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Updated 2026
Getting your home ready to sell is no small feat—there are so many decisions to make! Once you decide to sell your home, the next thought should be, How do I make my home more marketable? Or, more specifically, should I make the necessary updates and repairs, or sell as-is?
The answer is dependent on the local housing market. Your home’s value partly depends on whether you’re listing during a buyers or sellers market. You’ll likely need to pull out all the stops to appeal to a large swath of home buyers during a buyer's market.
But during a sellers market, you might get away with polishing what already exists and sell the house with just a little sweat equity. In other words, there’s no need to tear out the carpet, replace the roof, and spit-shine every square inch to sell your home if there’s a deep pool of buyers at the ready.
“As a Realtor who represents both experienced and first-time homebuyers, 'turn-key' is a request I most often get. Meaning they don’t want to have to do anything to move in. If it’s a realistic option, fresh paint, luxury vinyl plank floors, and quartz countertops are the highly desired upgrades right now and attract a lot of attention. But there are other more affordable options to help you attract a buyer, too. If you are on a budget, you might be surprised what a few tricks and tips can do to show your home in its best light. Don’t underestimate what new drawer pulls, light fixtures, bright white switch plate covers and what a pro cleaning job can do!" - Shannon Cole, Shannon Cole Properties
The bottom line? A spruced-up space can help you sell your home faster and turn a larger profit. Who doesn’t want to see more profit? Take a look at these recommended updates and tips for selling your house.
Focus on the Big Issues
If you’re willing to dive into a few larger projects to increase your home’s value, then paying closer attention to areas with a high return on investment will serve you well.
Start with the Kitchen
Start with the room where buyers spend the most time: the kitchen. It's one of the best renovations to do before selling, as an updated kitchen is high on everyone’s priority list. And while some homebuyers are willing to renovate to transform it into their dream space, others are not. Instead, hand those move-in-ready buyers your kitchen on a silver platter.
What are homebuyers looking for, exactly? They want a high-functioning, spacious, and organized cook space. If your kitchen appears small, with limited storage and outdated appliances and finishes, decide whether it makes sense to replace the hardware, countertops, and fixtures, or even to tear down a wall to expand the space.
But what if you don’t have the time or money to make updates? Military moves don’t always lend themselves to a lengthy timeline. Is it necessary to gut the room and start from scratch? Not in every circumstance.
Since most homeowners might see a return of 50 to 60% on a complete kitchen overhaul, it’s not a bad idea to stick to simple updates and avoid over-improving, which can result in a loss of money at the time of sale. Home sellers typically see a 60 to 80% return on investment (ROI) for minor kitchen remodels, recouping most costs.
It might only take a few updates to freshen up the kitchen and attract buyers:
- Install new cabinetry hardware
- Purchase shiny, new appliances
- Install updated and/or additional lighting
- Apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls (and maybe the cabinets, too)
Pretty Up the Bathroom
What’s the second most-used room in any home? The bathroom, of course! Bathrooms might not be used for pretty things, but we all like them to look pretty while they do their job. Your goal is to make it look as large, bright, and clean as you can before selling.
How can you accomplish this without funding a complete overhaul? Focus on these bathroom details:
- Replace old fixtures
- Install a new vanity
- Recaulk the shower
- Replace tiles
- Replace flooring
- Paint
En Suite Bathrooms
Does your home have a primary en suite bathroom? Many older homes do not. But do you know what home buyers really want in their next home? You guessed it: an en suite bathroom. While this project consumes precious time and money, it can make the difference between selling and stagnating on the market.
Make Exterior Updates
Your property’s exterior is crucial. It makes the first impression, after all. Don’t deter your buyers from the get-go. What if they find your listing online and eagerly drive past it in hopes of discovering the one, but upon seeing the neglected exterior, keep driving. It happens more often than you might realize.
The great news is, freshening up your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank. A handful of small projects can help capture the attention of potential homebuyers.
Easy home exterior updates:
- Apply a fresh coat of paint
- Plant vibrant, healthy landscaping
- Replace broken railings
- Fix cracks in the cement
- Pressure wash the exterior of the home and pavement (driveway, sidewalk, porch)
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Minor Home Repairs and Updates
Let’s go back to the original question: Should you make repairs or sell as is? Your answer might be no when it comes to larger repairs and projects around the home, but that doesn’t mean that you should ignore all improvement projects.
If a turn-key solution is the goal, then it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and make minor modifications throughout the home as needed.
Time for Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls is one of the least expensive ways to update your space. Not only does it clean up lived-in walls, but it also creates a blank slate for buyers to envision their belongings in the space.
Clean or Replace Flooring
Just as crucial as pristine walls is the need for clean flooring. That might involve cleaning the carpet, refinishing hardwood floors, or scrubbing the grout in tiled areas.
If the home has carpet throughout, consider replacing it in the main living areas altogether. Remember, just like every trend, the public’s affection for carpet ebbs and flows.
Consider Smart Home Technology
Minor additions, such as smart home features, aren’t a significant undertaking when preparing your home to sell, but they are an attractive asset to home buyers. Consider upgrading the thermostat to an internet-connected smart home system so the new owner can control the temperature right from their phone.
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Replace Hardware
Is your home still sporting dated 1990s doorknobs? It’s time to let them go. Replace old hardware throughout your home with a more modern finish, such as brushed nickel or black.
Patch Walls
Remember all the extra holes you drilled behind the photos you made, trying to get the frame to hang just right? Now’s the time to fill them. Oh, and don’t forget about the baseball-sized dent your kids made when they were having a little too much fun in the house; it needs repairs, too.
Replace Light Bulbs
You’d better believe every light in your home will shine for showings. Replace any burned-out bulbs. It’s simple, and the consequences for not doing so are far greater than the effort it takes to screw them in, especially if low natural light is an issue in your house.
Install New Appliances
If your current household helpers are on the fritz, a shiny new dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, or washer and dryer can go a long way toward reassuring a buyer that everything is in perfect working order. And it doesn’t hurt that they look nice, too.
Replace Torn Window Screens
The wind, pets, kids, and accidents happen, but potential buyers don’t need to know that. Take a walk around the house and fix any torn or unsightly screens.
Fix Hidden Issues
It should go without saying that before listing your home for sale, you’ll need to address any leaks, cracks, or water damage around the property.
Clean the Entire House
It’s time for a deep clean. This may be one of the most important tips for selling your house. The biggest turnoff for any home buyer isn’t going to be the 1970s kitchen; it’s the dingy baseboards, cluttered counters, and dust bunnies floating across the floor.
Clear out all unnecessary items in your home, then invest in a professional cleaner to make it sparkle brighter than ever before. If you’re looking for more incentive to spark interest in these smaller yet tedious updates, Realtor Shannon Cole also notes,
“Another priority is making sure your home is ready for inspection. Once you have an accepted a contract, the buyers will likely have it checked out from top to bottom. Electrical, plumbing, or roofing issues can sometimes be a deal-breaker, or at the very least, leverage for negotiations that are often in the buyers' favor. Remedy any known problems in advance, or have multiple quotes in hand and be prepared to disclose them upfront and offer a credit.”
Little Things That Help Sell a House
If you happen to have a small surplus budget or need an extra boost for your home to stand out against competing properties, think about these affordable exterior updates. Maximizing curb appeal is one of the best ways to sell your home faster and for more money.
1. Freshen your flower beds with new mulch and remove all weeds.
2. Focus on the entryway and add a new welcome mat, updated house numbers, a new mailbox, and potted plants near the doorway.
3. Consider a new coat of paint on the front door. Try something classic like red or black.
4. Power wash visible surfaces, including the driveway, sidewalks, porch, or patio.
5. Install a new porch light fixture with smart home technology.
Home Upgrades You Can Skip
Not every upgrade or renovation is an equal opportunity to increase your home's value. Realize you might not recoup the money you spend on the following costly upgrades.
Garage Overhaul
When converting your garage into a home gym or office, you can't anticipate how the buyer will use the space. Many people seek out large garages to use for their intended purpose. Maintain the home's integrity and allow the buyer to make these larger modifications if they feel they need to.
Replacing a Bedroom
The space conversion rule also applies to bedrooms.
“If your ‘home office’ space is really a bedroom, don’t advertise it as such. Bedrooms often equal value. So list the largest number of bedrooms you can and let potential buyers imagine what they can do with the extra room.” -6 Upgrades You Can Skip When Selling Your Home
Installing a Pool
Even if other homes in the area feature luxurious pools or hot tubs, the return on investment is relatively low. It’s best to focus on other household necessities and let the buyer make this addition.
Finishing the Basement
While it often means an additional playroom, man cave, extra bedroom, or project area, an unfinished basement isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Many home buyers will welcome the opportunity to customize this space to their liking.
Still, sometimes a finished basement can add value to your home, so it’s a good idea to take a look at the market, your finances, and your selling timeline to make an educated decision as to whether you should start this project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I plan a home sale?
Start by looking at your timeline, local market conditions, estimated selling costs, and what your home may realistically sell for. Before spending money on renovations or cosmetic updates, determine which improvements are most likely to help the home sell and which may not be worth the investment.
Make a list of needed repairs, maintenance, cleaning, decluttering, and possible updates, then prioritize them by cost and importance. Get estimates from contractors or other professionals when needed, and build a budget that also accounts for closing costs, moving expenses, and other costs of selling. Finally, create a checklist for selling your home with deadlines for preparing the property, pricing it, marketing it, showing it to buyers, and getting ready for closing.
Should I repaint my house before selling?
Chances are, new exterior and interior paint will increase your home sale profit. You can expect a 2% to 5% increase in your home’s value by updating exterior painting, and 5% or slightly more for new interior paint. Local market factors heavily influence the outcome.
What are the best renovations to do before selling?
If your market supports kitchen and bathroom remodels, focus on these high-return-on-investment projects listed above. Other important renovations to consider fall under the structural category, such as fixing the foundation, installing a new roof, and repairing water damage.
Getting your house ready to sell is undoubtedly a significant undertaking, even if you’re a seasoned home seller. With all the tools and resources made available, you can have the confidence to budget your repair projects and get started. And when you’re ready to list your immaculate home on the market, you know where to go—MilitaryByOwner!
MilitaryByOwner has helped military families navigate housing and relocation decisions since 2000. Explore additional PCS resources, military housing guides, and relocation tools designed specifically for military life.
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