Which Remodels Offer the Best Return When Selling a Home?

By Fernando Reza

Our 72-hour program is designed to put you in control. You'll have the freedom to choose your sale date, closing date, and even have the option to stay in your home for a while after closing. Our flexible approach caters to your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and control throughout the entire process.

How do I get the most bang for my buck when it comes to home improvements? Spring is a time when flowers bloom and home sales peak, but it’s also a time when we can shake the dust off of our home improvement projects. It’s a time when you’ll find homeowners out renovating their gardens and inside painting their walls to refresh their homes for the new season. But, for those who are interested in selling this spring, what kind of home improvement projects will net them the biggest return on their investment? It’s a crucial consideration, as not all improvements will significantly enhance your home’s value. Today, I’ll go over what projects to avoid, what repairs to make, and how to select a good contractor to do the work.

1. Avoid these upgrades. While upgrading is a great way to build on your home’s existing value, there are plenty of upgrades that aren’t worth your time or trouble. Upgrading your kitchen to top-of-the-line or professional grade, or making lavish landscaping changes aren’t very cost-effective. You also want to avoid partial upgrades at any cost. While finished projects may net you at least something in return, a half-done project might actually hurt your final sales price. When you embark on a project, make sure to see it through to completion. Don’t rip out the cabinets in your kitchen, tear up the tile in your bathroom, or pull up the carpet in the living room unless you plan to finish the job.

2. Upgrades to do instead. Adding to your home’s value, however, isn’t impossible. You’ve just got to pick the right projects to pursue. Consider replacing your garage door with something newer and fresher. While you’re at it, manufactured stone veneer is a great touch to the exterior of the home. Improvements that catch the eye and make a good first impression are almost always worth looking into. While you don’t want to go too in-depth, making sure that the landscaping is clean and nice is a great first step. Inside, look for mid-range remodels to the kitchen and touch ups like fresh carpeting and paint. Don’t break the bank, but make sure things are up-to-date and functional.

When we meet with clients, we normally look at the front of the property and everything from side to side, trying to imagine how a potential buyer may see it. During a listing appointment, we also inspect each room, wall by wall, top to bottom. We want to clean anything that has been scratched or scuffed. Remember that when a buyer walks in and notices anything small, their mind begins to look for other small things. So, if we can avoid these small distractions, the better.

3. Find the right contractor. One of the most critical considerations for any home improvement project is the contractor that you choose to perform the work. The right contractor will help you control costs, suggest high-quality additions that fit your budget, and get the details right the first time. In order to find this gem of a contractor, start by asking around to your friends, family, and even things like a neighborhood Facebook group. In my case, my go-to contractor was recommended by my brother-in-law, and we’ve been working together for the past 12 to 15 years.

Generate a list of the top candidates and interview each of them to find the best fit. Don’t just review their proposals, however. You also want to ask for examples of their finished work and any licenses or certifications that they possess.

These improvements not only make your home more attractive to potential buyers but also have a track record of providing a solid return on investment. As you consider preparing your home for sale, think about the impact of each improvement on your home’s appeal and value. Remember, strategic investments in your home can make a significant difference in its sale price.

Ready to take the next step in maximizing your home’s value? As with anything related to real estate, the answers could change based on your location and comparable sales. We’re here to help. We’ve been doing this for a long time and understand what works and doesn’t. We can assist you in preparing your home to maximize your return on investment. Making minor repairs can sometimes result in a large return on investment.

Contact me by phone at (626) 388-5518 or email me for more personalized suggestions and any questions you might have. Let’s work together to get the best possible price for your home!