Which Remodels Offer the Best Return When Selling a Home?

By Danae Aballi

Danae Aballi is a long-time real estate industry veteran. She has worked in various positions in the industry having grown from an independent real estate agent to running a team of 5 top producing agents.

How do I get the most bang for my buck when it comes to home improvements? Spring is a time when flowers bloom and home sales peak, but it’s also a time when we can shake the dust off of our home improvement projects. It’s a time when you’ll find homeowners out renovating their gardens and inside painting their walls to refresh their homes for the new season. But, for those who are interested in selling this spring, what kind of home improvement projects will net them the biggest return on their investment? It’s a crucial consideration, as not all improvements will significantly enhance your home’s value. Today, I’ll go over what projects to avoid, what repairs to make, and how to select a good contractor to do the work.

1. A few upgrades to avoid. While upgrading is a great way to build on your home’s existing value, there are plenty of upgrades that aren’t worth your time or trouble. Upgrading your kitchen to top-of-the-line or professional grade, or making lavish landscaping changes aren’t very cost-effective. You also want to avoid partial upgrades at any cost. While finished projects may net you at least something in return, a half-done project might actually hurt your final sales price. When you embark on a project, make sure to see it through to completion. Don’t rip out the cabinets in your kitchen, tear up the tile in your bathroom, or pull up the carpet in the living room unless you plan to finish the job.

2. Upgrades worth doing. Adding to your home’s value, however, isn’t impossible. You’ve just got to pick the right projects to pursue. Consider replacing your garage door with something newer and fresher. While you’re at it, manufactured stone veneer is a great touch to the exterior of the home. Improvements that catch the eye and make a good first impression are almost always worth looking into. While you don’t want to go too in-depth, making sure that the landscaping is clean and nice is a great first step. Inside, look for mid-range remodels to the kitchen and touchups like fresh carpeting and paint. Don’t break the bank, but make sure things are up-to-date and functional.

3. Make sure you hire the right contractor. Picking the right upgrades doesn’t matter without a good contractor to put them into practice. That’s why I want to mention that I’ve recently partnered with Revive real estate. They’re local here to California, and they’re a little different from your typical contracting company. They coordinate projects, so they hire contractors and designers for you to ensure you get the best help possible. They also have options based on whether you’re doing renovations to sell or to enjoy yourself. If you’re interested, just check out this link to visit their website.

These improvements not only make your home more attractive to potential buyers but also have a track record of providing a solid return on investment. As you consider preparing your home for sale, think about the impact of each improvement on your home’s appeal and value. Remember, strategic investments in your home can make a significant difference in its sale price.

Ready to take the next step in maximizing your home’s value? As with anything related to real estate, the answers could change based on your location and comparable sales. I’m here to help. Contact me by phone or email for more personalized suggestions and any questions you might have. Let’s work together to get the best possible price for your home!