Mar 26, 2024
Do you have plans to put your home on the market? Even if the answer is no, it’s good to know which home improvements could improve buyer appeal when you do decide to sell.
What are they looking for? Does your house look well-kept on the outside? What about any unfinished space?
The answers to these questions will help you start a list of potential projects.
Many people would prefer to buy a house that is move-in ready, rather than having upgrade after the fact. The goal is to make changes that are functional, visually appealing, and not too custom or trendy.
“Few buyers want the added stress of fixing up a house after they move in,” said Joe Schembri, the head of a real estate team in Fremont, CA. “The kitchen, bathroom, floors, and roof get the most immediate attention and for good reason. Those, plus curb appeal, make a house feel like a home and increase the house value.”
Here are five ways to improve your home that could appeal to buyers if you decide to sell. And who knows? You might like the results so much that you’ll want to stay.
How it might help: The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s where we cook for our families, entertain, and talk about our day. Maybe that’s why kitchens are the most renovated room, with 29% of homeowners undertaking either a remodel or addition.1 In fact, a minor kitchen remodel can bring the highest return on your investment compared with other renovations inside the home.
Trends to consider: Kitchen trends come and go. But there are some clear favorites. Nearly half (42%) of homeowners are looking to add or update an island during a kitchen remodel, often one longer than seven feet.2
The kitchen should be well organized to promote its spaciousness, Schembri said, and island counters can enhance both its appearance and functionality.
For a little added glam, full-wall backsplashes are also popular, with 86% of homeowners replacing the backsplash during a kitchen renovation.2 Lighting can be a powerful and budget-friendly factor too. Take advantage of any natural light, but also be sure to have plenty of overhead and directed lighting, suggested Schembri, who’s been active in real estate for more than 35 years.
How it might help: Many homeowners come to their bathroom to relax, so making it a serene spot is a good goal. No wonder 26% of homeowners have given their bathrooms an upgrade in an attempt to improve resale value.3
Trends to consider: When it comes to bathrooms, making the most out of the space often requires strategic changes. For instance, 41% of homeowners enlarged their showers, 37% modified the walls, and 38% adjusted the overall layout.3
Adding a modern vanity and some fun, high-tech features to faucets and toilets are also popular upgrades. Even small improvements to a bathroom can make a big difference. Better lighting, a new toilet, smart faucets, mirrors, artwork, more shelving—they can all matter to prospective buyers. Other simple fixes are replacing your shower curtain and towels, which you can take with you when you move.
How it might help: Underfoot but not forgotten, wood floors make a strong first impression. Many homeowners like wood floors because they look nice, last a long time, and may even help increase a home’s value. The National Association of Realtors found that, for interior projects, refinishing hardwood floors recovered 147% of the cost.4
Trends to consider: As far as floors go, you can’t go wrong with classic wood. Flooring sets the tone of an entire home when you walk in, Schembri explained. Hardwood floors can immediately add value whether they’re made from traditional oak or more-sustainable bamboo or other materials.
Wood is not the only option, however. Engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl or tile, if they can be added, can be equally attractive. Lighter colors typically add a sense of space and a clean appearance.
How it might help: It might not be as fun as other home improvements, but a well-maintained roof is key. That’s likely why a roofing renovation tops the exterior upgrades list.1
Trends to consider: Your roof can make a bold statement about your house. Roofing trends for 2025 include durable and eco-friendly materials, solar shingles, cool roofing, and smart roof technology.5
All buyers will want to know the age of the roof, Schembri said. Sellers should keep that in mind when setting the price of their home. The roof doesn’t need to be new, but age and material are always big factors.
How it might help: When buyers see a house that’s maintained well on the outside, they trust you’ve taken the same care inside. Replacing a garage or entry door can add nearly twice the value of the investment you make.
Trends to consider: A new front door can make a statement without a big price tag, as can replacing a tired garage door. Adding a stone veneer to the front of the house is not cheap, but it may add a modern note to the overall impression.
If stone veneer isn’t in the cards, siding needs to be in good condition. Power washing can help. Also paint the trim, tidy up the landscaping, and consider a lighting upgrade.
As you make plans to fix up your house, keep in mind that you may not recoup the entire cost of remodeling when you sell. But the right improvements could make your home more appealing to buyers.
So, focus on fixes that help your home stand out in the market. And enjoy the upgrades while you still live there.
For more guidance on which improvements make the most sense for your home, consider contacting an experienced real estate agent. Or maybe look for a reputable contractor who can provide an up-to-date estimate of the costs involved.
When you’re ready to proceed, you’ll want to think about how you'll pay for the work. Will you use savings? Tighten your budget for a while? Try to do some of it yourself?
Keep in mind that a personal loan from Discover® could simplify the task of making your home market-ready and get you to your “open house” day sooner. You can apply in minutes with Discover Personal Loans, and there are no fees at all as long as you pay on time.
See how Discover can help with your home improvements.
