Improving Your Home Before Listing

Many buyers are looking for “move-in ready” properties. If there are any projects on your list that you haven’t gotten around to, tackling them before listing may help your home show better.

While we cannot give a firm dollar amount per improvement (and money in does not always guarantee money out!), we can confidently say that renovations in the kitchen and bathrooms are the most important to buyers.

Here’s a shortlist of some ways to add value to your home:

Kitchen Improvements

• Upgrading countertops – quartz is a favorite as it is affordable & resilient!
• Installing new appliances – for more affordable but still reputable, we like Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and GE
• Backsplash – subway tile is always in style
• New cabinets or painted cabinets
• Swapping out cabinet hardware

Bathroom Improvements

• Upgrading the vanity or mirror
• Adding tilework
• Adding heated bathroom floors
• Installing a glass shower door
• Swapping out fixtures

Other Upgrades

• Adding modern light fixtures
• Replacing older carpet
• Refinishing or replacing hardwood floor
• Adding neutral paint
• Installing a Nest thermostat
• Sealing your deck
• Adding fresh landscaping

HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide is a great resource if you want to know how much a typical project might cost. It provides a price range based on location. 

If you’re considering a big renovation, feel free to reach out to your agent for their opinion! They can look at comps in the area to help you decide what projects are worth doing.

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