May 2025

7 improvements to help your house sell faster

You're planning to sell your home, but after decluttering and cleaning, you may wonder whether you should renovate before selling. If your goal is to sell your home quickly at the best price you can get, strategic home updates could make a difference. But while some home updates can make your home more saleable, others may not be worth the expense. Here are some tips to help you get the most for your money.

Before you get started

Three things to consider before a renovation are time, cost and return on investment.

  • When do you need to move? If you have a deadline for moving, you may want to avoid extensive renovations that take a lot of time.
  • How will you pay for updates? Do you have savings available or will you need to borrow money? Keep in mind that if you borrow, any interest you pay will add to the total cost of the renovation.
  • Will any increase in the sale price be worth the cost? If you want to maximize your profit, choose updates with a good return on investment (ROI).

Strategic updates that can lead to faster home sales

Try some of these options to make your home more attractive to buyers.

Fix major problems.

Most buyers want a move-in-ready home, so if your roof, HVAC, plumbing or other key systems need repairs, fixing them should be first on your list. You may even want to have your home inspected by a qualified inspector to see if there are hidden problems.

Maximize curb appeal.

When your home is beautiful outside, it will help get potential buyers inside. Some simple and relatively inexpensive steps can help your home shine. Start by cleaning up the yard. Mowing, weeding and adding fresh mulch can make a big difference in how your home looks from the street. If you can afford it, consider going a little further — replace your front door (188% ROI) or your garage door (194% ROI).Footnote1

Paint rooms a neutral shade

A fresh coat of paint brightens a room and covers years of wear and tear. Be sure to stick to neutral colors like gray, white, charcoal or light blue so potential buyers aren't distracted by bolder colors that may not be to their taste.

Freshen up the bathroom

Even if you don't have time for a major remodel, make sure your bathroom won't embarrass you. Recaulking the tub, replacing worn fixtures and adding fresh paint can give you a clean, fresh look for a modest investment.

Update the kitchen.

A major kitchen renovation is expensive, and the cost is not usually worth any increase in the home's sale price. But some minor changes can make a drab kitchen more inviting and encourage buyers. Consider painting walls, refacing cabinets, replacing countertops or adding a backsplash.

Improve energy efficiency

Adding insulation and updating appliances can make your home more energy efficient without spending a lot. If you do update, make sure buyers know by providing copies of utility bills or leaving the Energy Star certifications on new appliances.

Refinish or replace flooring

If you have hardwood floors, refinishing them can make the whole home shine. If you don't have hardwood, consider replacing worn carpet or other flooring with something new like one of the many varieties of vinyl plank flooring.

A few final tips

Be sure to consult with a real estate agent before you get started. A good agent will know what buyers are looking for and help you decide which renovations will benefit you the most. They can also help you avoid costly renovations that would make your house the most expensive one in the neighborhood and actually turn away buyers.

Overall, keep in mind that modest updates are the most cost-effective. Whether you're replacing appliances, fixtures or finishes, higher-end options will generally not get as good an ROI as more basic choices. Whatever you choose, good luck with your home sale!

A note from your lending specialist

Whether you want to pay for renovations by accessing your home's equity or explore mortgage options for your next home, I'm here to help. Let's talk soon!

1 These home remodeling projects offer the highest return on investment in history, report finds. Jessica Dickler, CNBC, updated May 20, 2024. Accessed February 2025.


MAP7725860 | 04/2025