- Smart updates can help your home look well maintained and more appealing to buyers before you sell.
- The best upgrades are practical ones, like a new garage door, a minor kitchen refresh and necessary repairs.
- Low-cost fixes like paint, landscaping, cleaning and decluttering can also boost appeal.
- Expensive projects like pools, additions and custom upgrades often aren’t worth it before selling.
How to Increase Home Value Before Selling
If you’re a homeowner looking to sell, you probably want to do whatever you can to get the best possible price. So, you may be wondering what renovations could improve the price your home will fetch on the market.
Key Takeaways
Let’s review some home upgrades that actually add value, versus some that don’t make as much sense in a seller’s market — and look at a few practical ways to increase home value before selling.
Quick takeaway: The best home upgrades before selling are often practical ones: needed repairs, fresh paint, a minor kitchen refresh, landscaping, cleaning and decluttering. Expensive projects like pools, additions and custom upgrades often aren’t worth the cost before selling.
What should you consider before making home upgrades?
Before spending money on updates, think about the local market and your home’s condition, timeline and budget. A real estate agent can help you decide which improvements are most likely to matter to buyers in your area.
Prior to taking on a project, consider whether:
- Issues could come up during a home inspection.
- Updates improve curb appeal or first impressions.
- Buyers in your market expect those features or finishes.
- A lower-cost repair or refresh could solve the problem.
- You’ll have enough time to finish the projects before listing.
If your home looks clean, cared for and move-in ready, buyers may feel more confident making an offer. But if you take on expensive projects right before listing, you may not recover the full cost when you sell.
Which home upgrades are worth pursuing before selling?
Here’s a hint: You don’t need to fully remodel your home before buyers knock at your door. But, if you’d like to make a few home upgrades that garner attention and help you attract the best offer, here are a few that usually offer a solid return on investment and can raise the value of your home without taking on a full renovation.
| Upgrade | Why buyers may notice it | Why it may help before selling |
|---|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | Improves curb appeal right away | Helps the home look cared for from the street |
| Minor kitchen remodel | Updates one of the most-used spaces in the home | Can refresh the look without the cost of a full remodel |
| Repairs to major systems | Addresses problems buyers may spot during inspection | May reduce the chance of a deal slowing down over necessary repairs |
Garage door replacement: A new garage door can give your home a major facelift and influence your home’s selling price. According to The Journal of Light Construction, a new garage door can offer a cost replacement of 268%, which means you’ll get more for your money when you sell.³ In addition, take some time to evaluate your home’s curb appeal. A visually appealing home is more likely to sell fast — and at a competitive price.
Minor kitchen remodel: Good news for your wallet, you don’t need a full kitchen remodel to sell your home, especially in today’s market. Instead, opt for a minor kitchen remodel. Paint your kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Add a modern backsplash or upgrade appliances. Simple updates can result in up to 113% return on investment, according to The Journal of Light Construction.3
Fixing known issues (like plumbing, electrical and heating problems): If you have any known, “big” issues that you need to disclose or will be flagged on a home inspection, now is the time for repairs. As a word of caution, you may need to spend extra money hiring a professional plumber, electrician or HVAC technician, depending on the problem. For many sellers, resolving known problems before listing can help reduce surprises, delays or negotiations later.
Easy upgrades to sell your home
If you don’t have the cash to pay for a remodeling job, don’t panic. Talk to your real estate agent about what your most strategic options are. In many cases, it may make sense to spend your time and money on do-it-yourself, low-cost upgrades that can help attract the right buyer’s attention. For example, here are a few places to focus your energy:
Fresh paint: A fresh coat of paint on the walls, ceiling and even the front door can make a home look cleaner and more current. If you’re preparing to sell, ask your real estate agent whether repainting high-traffic areas in a neutral color could help your home show better. Neutral colors may make it easier for buyers to picture their own furnishings and décor in the space.
Landscaping: You don’t need to do major landscaping work. Instead, keep your lawn neatly mowed and free from debris, like sticks and leaves. You can even add final touches like a hanging flower basket and a new welcome mat.
Curb appeal can matter before buyers ever walk inside. In one industry report, 92% of real estate professionals said they have suggested sellers improve curb appeal before listing, and 97% said curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer.
Cleaning and decluttering: Roll up your sleeves, grab a pair of gloves and do a thorough cleaning of your home. Spend time cleaning windows, carpets, lighting features, walls, floors and other high-touch or highly visible areas. Finally, put away or donate extra clutter to make your home feel open and spacious. These steps can help the home feel cleaner, brighter and easier for potential buyers to picture themselves living in.⁶
Quick tip: If you’re deciding how to increase home value before selling, start with visible, practical updates first – cleaning, paint, curb appeal and needed repairs. Buyers often notice condition and upkeep before they notice luxury upgrades.
Also planning for the next place you’ll buy? These guides on the hidden costs of home ownership and a new homeowner survival guide can help you think beyond the sale price.
What home upgrades should you skip before selling?
While remodeling your home can be exciting, some major upgrades might not pay off for you in the end. Before taking on an expensive project, consider whether buyers in your market will value it enough to justify the cost.
You may want to think twice about these home investments before listing:
In-ground pool: Although pools can be a great addition to a property, many buyers see them as something that will take a lot of time and money to maintain. When it’s time to sell your property, you may get as little as 56% back on what you spent to install the pool, according to The National Association of Realtors®.
New wood floors: Why install new floors when you can clean and potentially refinish your current ones for less? Plus, most new homeowners want to put their own design stamp down and install their preferred floors or carpeting.
Built-in and custom upgrades: Upgrades that are unique and custom don’t necessarily sell a home. Highly specific features may not appeal to a wide range of buyers and could be difficult for the next homeowner to modify or repair.
A new driveway: A new driveway installation can cost thousands of dollars, but you can reseal and protect your driveway for much less. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, avoid installing a new driveway before selling your home.7
Review your insurance before and after selling
Selling your home is a major financial decision. Before listing, make sure your current homeowners policy still reflects the property and any major updates you’ve made. If you’re buying another home, you’ll also need to think about the right coverage for the next property.
A home sale can also be a reason to review your broader financial protection, including life insurance. A different mortgage, new debt or another major life change may affect how much coverage you want in place.
Quick references: Learn more about life insurance when buying a home, how much home insurance you may need and Amica’s home insurance options as your housing needs change.
Get a home insurance quote today
FAQs about home improvement that increases property value
Typically, practical improvements that help buyers feel confident about the home’s condition. Needed repairs, fresh paint, curb appeal updates, cleaning, decluttering and a minor kitchen refresh may help your home stand out.
Even when buyer demand is high, major projects like additions, pools, custom upgrades or unnecessary new flooring may not deliver enough value before listing.
It can add value, especially if it gives buyers useful space for storage, recreation or work. But before selling, it may make more sense to focus on cleaning, lighting and fixing moisture issues than on a major basement renovation.
It can, but a full remodel isn’t always necessary. In many cases, smaller updates like fresh paint, updated fixtures, better lighting and a deep clean may help the space feel more current without the cost of a full renovation.
Hardwood floors may appeal to buyers, but installing brand-new floors right before listing may not deliver the best return. If your home already has hardwood flooring, cleaning or refinishing it may be a more practical move.
Hardscaping can improve outdoor appeal, but expensive projects may not always be the best pre-sale investment. Simple curb appeal updates like tidying walkways, trimming landscaping and making outdoor spaces look well maintained may be more helpful in a seller’s market.
Handle visible repairs, repaint in neutral colors, improve curb appeal, declutter and clean thoroughly. If you’re unsure where to start, focus on updates buyers will notice right away.
2025 Cost vs Value Report, The Journal of Light Construction, 2026.
Consumer Guide: Staging Your House for a Sale, National Association of Realtors®, 2026.
Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, National Association of REALTORS® Research Group, 2023.
Consumer Guide: Preparing to Sell Your Home, National Association of Realtors®, 2026.
Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, National Association of Realtors®, 2026.
Renovations to Make — and Skip — Before Selling Your Home, GOBankingRates, 2021.
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