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Best home improvements for resale value?

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Roman_55
Joined:
27.09.2022
Posts: 1830
Topic Starter
17.05.2025 03:13
I'm planning to list my house in about two years and I want to put some money into it to help boost the final sale price. I have a decent budget, but I'm worried about over-improving the house for the neighborhood or choosing projects that don't actually see a return on investment. Should I focus on a full kitchen remodel, or are smaller updates like painting and landscaping more effective? I'd love to hear from people who have sold recently about what buyers actually cared about during the walkthrough.
17 replies in this topic
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Kevin_M
Joined:
17.04.2022
Posts: 1594
26.06.2025 22:38
Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, but don't go overboard with high-end appliances if the rest of the house doesn't match. You might not get that money back.
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seba_eu
Joined:
24.03.2022
Posts: 243
27.06.2025 08:14
In reply to a previous post
I sold my place last year. Honestly, fresh neutral paint everywhere was the biggest game changer. It made the house look so much bigger and cleaner.
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old_wolf
Joined:
22.11.2023
Posts: 1788
03.08.2025 14:47
In reply to a previous post
Agree with the paint comment. Also, check your light fixtures. Replacing outdated ones with modern, bright LED ones is cheap and makes a huge visual impact.
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mike_777
Joined:
08.06.2024
Posts: 695
12.08.2025 07:20
Don't underestimate curb appeal. If they don't like the look from the street, they might not even want to walk through the front door.
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Amelie_Z
Joined:
14.01.2024
Posts: 1615
26.08.2025 17:32
In reply to a previous post
Stay away from full renovations if you only have two years. They are stressful and rarely pay off 100%. Stick to minor cosmetic updates instead.
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Amelie_Z
Joined:
04.02.2024
Posts: 591
14.09.2025 11:28
Adding smart home features like a Nest thermostat or a video doorbell is a low-cost update that buyers seem to really love right now.
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Kevin_M
Joined:
11.01.2023
Posts: 625
07.10.2025 14:38
Deep cleaning and decluttering is better than any renovation. Buyers want to see potential, not your stuff.
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Tony_M
Joined:
21.06.2022
Posts: 375
07.10.2025 17:46
In reply to a previous post
What about flooring? Should I rip out the old carpet or just have it professionally cleaned?
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Tony_M
Joined:
30.05.2020
Posts: 419
08.10.2025 21:50
In reply to a previous post
If it's old carpet, just replace it with luxury vinyl plank. It's affordable, durable, and looks way more premium to buyers than worn-out carpet.
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Maya_L
Joined:
09.05.2025
Posts: 431
19.10.2025 02:42
I think it really depends on your neighborhood. If everyone else has granite counters, you might need them to stay competitive.
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Gosh_Bolo
Joined:
15.12.2023
Posts: 835
19.10.2025 11:15
In reply to a previous post
Hard pass on the full kitchen remodel. Just paint the cabinets and swap out the hardware. It costs a fraction of the price and looks brand new.
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Kevin_M
Joined:
12.07.2025
Posts: 2261
01.01.2026 04:18
Make sure to fix any 'deferred maintenance' items first. Buyers will notice a leaky faucet or a cracked tile during inspection and it will kill your leverage.
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Alan_K
Joined:
15.06.2025
Posts: 2174
16.01.2026 04:55
In reply to a previous post
Definitely prioritize landscaping. A well-mulched garden bed and some nice flowers by the entrance go a long way in photos.
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new_here
Joined:
19.10.2020
Posts: 1179
17.01.2026 01:02
In reply to a previous post
I spent 20k on a new bathroom and I'm not sure it added 20k to the value. Just keep it simple and neutral.
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Zina_P
Joined:
20.06.2024
Posts: 142
19.01.2026 05:13
Check your local market trends. What's popular in one state might be a turnoff in another.
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cris_r
Joined:
27.06.2023
Posts: 324
04.02.2026 05:36
Focus on the 'bones' of the house. If the roof or HVAC are old, address those. Buyers are terrified of big-ticket repairs.
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Master_J
Joined:
18.10.2023
Posts: 1711
09.04.2026 13:00
In reply to a previous post
Great advice here. I'm going to start with the paint and landscaping this spring and see how it looks.

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