In a slow market, smart renovations can move stubborn listings. Sellers often face the dilemma of whether to list a property in its current condition or invest in updates before putting it on the market. A renovation strategy focused on return on investment rather than personal preference can make the difference between a home that sits for months and one that sells quickly.
Bosley Real Estate sales representative Karen Doering recently listed a home in a challenging market where comparable properties were sitting unsold. She says the key was addressing the problems buyers would see immediately. People need to walk in and believe the house is ready to go, Doering explains. The plan focused on visible blemishes and making the home feel move-in ready.
Updates included new kitchen hardware, new countertops, and updated lighting. The property also received professional staging and a targeted marketing strategy. The home sold within days while competing listings remained on the market. Doering estimates the improvements contributed about $45,000 to the sale price.
According to Edward Wang, a broker with The W Group Real Estate, the two rooms that typically deserve the most attention are the kitchen and bathroom. He suggests that changing handles and pulls has a big impact on the overall look of a space without doing a full renovation. Doering would add another often-overlooked area: storage. Mudrooms, closets, and pantries can significantly influence buyer perception of functionality.
Related: Reporters or adventurers—why choose
Wang recommends newly purchased homeowners prioritize three areas to maximize future resale: painting, flooring, and the kitchen. Painting is the easiest way to update the look of a space. Flooring should be addressed early, especially before move-in, to create a more cohesive look. However, when it comes to the kitchen, Wang advises living in the home before committing to major changes. Understanding how the space functions can prevent costly missteps.
Not every renovation delivers the same return. Some upgrades can actually narrow a property’s appeal. In-ground pools are often polarizing. Mehrdad Amini, owner and general contractor of Amini Construction, notes that pools are 50-50. Buyers either love them or they do not. Wang does not typically see a significant price difference based solely on whether there is a pool, estimating the impact at almost zero.
Doering cautions against over-renovation, where finishes exceed what is typical for the home or neighborhood. In the current marketplace, competition is increasingly based on value determined by comparable sales. High-end renovations might not reflect the price realized. In some cases, over-customization leads to what Amini calls reverse renovations — converting highly specialized spaces,
