Renovating your home doesn’t always mean getting a huge return when you sell. But certain improvements can help boost buyer interest and resale value.
If you’re thinking about selling soon—whether it’s in a few months or a few years—it’s smart to focus on updates that add real value. While few upgrades will give you back 100% of their cost, a handful of smart, high-quality improvements can make a big difference.
Upgrades Before Selling Matter
According to research from Zillow and The Harris Poll, 65% of sellers who sold in the past two years made at least two home improvements before listing. Plus, nearly one-third of sellers believe they could have sold for more if they had tackled additional repairs or updates before putting their home on the market.
Not all projects are created equal, though. Below are the top home improvements that deliver the biggest returns, along with affordable projects that can still make a big impact.
Top Home Improvements for A better Return!
If you’re planning a major home project, converting your heating and air system to an electric heat pump could be worth the investment. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, this upgrade costs $17,447 but adds $18,366 in resale value—a 103.5% return
See the link below for the full report:
Here are 10 other improvements that bring strong returns
1. Garage Door Replacement
Cost: $4,302
Resale Value: $4,418
ROI: 102.7%
2. Manufactured Stone Veneer
Cost: $10,925
Resale Value: $11,177
ROI: 102.3%
3. Steel Entry Door Replacement
Cost: $2,214
Resale Value: $2,235
ROI: 100.9%
4. Vinyl Siding Replacement
Cost: $16,348
Resale Value: $15,485
ROI: 94.7%
5. Fiber-Cement Siding Replacement
Cost: $19,361
Resale Value: $17,129
ROI: 88.5%
6. Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange)
Cost: $26,790
Resale Value: $22,963
ROI: 85.7%
7. Vinyl Window Replacement
Cost: $20,091
Resale Value: $13,766
ROI: 68.5%
8. Midrange Bathroom Remodel
Cost: $24,606
Resale Value: $16,413
ROI: 66.7%
9. Wood Window Replacement
Cost: $24,376
Resale Value: $14,912
ROI: 61.2%
10. Roof Replacement (Asphalt Shingles)
Cost: $29,136
Resale Value: $17,807
ROI: 61.1%
Low-Cost Home Improvements That Help Sell Faster
Big upgrades aren’t always necessary! Small improvements can make a huge difference in attracting buyers—and even boosting your sale price.
“A well-maintained home is one of the best ways for homeowners to attract buyers,” says David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack. Research shows well-maintained homes sell for about 10% more than similar homes in average condition.
1. Fresh Interior Paint
Most homes show signs of wear—scuffs, nail holes, or fading paint. A fresh coat makes a big difference in listing photos and in-person tours. In a Zillow survey, 40% of sellers painted their home’s interior before selling, and 30% said it helped them sell faster.
Go for neutral tones like gray, beige, or white for broad appeal.
Terra-cotta brown bathrooms could add $1,624 to the sale price.
Pewter gray kitchens might bring in $2,553 more, while deep graphite kitchens could add $2,512.
2. Boost Curb Appeal
First impressions matter—especially when buyers see your home online or in person.
Paint your front door: Black doors get top dollar, while rosy brown ones could add $300.
Refresh landscaping: Trim bushes, add mulch, and seal cracks in driveways or walkways.
Update exterior paint: About 1 in 4 sellers repaint their home’s exterior before listing.
3. Install Smart Home Tech
Zillow’s 2023 report found 42% of buyers consider smart home tech a must-have.
Smart thermostats and LED lighting improve efficiency—homes with LED lights sell for 1.9% more.
Touchless toilets could add 0.7% to a home’s value.
4. Upgrade Lighting
Good lighting makes a home feel bigger and more inviting.
Swap old fixtures: 27% of sellers updated lighting before selling.
Install LED bulbs: Homes with LED lighting sold for 1.5% more.
Use mirrors: They reflect light and make spaces feel brighter.
5. Bathroom Refreshes
No need for a full remodel! Simple bathroom updates go a long way.
Replace outdated vanity lights for a modern look.
Recaulk or reglaze tubs to freshen up worn finishes.
Skip spa features: Trendy upgrades like rain shower heads didn’t bring higher sale prices in 2023.
6. Flooring Fixes
Well-maintained floors improve home value and buyer interest.
Deep clean floors: 35% of sellers did this before listing.
Refinish hardwoods: Buff scratches or stains to restore beauty.
Consider heated floors: Homes with radiant heating sell for 2.1% more.
Home Renovations That May NOT Add Value
Not all upgrades bring strong returns—here are projects to skip if you’re renovating with resale in mind:
Swimming pools: Some buyers love them, but others see them as expensive and high-maintenance.
Luxury appliances and materials: High-end upgrades might not bring enough value in mid-range markets.
Costly landscaping: Fancy landscaping can feel like a hassle to buyers.
Basic Repairs That Make a Big Impact
Before tackling big upgrades, fix small issues that could raise red flags for buyers.
Replace broken HVAC systems or appliances.
Repaint peeling walls or remove outdated wallpaper.
Take care of overgrown landscaping and weeds.
Fix plumbing leaks and cracked tiles.