Should I Renovate My House Before Selling?

Usually, not everything. The right answer depends on your home's condition, price range, neighborhood, competition, buyer expectations and the likely return on the improvement.

This is where I see sellers make expensive mistakes.

They call me after they've spent $75,000.

I'd much rather have that conversation before.

Aubre Says: Don't Renovate Without a Strategy

The question isn't:

"Would this look better?"

Of course a new kitchen would look better.

The question is:

"Will spending this money improve my eventual outcome enough to justify it?"

Those are very different questions.

According to NAR's 2025 Remodeling Impact findings, REALTORS® most commonly recommended painting and ensuring the roof is in good condition before selling. Large renovations don't necessarily return their entire cost; NAR estimated complete and minor kitchen renovations at about 60% cost recovery in its national analysis.

That's exactly why I don't want sellers blindly renovating.

I Divide Improvements Into Four Buckets

1. Must Address

Issues likely to concern buyers, inspections, financing or insurability.

2. Marketability

Paint, lighting, flooring, landscaping, cleaning and presentation.

3. Strategic Improvements

Changes that could materially alter how buyers perceive or use the property.

4. Personal Preference

Things you love—but the next buyer may not pay extra for.

The fourth category is where money disappears.

What Would I Do With $75,000?

That's a question I want sellers asking me.

Depending on the house, I might recommend spending $20,000.

I might recommend $75,000.

Or I might say:

Don't touch it. Let's price and position it correctly.

That's property strategy.

Before you renovate to sell, understand what today's buyer is likely to reward.