Getting ready to move out of your home? Don’t start remodeling the kitchen just yet. Extreme measures aren’t always necessary to improve your home’s value, and sometimes the simplest changes can go a long way. Getting the highest return on investment (ROI) in the least amount of time is doable, whether you choose to do-it-yourself (DIY) or hire a professional. Here are some tips.

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Valuable Improvements to Make Before Selling

There are many affordable home improvements, but it’s also possible to over-improve a home. Before listing your property, focus on improvements that will bring your property equal to or just above comparable area homes. 

Below are some high-value and affordable home improvements to make before selling.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

Your curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of your home’s exterior. Your landscaping, windows, and exterior paint color are all factors. This is prospective buyers’ first impression of your property, and it can make or break a sale.

Dirty or damaged windows can significantly detract from a home’s curb appeal. They can also make buyers hesitant to put in an offer if they foresee needing window replacements. Investing in high-quality windows helps entice buyers due to their improved insulation and visual appeal.  

Another valuable home improvement project is a new coat of paint—especially if the exterior looks dull, chipped, or damaged. Think about your home’s style and drive around local neighborhoods for inspiration. Consider painting or replacing the front door, as it can substantially impact a buyer’s decision to purchase a home.  

Cleaning up the lawn with minimal landscaping is another quick, affordable home improvement project that can quickly boost curb appeal.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A new coat of paint can give your home a fresh, clean look. According to a Zillow survey, 40% of recent sellers painted their home’s interior before selling, and nearly 30% said it helped their home sell.

Stick to neutral colors—gray, beige, or greige walls with white trim—to give potential buyers a blank canvas so they can better envision their future home. Wall colors that are too bright or bold can turn off buyers who don’t have the time or money to paint the walls themselves.

Improve the Flooring

New flooring is another popular home improvement project before selling, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. The National Association of Realtors 2022 Remodeling Impact Report found that the highest percentage of cost recovered was from refinishing hardwood floors at 147% and new wood flooring at 118%.

There are more affordable options than wood flooring, such as wall-to-wall carpeting. If this isn’t in the budget, try a professional cleaning service to remove stains and odors.

Focus on the Small Details

Little details can go a long way. The changes you may see as insignificant have the power to improve your home’s overall appearance and style. This can be as simple as updating old outlets, faucets, cabinet knobs, and doorknobs. 

Another detail that buyers are hyper-aware of is cleanliness. While it doesn’t affect value, an unkempt home can be viewed as poorly maintained, even if the house itself is in good condition. Give every room a deep clean and put away any clutter. Organize closets and cabinets and fix any visible damage to walls, floors, and fixtures.

Update the Bathroom

You don’t need to renovate your outdated bathroom completely, but some simple updates can make a huge difference. Replacing old fixtures, such as faucets, showerheads, and toilets, with modern ones can give the bathroom a fresh look while improving its function. A new mirror can enhance natural lighting and make a small bathroom feel more spacious.

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Why Make Improvements Before Selling?

Making improvements allows you to put your best foot forward before listing your home for sale. This is especially useful in a competitive market when buyers have the pick of the litter. 

Ideally, you make affordable home improvements that increase your property value while attracting a bigger pool of prospective buyers. However, not all renovations will raise your home’s value enough for a significant return on investment.

Increase Return on the Investment

To increase your ROI when making home improvements, focus on high-impact, low-cost upgrades that will impact your home’s value most while still appealing to potential buyers. Even small cosmetic updates, such as new kitchen hardware or a coat of paint, can make a big difference.

You can compare the costs of improvements against the home’s market value once repairs are completed. This is known as ARV, or after repair value, and it’s the sum of the home’s current value plus the value of repairs. Keep in mind that the cost of repairs doesn’t necessarily equal the same value to buyers.

Research the Homes for Sale in Your Area

Researching recently sold nearby homes can help you determine where your home stands compared to the competition. 

A comparative market analysis (CMA) evaluates similar properties in the area that have recently sold or are currently for sale to estimate a home’s fair market value. A CMA report includes various factors, such as house age, location, size, and condition plus features of comparable properties in the same area. It also contains other relevant information, such as the sale prices of comparable properties and how many days they sat on the market.

Use the CMA report to look for comparable homes that have undergone improvements similar to what you’re interested in. Note key details, such as the number of days on market, the listing and sale price, and whether these improvements were worth the investment. For example, if your home is priced above the list price of pending sales, it could be on the market for a longer period of time.

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DIY vs. Professional

There are advantages and disadvantages to completing do-it-yourself (DIY) home renovations instead of hiring a professional. The best choice depends on your skill level, project complexity, and budget.

Pros of DIY Home Renovation

• Lower cost: DIY projects are typically cheaper because you avoid paying labor costs. It also allows you to shop around for deals and find the best prices on tools and materials.
• Ability to learn new skills: DIY projects give you the chance to learn and improve upon new skills.
• Flexibility: Being in complete control lets you set your own schedule and customize the project to your preferences. 

Cons of DIY Home Renovation

• Room for error: Inexperienced DIYers can easily make mistakes. This could end up costing you more than if you had hired a pro.
• Physical demand: You may not be able to physically complete the job and could risk injury.
• Going over budget: Estimating your project cost without home renovation experience can be challenging. 

Pros of Hiring a Professional

• Higher-quality work: A contractor has the skills and experience to complete a project at a professional level.
• Faster project completion: Professionals are more efficient and can save you time, especially if you’re working full-time and would have to DIY at night. 
• Specialized tools and equipment: Contractors have access to the appropriate tools and equipment needed to get the job done, some of which can be expensive and hard to use.

Cons of Hiring a Professional

• Higher cost: Labor costs for home improvement projects drive up the overall cost significantly.
• Scheduling conflicts: Contractors typically work on several projects at once. This can lead to scheduling conflicts or project delays.
• You may not like the project outcome: You have less control over the project when using a professional. This can lead to disagreements about the finished work.

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