How to Get the Highest ROI When Selling Your Home

Preparing your home for sale does not mean renovating everything. The smartest home improvements before selling are the ones that strengthen buyer appeal, address potential objections and improve your overall financial outcome without adding unnecessary expense, delay or disruption. Before investing in renovations, it is important to understand which updates buyers are likely to value—and which improvements may not return enough to justify the cost.

Which Renovations Deliver the Best Return?

Which Renovations Deliver the Best Return?

The 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Remodeling Impact Report shows that some of the strongest returns can come from surprisingly targeted improvements rather than expensive, whole-home renovations. From front doors and windows to additional living space and kitchen improvements, the potential return varies considerably depending upon the project.

These percentages represent estimated national cost recovery at resale—not a guarantee that every improvement will increase the value of every home by the same amount. Your home’s location, condition, price range, existing features, competing inventory and current buyer expectations all matter. A renovation that makes excellent financial sense for one property may be unnecessary—or even reduce the seller’s net return—for another.

Before You Renovate, Know What Your Market Rewards

A beautiful renovation does not automatically translate into an equally large increase in sale price. Before committing thousands of dollars to a kitchen, bathroom, flooring project or other improvement, it makes sense to compare your home with the properties buyers will be considering alongside it. Sometimes a significant renovation is warranted; other times, selective repairs, fresh paint, improved presentation and strategic staging can produce a better return with considerably less investment.

Focus on Your Net Return — Not Just the Sale Price

The objective when preparing a property for market should not simply be to achieve the highest possible sale price. The better measure is what you ultimately net from the sale after considering preparation costs, carrying expenses, timing, concessions and the terms of the transaction. The right strategy balances all of these factors while positioning your home to attract serious buyers within the timeframe that works for you.

Thinking About Selling?

Before you call the contractor, let’s look at the market. I can evaluate your property’s current position, review relevant comparable sales and help determine which improvements are worth considering—and which may not be worth spending a dollar on.

Not sure what is worth doing before you sell? Start with the market—not the contractor.