The 5 Best (and Worst) Home Improvements to Make Before Selling — Plus High-ROI Upgrades That Only Cost Elbow Grease
When preparing to sell your home, making the right improvements can mean the difference between a quick, profitable sale and a long, drawn-out process with underwhelming offers. But not all home updates are created equal — in fact, some can actually hurt your return on investment (ROI).
According to leading industry data from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Wall Street Journal, and the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), here’s a breakdown of the best, worst, and most cost-effective home improvements you can make before selling your home.
Top 5 Home Improvements That Deliver the Best ROI
1. Landscaping & Curb Appeal Upgrades
Estimated ROI: Up to 100%+
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Curb appeal is one of the most underrated — yet impactful — ways to attract buyers quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors, simple landscaping upgrades (fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, flowering plants, and manicured lawns) can yield a full return or more.
Pro tip: Add solar path lights, power wash walkways, paint the front door a bold (but classic) color – home stagers recommend black, red, or yellow. These low-cost upgrades add major visual appeal.
2. Minor Kitchen Remodel
Estimated ROI: 70–80%
You don’t need a full-blown kitchen overhaul. In fact, smaller kitchen updates tend to yield higher ROI than luxury-level remodels. Think: freshly painted cabinets, new cabinet hardware, updated light fixtures, a new faucet, and modern, energy-efficient appliances.
According to NARI’s 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, a minor kitchen refresh is one of the most impactful updates you can make when selling.
3. Bathroom Refresh
Estimated ROI: 60–70%
Just like kitchens, bathrooms sell homes. And just like kitchens, you don’t need to gut them to add value. Swapping outdated lighting, installing a modern mirror, reglazing a tub, or replacing an old vanity can dramatically improve a bathroom’s appeal.
Even small touches — like a fresh shower curtain, neutral towels, and updated fixtures — help buyers imagine a clean, modern space they can move right into.
4. New Energy-Efficient Windows
Estimated ROI: 60–70%
Replacing old, leaky windows with double-pane, energy-efficient models isn’t just attractive — it’s practical. Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-saving features that lower utility bills. Bonus: New windows instantly improve the home’s exterior appearance.
5. Garage Door & Entry Door Replacement
Estimated ROI: 80–100%
I am always surprised about this statistic. A modern garage door upgrade and a steel front door replacement are consistently at the top of ROI reports year after year. These updates boost both security and curb appeal — two things buyers value highly. Who knew a garage door could make such a difference?
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, replacing a basic garage door with an upgraded model can recoup more than 100% of its cost upon resale.
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The 5 Worst Home Improvements (When ROI Matters)
If your goal is to make smart updates before selling, avoid these low-ROI projects — unless you’re doing them for personal enjoyment and staying long-term.
1. Installing a Swimming Pool
Pools are expensive to install and maintain, and many buyers view them as more hassle than luxury — especially in markets with shorter warm seasons. ROI is typically below 50%.
2. Garage Conversions
Turning a garage into a home gym or extra living space may suit your lifestyle, but most buyers prefer a functional garage for storage and parking.
3. Luxury, Over-Customized Finishes
Ultra-high-end finishes (like imported marble, ornate crown molding, or built-in wine rooms) often don’t add resale value — and may even turn off buyers because it is not to their taste or they may be concerned any other upgrade will have to be of equal value that they feel they don’t have or don’t want to spend.
4. Sunroom Additions
Sunrooms are expensive to build and rarely recoup their cost. They also don’t typically count toward a home’s square footage unless properly insulated and heated.
5. Basement Theaters or Game Rooms
Niche improvements like built-in home theaters or game rooms may appeal to a small audience — but most buyers prioritize functional spaces like extra bedrooms, storage, or office areas.
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High-ROI Upgrades That Only Cost Elbow Grease
Good news: Not every value-boosting project requires a big budget. Some of the best improvements you can make are more about effort than expense.
1. Deep Cleaning (ROI: High)
A spotless home always shows better. Clean every nook and cranny — including baseboards, ceiling fans, windows, and grout. It makes the home feel move-in ready and well-maintained. Ask someone you know who will be honest whether your living areas or basement have any type of smell such as pets, mustiness (could signal mold), dirty laundry or workout shoes that hold odor and if detected, fix it!
2. Paint (ROI: 100%+)
Fresh, neutral paint is one of the highest-ROI updates you can make. Buyers love clean, bright spaces. Go with warm whites, beiges, or yellows, they are on trend, universally appealing and photo-friendly. Soft greys are becoming a little dated.
3. Decluttering & Depersonalizing
NAPO research shows that decluttering can reduce visual overwhelm, help homes sell faster, and even raise perceived value. Remove personal photos, excessive furniture, and knick-knacks to let buyers see the walls and floor space — not your stuff.
4. Lighting Upgrades
Replace dated light fixtures, clean ceiling fans, and make sure every room is well-lit with warm LED bulbs. A bright home feels more inviting and open.
5. Window Treatments
Remove heavy drapes (even if you love them and spent big money on them) and clean blinds to let in natural light. Natural light makes rooms feel bigger and more cheerful — a major selling point.
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Final Thoughts
If you're thinking of selling our home soon, smart updates and elbow grease can go a long way. Focus on improvements that give the biggest ROI:
Curb appeal
Kitchen & bath updates
Decluttering & paint
Energy-efficient upgrades
Strategic cosmetic refreshes
And just a importantly — avoid costly, over-personalized renovations that might not resonate with the average buyer.
Ready to figure out which upgrades make the most sense for your home and market? Let’s chat. I’ll help you prioritize what’s worth your time and money — and what’s not.
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