Ask a Realtor: What Home Improvements Should I Bother Making Before Selling My House?

As a homeowner preparing to sell your house, you might be wondering which home improvements are worth your time and money. After all, you want to attract potential buyers and maximize your home's value. To help you make informed decisions, we've asked a realtor for their expert advice on the most valuable home improvements to consider before putting your house on the market.

1. Curb appeal: First impressions matter, and your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see. Upgrading your home's curb appeal can significantly increase its value and attract more buyers. Some low-cost, high-impact improvements include:
* Painting your front door: A fresh coat of paint on your front door can make a big difference. According to Zillow's 2023 Paint Color Analysis, buyers prefer black front doors to those painted gray, and would offer $300 more for a home with a mid-tone rosy brown front door.
* Landscaping: Upgrading your home's landscaping can draw in potential buyers and is a DIY-friendly upgrade that can save you money. A minimal landscaping upgrade, such as spreading 3 cubic yards of fresh mulch, has an average ROI of 536% with nearly $1,500 value added.
* Painting your home's exterior: Giving your home's exterior a fresh coat of paint can make it look newer, cleaner, and more inviting to potential buyers. Consider using neutral tones to appeal to a broader range of buyers.
2. Interior improvements: Making your home's interior more appealing to buyers can help it sell faster and for a higher price. Some cost-effective interior improvements include:
* Decluttering: Get rid of excess stuff and personal items to help buyers visualize themselves living in the property. According to a survey by Zillow and The Harris Poll, 40% of recent sellers paint their home's interior before selling, and nearly 30% said that this project helped their home sell.
* Fresh paint: Painting your home's interior with a fresh coat of neutral paint can make it feel newer, cleaner, and more inviting to potential buyers. According to Zillow's 2023 Paint Color Analysis, homes with a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones can sell for a premium. For example, a terra-cotta brown bathroom could help a home sell for a $1,624 premium, while a mid-tone pewter gray kitchen could fetch a premium of $2,553.
* Upgrading kitchen counter tops: Upgrading your kitchen counter tops can add serious value to your home. While this improvement can be expensive, it can significantly increase your home's value and appeal to buyers.
3. Energy-efficient upgrades: Making your home more energy-efficient can not only save you money on utility bills but also increase its value and appeal to buyers. Some energy-efficient upgrades to consider include:
* Replacing old windows: Installing new vinyl windows can improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce noise, and enhance its overall appearance. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your home's windows with new vinyl windows has an estimated ROI of 67.1%.
* Upgrading your HVAC system: Converting your heating and air conditioning system from fossil fuel to an electric heat pump can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency and add value. According to Remodeling Magazine's 2023 Cost vs. Value Report, an HVAC conversion costs an average of $17,447, but has a resale value of $18,366 – a 103.5% return on investment.

By focusing on these cost-effective home improvements, you can increase your home's value and attract more potential buyers. Keep in mind that the specific improvements that add the most value may vary depending on your home's location, market conditions, and the preferences of local buyers. Consult with a realtor in your area to get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.