Selling your home soon? A few strategic upgrades can raise your property’s value significantly and help you sell faster, and at a better price. But not all renovations are worth your money.
In this post, we’ll look at practical ways to increase your home’s value, how much they typically cost, and how much return you can expect when it’s time to sell.
1. Boost Curb Appeal (Cost: $500–$3,000 | ROI: Up to 100%)
First impressions matter. Many buyers decide whether they like a house before stepping inside. A tidy, attractive exterior invites interest and creates a sense of care.
✔️ What to Do:
- Power wash siding & driveway: ~$300
- Repaint or replace front door: $200–$1,000
- Add fresh mulch & seasonal flowers: $100–$300
- Upgrade porch lighting or house numbers: $100–$200
- Replace mailbox or fix walkway cracks
💡 Tip: Use contrast white trim, black door, colorful plants = instant charm.
2. Refresh the Kitchen (Cost: $3,000–$15,000 | ROI: 70–80%)
You don’t need a full remodel. Minor updates can impress buyers and signal a move-in-ready home.
✔️ Budget-Friendly Improvements:
- Paint cabinets: $800–$2,500
- New cabinet handles/pulls: $100–$500
- New backsplash (peel-and-stick or tile): $300–$1,000
- Countertop upgrade (laminate → quartz): $2,000–$4,000
- Modern faucet & lighting: $300–$800
📌 Avoid bold colors. Stick with clean neutrals like white, gray, or navy.
3. Improve the Bathrooms (Cost: $1,500–$8,000 | ROI: 60–70%)
Bathrooms are dealmakers or dealbreakers.
✔️ High-Impact Upgrades:
- Replace vanity & mirror: $500–$1,500
- New toilet & modern faucet: $250–$800
- Reglaze or refinish the bathtub: ~$500
- Add LED vanity lights: $100–$300
- Recaulk & deep-clean grout: ~$300
💡 Add fluffy white towels and minimal decor for spa vibes.
4. Repaint Interior Walls (Cost: $2,000–$6,000 | ROI: 100%+)
Fresh paint makes a home feel cleaner, brighter, and well-maintained.
✔️ What Works:
- Light, neutral colors: greige, soft white, light gray
- Accent walls: optional, but stick to calm tones
- Clean white trim for a polished look
📌 DIY? Expect to pay ~$300–$500 for tools and paint.
Professional painting: ~$2–$6 per square foot.
5. Update Lighting (Cost: $500–$2,000 | ROI: Moderate)
Good lighting can make a home feel larger and more welcoming.
✔️ Upgrade Ideas:
- Replace outdated chandeliers & flush-mounts
- Install under-cabinet kitchen lighting
- Use LED bulbs (daylight tone, 2700–3000K)
- Add dimmers in living/dining areas
💡 Natural light is a huge selling point, clean all windows inside & out.
6. Make Small Repairs (Cost: Varies | ROI: High Perception)
Buyers notice deferred maintenance. Fixing the little things helps your home feel move-in ready.
✔️ Repair Checklist:
- Dripping faucets or running toilets
- Cracked tiles or missing grout
- Broken or squeaky cabinet doors
- Window screens or foggy panes
- Carpet stains or minor wall damage
📌 Estimated cost: $500–$2,000 depending on DIY vs. handyman
7. Improve Energy Efficiency (Cost: $300–$3,000 | ROI: Long-Term Value)
Energy-conscious buyers will pay more for a home that saves money.
✔️ Smart Investments:
- Smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee): ~$250
- Attic insulation: $1,500–$2,500
- Seal windows/doors: ~$300
- Replace old HVAC filters and service the system
- Upgrade to Energy Star appliances (if needed)
📌 Bonus: Highlight low utility bills in your listing!
8. Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal (Cost: $0–$3,000 | ROI: Often High)
Staging helps buyers emotionally connect with the home and can speed up the sale.
✔️ How to Stage:
- Declutter & depersonalize (remove 50% of what’s on shelves)
- Rearrange furniture to show off space
- Use matching linens, pillows, and rugs
- Add a few live plants or fresh flowers
- Light subtle-scented candles (lavender, citrus) during showings
📌 DIY staging: Free to $500
Professional staging: $1,500–$3,000 depending on size of home
9. Consider a Pre-Listing Inspection (Cost: ~$400–$600)
While not required, this gives you a heads-up on issues buyers might flag and lets you fix them in advance or price accordingly.
📌 Homes with pre-inspections often see fewer negotiations or surprises later.
What Gives You the Best Return?
| Upgrade | Avg. Cost | ROI Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Interior paint | $2,000–$6,000 | 100%+ |
| Kitchen refresh | $3,000–$15,000 | 70–80% |
| Bathroom update | $1,500–$8,000 | 60–70% |
| Landscaping & curb appeal | $500–$3,000 | 90–100% |
| Lighting & staging | $500–$2,500 | Moderate–High |
| Small repairs | $300–$2,000 | High perception |
Sell Faster, Sell Smarter
Maximizing your home’s value isn’t about major renovations, it’s about targeted, smart improvements that buyers notice and appreciate. Focus on presentation, cleanliness, and move-in readiness.
With a few upgrades, some fresh paint, and thoughtful staging, you can list with confidence and attract serious buyers willing to pay top dollar.
If you also consider buying a house?
- Home Buyer Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home 🏡🚫
- How Are Property Taxes Calculated?
