Before You Remodel: Not Every Upgrade Adds Value

By SuAnne Hoffman, Associate Broker

One of the questions homeowners ask me most often is:

“If I spend the money on this improvement, will I get it back when I sell?”

After more than 34 years in real estate, my answer is: not necessarily.

Some improvements can make a home easier to sell and more appealing to buyers. Others may be wonderful for your lifestyle but return surprisingly little when it's time to put the home on the market.

The important thing is knowing the difference.

Expensive Doesn't Always Mean Valuable

It's easy to assume that if you spend $75,000 improving your home, you've automatically added $75,000 to its market value.

Real estate doesn't usually work that way.

Buyers compare your home to other homes they could purchase. They aren't calculating what you spent—they're deciding what your home is worth to them.

Be Careful About Over-Customizing

A highly personalized remodel can be beautiful and still narrow your future buyer pool.

Unusual finishes, very specific room conversions, elaborate built-ins, or removing bedrooms to create specialty spaces may be perfect for you. But when you sell, the next owner may see those same features as something they'll need to change.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't personalize your home. You live there!

Just recognize the difference between an improvement you're making for your enjoyment and one you're making for resale value.

Don't Ignore the Unexciting Improvements

Some of the smartest improvements aren't particularly glamorous.

A well-maintained roof, updated mechanical systems, good drainage, fresh paint, attractive flooring, functioning windows, and a home that has clearly been cared for can matter tremendously to buyers.

You may not get the same "wow" factor as a dramatic remodel, but eliminating potential objections can be extremely valuable when you sell.

Kitchens and Bathrooms Matter—but There Is a Limit

Buyers certainly notice kitchens and bathrooms, but that doesn't mean every home needs a complete luxury renovation.

Sometimes new countertops, updated lighting, fresh paint, new hardware, or replacing a dated backsplash can dramatically change the way a room feels without tearing everything out.

Before spending $100,000, it's worth asking whether $20,000 spent strategically could accomplish much of the same goal.

Don't Forget the First 30 Seconds

One of the most overlooked areas is also one of the least expensive to improve: the first impression.

Landscaping, the front door, exterior lighting, clean windows, fresh mulch, and a well-maintained entry immediately tell buyers something about the home they're about to see.

Buyers start forming an opinion before they ever walk through the front door.

Ask Before You Spend

If you're considering a significant improvement and think you may sell within the next few years, call your real estate agent before you start the project.

I would much rather walk through a client's home before they spend $50,000 and help them decide where that money could have the greatest impact.

Sometimes my advice is, “Absolutely—do it.”

Sometimes it's, “Do it because you'll love it, but don't do it expecting to get all of that money back.”

And occasionally it's, “Please call me before you write that check!”

Knowing the difference can save you thousands.

SuAnne HoffmanAssociate Broker | 34+ Years of Real Estate ExperienceKeller Williams Westfield Real Estate801-360-3900