet or worn linoleum with hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl plank can give your home a clean, cohesive look that buyers love.
Keep it simple: Choose durable, low-maintenance flooring in neutral tones that can suit a wide range of interior styles.
Not every renovation needs to break the bank. Strategic upgrades that focus on functionality, appearance, and efficiency often deliver the best returns—especially when paired with expert staging and marketing. If you’re thinking about renovating before selling, I’d be happy to walk you through which improvements make the most sense for your specific home and market.
Thinking about selling? Let’s talk before you renovate—so your dollars work as hard as they can.
When it comes to selling your home or increasing its market value, not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades can eat away at your budget without offering much in return, while others deliver serious bang for your buck. Whether you’re preparing to list or just want to make smart improvements, here are five renovations that consistently offer the best return on investment (ROI).
1. Minor Kitchen Remodel
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
You don’t need a full kitchen overhaul to impress buyers. In fact, minor kitchen upgrades—like replacing cabinet fronts, updating hardware, installing a new backsplash, and swapping out old appliances—often generate a better return than major renovations. A modern, functional kitchen is a top priority for most buyers and can increase the perceived value of your home.
Pro Tip: Stick to a neutral color palette and energy-efficient appliances for broad appeal.
2. Bathroom Refresh
Estimated ROI: 60–70%
Like kitchens, bathrooms are a big deal for buyers. Updating the vanity, lighting, fixtures, and tile can go a long way. A clean, modern bathroom signals that the home is well-maintained.
Focus on: Bright lighting, a new mirror, water-saving fixtures, and fresh caulking or grout to give the space a clean finish.
3. Curb Appeal Improvements
Estimated ROI: 75–100%
First impressions matter. Small exterior upgrades like new siding, a fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, or landscaping improvements can dramatically increase your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
In particular: Replacing the garage door and front door ranks among the top ROI projects year after year.
4. Adding Attic or Basement Insulation
Estimated ROI: 100%+
It’s not glamorous, but adding insulation—especially in older homes—offers one of the highest returns on investment. It improves energy efficiency, lowers heating and cooling costs, and is a big win for environmentally-conscious buyers.
Bonus: Some energy-efficiency upgrades may qualify for rebates or tax credits, adding even more value.
5. New Flooring
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
Flooring makes a huge impact on how a home looks and feels. Replacing outdated carpet or worn linoleum with hardwood, laminate, or luxury vinyl plank can give your home a clean, cohesive look that buyers love.
Keep it simple: Choose durable, low-maintenance flooring in neutral tones that can suit a wide range of interior styles.
Final Thoughts
Not every renovation needs to break the bank. Strategic upgrades that focus on functionality, appearance, and efficiency often deliver the best returns—especially when paired with expert staging and marketing. If you’re thinking about renovating before selling, I’d be happy to walk you through which improvements make the most sense for your specific home and market.
Thinking about selling? Let’s talk before you renovate—so your dollars work as hard as they can.