Best home upgrades before selling aren’t about doing the most work. They’re about doing the right work.
The updates that help your home stand out, attract serious buyers, and put more money in your pocket.
When you’re selling a house, guessing what to fix can cost you time and profit. Some upgrades help you sell your house faster, while others barely make a difference.
That’s why smart sellers focus on home updates that actually pay off, using real data instead of opinions.
Planning to sell this spring?
While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.
Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it’s worth tackling repairs now and making sure your house is set up to stand out. Because you don’t want to be caught scrambling right before the spring rush. Or, running out of time to do the work your house really needs.
The key is focusing on updates that actually matter. And that’s exactly where return-on-investment (ROI) data comes in handy.
Which Projects Tend to Pay Off?
Every year, Zonda looks at which home improvements deliver the most bang for the buck when you go to sell the home. And the results can be a little surprising.
The green in the chart below shows the updates where sellers have the biggest potential to add value based on that research:
While there’s a wide range of projects represented in this data, the cool part is that some of the top winners aren’t big to-dos. They’re just swapping out doors.
Small Updates, Big Visual Impact
This shows that small projects can have a big impact. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And you don’t need to tackle everything on this list. But in today’s market, doing nothing can work against you.
Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, many are going to opt for what’s move-in-ready.
The best advice? Focus on what your house needs, whether it’s listed here or not – like the repairs you’ve been putting off. A front door or shutters in need of a little TLC. Piles of leaves in the yard. Scuffed up paint where your kids play inside. Those details matter too.
Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager, explains it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) this way:
“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”
These seemingly small things help buyers focus on the home itself – not the work they think they’ll have to do after moving in. And that’s paying off for other sellers. Buyers are often willing to spend more on homes that feel well cared for, updated, and move-in ready.
This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy
Here’s the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline. Buyer preferences are going to vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood. That means a project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary (or even overkill) in yours.
That’s why the first step should always be to talk with a local real estate professional before you start.
An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:
- Which updates do buyers in your market expect?
- What can you skip without hurting your sale?
- Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?
- Is it better to update, or sell as-is?
That guidance helps you avoid over-improving and under-preparing.
Ready to Sell Your House This Spring? Start with the Right Upgrades
If you’re planning to sell your house this spring, you don’t have to guess which updates are worth it.
The right real estate agent or real estate expert can help you decide where small changes can make a big impact and where you can save money.
Whether your goal is to sell your house fast, increase your home’s value, or figure out the smartest way to sell my house with minimal stress, expert guidance matters.
Before you spend on upgrades, talk to a trusted real estate professional.
One quick conversation can help you choose the improvements that truly help when selling a house.
