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Strategic Investments to Boost Value & Curb Appeal
When it’s time to sell your home, one of the biggest questions is how to make it as appealing as possible to today’s buyers. While market conditions, location, and timing all play a role, the updates you choose before listing can make a meaningful difference in both your selling price and how quickly your home goes under contract. The key is knowing where to invest your time and money. Not every project pays off, but some smart upgrades can give your home a competitive edge, help it stand out in online listings, and create the kind of first impression that gets buyers excited.
Here are some of the most impactful ways to invest in your home before putting it on the market.
Fresh Paint and a Neutral Palette
Few improvements have a more substantial return on investment than paint. A fresh coat instantly refreshes a space, making it feel clean, updated, and well-maintained. In fact, a recent report1 by the National Association of REALTORS® found that painting is the #1 project agents recommend sellers do before selling.
Neutral tones for interiors, such as light beige, soft grays, and crisp whites, appeal to the broadest audience and allow buyers to envision their own style in the home. Check out the Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast 2026 for some up and coming hues (and opt for the lightest shades). It’s crucial not to overlook trim, doors, and even ceilings, as these small details help create a polished, move-in-ready feel. And if your front door could use a pop of personality, consider a bold, welcoming color that complements the rest of the exterior.
Curb Appeal That Counts
Buyers often form an impression before they even step inside. Landscaping, exterior lighting, and simple maintenance go a long way toward making your home inviting. Think trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, pressure-washed walkways, and a tidy lawn. It’s also smart to ensure outdoor areas are safe, from repairing uneven paths to addressing any obvious hazards. Here is a printable checklist so you don’t miss anything.
Adding planters with seasonal flowers, updating house numbers, or swapping out an old mailbox can elevate your home’s appearance without requiring a significant investment. For buyers scrolling through listings, that curbside charm can be a deciding factor that gets them to schedule a showing.
According to the latest Cost vs. Value report for Seattle2, exterior curb appeal investments such as a basic new front door or garage doors can net you a profit when it’s time to sell:
Kitchen and Bathroom Touch-Ups
Kitchens and bathrooms continue to be high priorities for buyers, but you don’t need to take on a full remodel to make an impact. Small upgrades like replacing outdated cabinet hardware, installing new light fixtures, or swapping in modern faucets can transform the look of these spaces.
In the kitchen, consider updating your backsplash with a clean, timeless tile or refreshing worn countertops with a durable surface. In bathrooms, re-grouting tile, caulking any cracks, replacing mirrors, or updating vanities are simple ways to modernize without overspending.
The Cost vs. Value report2 also found that the kitchen can be a smart place to invest in a minor remodel of surfaces and newer mid-priced appliances and fixtures. In the Seattle area, a minor remodel is estimated to recoup 118% of its cost when you sell.
Flooring Matters
Floors are often one of the first things buyers notice when touring a home. If your carpets are worn or stained, professional cleaning or even replacement can make a big difference. Hardwood floors are especially appealing and refinishing them is often more cost-effective than replacing them.
For areas where replacement makes the most sense, consider durable and stylish options like engineered wood or luxury vinyl plank. Consistent flooring throughout the main living areas can also help a home feel more spacious and cohesive.
Energy-Efficient Features
Today’s buyers are increasingly focused on efficiency and sustainability. Investments like LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and updated appliances not only lower utility bills but also signal to buyers that the home is modern and thoughtfully maintained.
If your budget allows, new windows or improved insulation can add value while appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Highlighting these upgrades in your listing helps showcase both comfort and cost savings.
Decluttering and Staging
Sometimes the most impactful upgrade isn’t about new finishes, it’s about presentation. Decluttering each room, minimizing personal items, and rearranging furniture to optimize space can dramatically change how buyers perceive your home. Here’s a printable checklist to help. And the best part? It’s completely free.
Professional staging takes this one step further, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that helps buyers envision living in the space—it can also help your home sell faster and for more money according to a 2025 report3. Even small touches, like fresh flowers, cozy throws, and well-placed artwork, can make your home feel more stylish, comfortable, and truly move-in ready.
Making Smart Choices
The goal of any pre-sale investment is to spend strategically, choosing projects that increase appeal without overextending your budget. You can also refer to this article on what NOT to do.
As a Windermere agent, I’m an expert at helping sellers decide which upgrades matter most. From recommending paint colors to connecting you with trusted contractors, I’m here to make sure you get the best return on your investment. Through our Windermere Ready program, we can even front the cost of improvements like painting, landscaping, cleaning, and staging so your home shines its brightest when it hits the market. With concierge-level service and no payments due until closing, it’s a simple way to maximize your home’s value and sell faster.
Connect with me today to learn more about how I can help you prepare your home for the market with confidence:
Adapted from an article that originally appeared on the Windermere blog October 1, 2025.
1Copyright ©2025 “2025 Remodeling Impact Report.” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All rights reserved. April 9, 2025, https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-04/2025-remodeling-impact-report_04-09-2025.pdf.
2©2025 Zonda Media, a Delaware corporation. Complete data from the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com.
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2026, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Remodeling Impact Report: Projects That Bring Joy & ROI
Is your home ready for a refresh? Whether it’s for their own enjoyment or to prep their houses for sale, Americans are investing more and more money into remodeling each year. According to a recent report by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the demand for top-condition homes is going up among buyers as well. So which projects will get you the most bang for your buck? Or, perhaps more importantly, which projects will bring you the most joy? Here’s what the Remodeling Impact Report revealed…
Projects That Boost Your Happiness
It’s easy to think about improvements in terms of monetary value…but what about the value of enjoyment and enhanced livability? As part of their report, NAR calculated a “Joy Score” for common remodeling projects based on the happiness homeowners reported with their renovations. Three projects stood out with perfect joy scores: adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and replacing roofing. Here are the projects with the highest joy scores:
Projects That Help Pay for Themselves
As a bonus to bringing you joy, many projects will also pay you back for at least a portion of their cost when it’s time to sell your home. Projects that increase your home’s curb appeal tend to bring you the highest return on investment (ROI), although closet renovation snuck in as a surprise gem:
What If You’re Remodeling to Sell?
In virtually any real estate market, a home that feels fresh, clean, modern, and move-in ready will always sell faster and for more money than its dated counterpart. This isn’t always tangible in the ROI studies but, as agents, we see it every day. The good news is that the updates you make to sell are often more cosmetic and less expensive than the upgrades you might make if you were planning to stay in the home forever (pssst…check out this article on remodeling projects you should avoid if you’re selling your home).
The two charts below show both the projects REALTORS® most often recommend sellers do before selling, and five projects we’ve seen increased demand for from buyers:
It’s critical to understand that every home, neighborhood, and situation is different. Your home’s unique characteristics and your personal goals as a homeowner will have more impact on which remodeling projects are best for you than any of these general trends. If you’re remodeling to sell, reach out for advice; I’m happy to help you choose the right projects—and avoid the wrong ones—to help you accomplish your objectives.
Data & charts copyright ©2025 “2025 Remodeling Impact Report.” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. April 9, 2025, https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/2025-04/2025-remodeling-impact-report_04-09-2025.pdf.
© Copyright 2025, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Selling Your Home: 5 Common Myths
Selling your home is a crash course in real estate education. My clients learn a LOT as we work together to find a buyer and sell at the right price. As you prepare to sell, it’s important to remember that that not everything you’ve heard is true. There are several common myths that can lead to costly mistakes in the selling process. Knowing the truth behind them will clarify your selling journey and help you align your expectations…
Myth 1: Home Value Calculators Are 100% Accurate
Online Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) are a great starting point for understanding how much your home could be worth. However, they are merely a first step in determining home value; to say they are 100% accurate is a myth. When it comes to pricing your home, you need to rely on a true Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), which uses vast amounts of historical and current data on real estate listings to arrive at an accurate and competitive figure.
To get an estimate of how much your home is worth, try our Home Worth Calculator here:
Myth 2: Selling FSBO Will Save You Money
Selling a home requires an intimate knowledge of the housing industry and how to solve the complex situations that arise throughout a real estate transaction. Despite this, some sellers will go it alone and attempt to sell their property without being represented by an agent.
Selling For Sale by Owner (FSBO) is a risky proposition. It requires the seller to bear added liability, fills their schedule with various marketing and promotional responsibilities, and can leave money on the table by inaccurately pricing the property, causing it to sit on the market for too long. The potential costs of selling a home on your own far outweigh the commission real estate agents earn on a home sale.
Myth 3: You Must Remodel to Sell Your Home
The question you’ll face when preparing to sell your home is whether to sell as is or remodel. The answer usually lies somewhere in between, but it depends on your situation and what kinds of home upgrades are driving buyer interest locally. When making improvements to your home, lean toward high ROI remodeling projects to get the best bang for your buck, and avoid trendy projects that can delay listing your home. If you’re considering major upscale renovations, talk to me about which projects buyers in your area are looking for.
Myth 4: Never Accept the First Offer
You’ve likely heard tell that the first buyer’s offer is nothing more than a springboard to up your asking price and to never accept it. In this case, “never” should be approached with caution. In reality, the best offer for your home is one that you and your listing agent have discussed that aligns with your goals. If a matching offer happens to be the first one that comes your way, so be it. The market can shift at any time, so you never know what may happen if you leave an offer on the table. And if the buyer backs out of the deal, you and your agent will find a path forward.
Myth 5: Home Staging Doesn’t Make a Big Difference
Staging your home is so much more than a cosmetic touch-up; it has been proven to help sell homes faster and at a higher price than non-staged homes.1 Staging ensures that your home has universal appeal, which attracts the widest possible pool of potential buyers. When buyers are able to easily imagine living in your home, they become more connected to the property. You should stage your home regardless of your local market conditions, but it can be especially helpful in competitive markets with limited inventory where even the slightest edge can make all the difference for sellers.
Now that you know some of the most common myths in the selling process, get to know its truths. Connect with me to get the process started:
1: National Association of REALTORS® – Why Home Staging Inspires the Best Prices in Any Housing Market
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
This article originally appeared on the Windermere Blog, written by: Sandy Dodge.
Buying a Fixer-Upper
For some homebuyers, a fixer-upper is their idea of a dream home. However, the process of buying a fixer-upper comes with additional responsibilities compared to properties in better condition or new construction homes. Preparing for the process comes down to creating a remodeling plan, knowing what to look for when searching for listings, and understanding what financing options are available.
Planning for a Fixer-Upper
Fixer-uppers require a future-oriented mindset. Knowing the magnitude of the projects you and your household are willing to take on will help to form your budget and your expectations as time goes on. With some basic cost analysis for any given project, you’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it to buy the materials yourself and do it DIY or hire a professional. When testing the waters for professional remodeling, get specific quotes so you can compare costs between contractors. Understand that in addition to the down payment and closing fees, the costs involved in a fixer-upper purchase have the potential to go over-budget easily. Familiarize yourself with permitting in your area to understand how to navigate any legal roadblocks in the renovation process and to better assess your timeline for your home improvement projects.
Searching For a Fixer-Upper
- Location: Whether you are purchasing a fixer-upper with plans to sell it, rent it out, or live in it, consider its location before purchasing. If you’re planning on selling or renting, location is one of the most important factors in making a return on your investment. And if you’re planning to live in your fixer-upper, keep in mind that location will be a large part of your experience in the home. If you’re looking to sell eventually, talk to your agent to identify high ROI remodeling projects that will pique buyer interest in your area.
- Scope of Renovation: If you are looking for a smaller scale renovation, look for listings that require cosmetic projects like new interior and exterior paint, fresh carpeting and flooring, appliance upgrades, and basic landscaping maintenance. More expensive and involved projects include re-roofing, replacing plumbing and sewer lines, replacing HVAC systems, and full-scale room remodels.
- Inspections: Beyond a standard home inspection, which covers components of the home like its plumbing and foundation, consider specialized inspections for pests, roof certifications, and engineering reports. This will help differentiate between the property’s minor flaws and critical problems, further informing your decision when it comes time to prepare an offer.
Financing Options
You’ll be looking at different types of mortgages when buying a fixer-upper, but keep in mind that renovation loans specifically allow buyers to finance the home and the improvements to the property together. Extra consultations, inspections, and appraisals are often required in the loan process, but they help guide the work and resulting home value. Talk with your lender about which option is best for you.
- FHA 203(k): The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203(k) loans can be used for most projects in the process of fixing up a home. In comparison to conventional mortgages, they may accept lower incomes and credit scores for qualified borrowers.
- VA renovation loan: With this loan, the home improvement costs are combined into the loan amount for the home purchase. Contractors employed in any renovations must be VA-approved and appraisers involved in the appraisal process must be VA-certified.
- HomeStyle Loan – Fannie Mae: The HomeStyle Renovation Loan can be used by buyers purchasing a fixer-upper, or by homeowners refinancing their homes to cover the improvements. This loan also allows for luxury projects, such as pools and landscaping.
- CHOICERenovation Loan – Freddie Mac: This renovation mortgage is guaranteed through Freddie Mac, allowing projects that bolster a home’s ability to withstand natural disasters or repair damage caused by a past disaster.
If you’re interested in buying a fixer-upper, connect with me – I can help you understand the process and to discuss what makes the most sense for you.
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
This article originally appeared on the Windermere Blog, written by: Sandy Dodge.
