Which home renovations provide the best return on investment when selling?

Kitchen and bathroom updates yield the highest return on investment, whether you're doing a minor or major remodel. Focus on functional upgrades that future buyers will value rather than highly personal or trendy choices that may be costly to change.

What design approach should I use for renovations to maximize resale value?

Choose timeless, neutral finishes over trendy or exotic ones—for example, white cabinetry is a classic kitchen choice, while bold colors work better as accents outside or in small items. This approach ensures your updates won't feel dated and will appeal to a broader range of buyers.

What exterior upgrades help attract buyers?

Tidy, updated landscaping with vibrant plants makes a strong first impression. Consider painting your front door in a neutral yet eye-catching color like navy, red, or charcoal, and adding focal points such as a flagstone walkway or water feature.

How can I increase usable space to improve home value?

Add an extra bathroom, expand your kitchen or master bedroom suite, increase closet space, or convert spare areas like a bedroom into a home office or basement into a hangout space. Buyers value functional living space that meets modern lifestyle needs.

Upgrading Your Home for Resale Value

By Anne-Britt OstlundFebruary 10, 20211 min read

Selling Your Home

Homeowners frequently ask real estate professionals this question: Which renovations or upgrades will truly add value to a home and help with resale when the time comes to sell?

The answer is simple: Only the ones that future buyers will also want and be willing to pay for.

As a general rule, choose the functional over the merely cosmetic, and choose the neutral over the unusual or the exotic to maximize resale value. Keep in mind that a homeowner’s personal taste and current design trends can also affect the value or the longevity of an update; beware not to invest heavily in materials or finishes that reflect the time period or would be costly to change.

In our experience, here are a few tips to keep in mind whenever you renovate or update a space in your home:

Focus on your kitchen and/or bathrooms. Whether you need a minor or major remodel, updating the kitchen or bathrooms in your home will yield a high return on investment.
Stay timeless with your updates while balancing trends. For instance, white cabinetry in a kitchen or bathroom is a classic choice; save your favorite shade of purple for some violets outside or a funky soap dispenser.
Increase usable space. Add an extra bathroom, upgrade your kitchen, expand your master bedroom suite, add more closet space, or convert a spare bedroom to a home office, or a basement into the ultimate hangout space.
Lighten and brighten your rooms. Paint rooms white or a lighter color of paint to neutralize your space. Add skylights, windows, or French doors.
Revamp the exterior. Updated and tidy landscaping will draw in buyers before they even walk through the door. Consider adding a splash of color through vibrant plants, or paint the front door an eye-catching yet reasonable color (think navy, red, or charcoal). Consider a focal point like a flagstone walkway or a water feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which home renovations provide the best return on investment when selling?: Kitchen and bathroom updates yield the highest return on investment, whether you're doing a minor or major remodel. Focus on functional upgrades that future buyers will value rather than highly personal or trendy choices that may be costly to change.
What design approach should I use for renovations to maximize resale value?: Choose timeless, neutral finishes over trendy or exotic ones—for example, white cabinetry is a classic kitchen choice, while bold colors work better as accents outside or in small items. This approach ensures your updates won't feel dated and will appeal to a broader range of buyers.
What exterior upgrades help attract buyers?: Tidy, updated landscaping with vibrant plants makes a strong first impression. Consider painting your front door in a neutral yet eye-catching color like navy, red, or charcoal, and adding focal points such as a flagstone walkway or water feature.
How can I increase usable space to improve home value?: Add an extra bathroom, expand your kitchen or master bedroom suite, increase closet space, or convert spare areas like a bedroom into a home office or basement into a hangout space. Buyers value functional living space that meets modern lifestyle needs.