Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms appear or the spring showers hit, that's actually waiting too long to get started by today's standards.

Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it's worth tackling repairs now and making sure your house is set up to stand out. You don't want to be caught scrambling right before the spring rush or running out of time to do the work your house really needs.

The key is focusing on updates that actually matter. And that's exactly where return on investment (ROI) data comes in handy.

What Is ROI and Why Does It Matter for Home Sellers?

Before we dive into specific projects, let's break down what ROI means in the context of home improvements. ROI, or return on investment, measures how much value you get back compared to what you spent. For home sellers, it answers a critical question: "Will this update help me sell for more than it cost?"

A project with 100% ROI means you recoup every dollar you spent. Anything above 100% means you're actually making money on the improvement. According to Zonda's annual Cost vs. Value Report, some simple updates can return well over 150% of their cost when you sell (Zonda).

Understanding ROI helps you spend smart, not just spend more.

Which Projects Tend to Pay Off the Most?

Every year, Zonda analyzes which home improvements deliver the most bang for your buck when you go to sell. And the results might surprise you.

While there's a wide range of projects represented in this data, the cool part is some of the top winners aren't big renovations. They're just swapping out doors.

Here's what the latest research shows for the highest ROI home improvements:

Notice something? The projects with the best returns are often the most affordable. Meanwhile, major kitchen remodels typically return only about 38% of their cost. That's a huge difference worth considering before you rip out those cabinets.

Why Exterior Updates Beat Major Renovations

It might seem counterintuitive, but curb appeal improvements consistently outperform interior overhauls when it comes to ROI. Why? Because first impressions matter enormously in real estate.

When buyers pull up to your home, they're already forming opinions. A fresh garage door, updated entry, or clean landscaping signals that the home has been well maintained. That perception carries through the entire showing.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), exterior improvements work well because they enhance curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, and require modest upfront costs compared to interior renovations (NAR).

Quick exterior updates that pack a punch include:

• Power washing your driveway and siding (over 200% ROI)

• Fresh mulch in garden beds (150% ROI)

• New house numbers and mailbox

• Updated exterior lighting

• Fresh paint on shutters and trim

These small investments can completely transform how buyers perceive your home before they even step inside.

Small Updates, Big Visual Impact

Here's great news for sellers on a budget: you don't have to spend a fortune to make your home more appealing. Little projects can have a big impact in today's market.

Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, many of them are going to opt for what's move in ready. That means homes that look clean, updated, and well cared for have a significant advantage.

Mallory Slesser, an interior designer and home stager, explains it to NAR this way:

> "If you're looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space."

Think about it from a buyer's perspective. They're walking through dozens of homes. The ones that feel fresh and finished stick in their memory. The ones that need obvious work? They get mentally filed under "maybe" or "too much hassle."

Interior Projects Worth Considering

While exterior updates tend to have the highest ROI, certain interior improvements still make sense, especially if your home feels dated compared to others in your neighborhood.

Minor kitchen updates remain a solid investment. Notice the word "minor" here. We're talking about:

• Painting or refacing cabinets

• Updating hardware (knobs and pulls)

• Installing a new faucet

• Adding under cabinet lighting

• Replacing outdated countertops

A minor kitchen remodel averages about 96% ROI, meaning you get back nearly everything you spend. Compare that to a major kitchen gut job at 38% ROI, and the choice becomes clear.

Bathroom refreshes also perform well, returning about 74% of costs. Focus on:

• New vanity and fixtures

• Updated lighting

• Fresh grout and caulk

• Modern mirrors

• New toilet seat (yes, really)

Flooring updates can increase home value by an average of $11,731 according to recent research. If your carpets are stained or your hardwoods are scratched beyond repair, this investment often pays off.

This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy

Here's the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline, not a blueprint for your specific situation. Buyer preferences vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood.

A project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary or even overkill in yours. That's why the first step should always be talking with a local real estate professional before you start any work.

An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:

• Which updates do buyers in your market expect?

• What can you skip without hurting your sale?

• Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?

• Is it better to update or sell as is?

That guidance helps you avoid two common mistakes: over improving (spending more than you'll recoup) and under preparing (leaving money on the table).

Call me at 860-985-4363 or visit melindatherealtor.com for a free consultation. Never too busy for you to be my #1 client.

When Should You Start Preparing to Sell?

If you're planning to list this spring, now is the time to start making updates. Here's a realistic timeline:

3 to 4 months before listing:

• Get a pre-listing consultation with your agent

• Identify priority repairs and updates

• Get quotes from contractors if needed

2 to 3 months before listing:

• Complete major projects (flooring, painting, door replacements)

• Deep clean and declutter

• Start staging preparations

1 month before listing:

• Final touch ups

• Professional photography

• Landscaping refresh

Starting early gives you flexibility. Rushing at the last minute often means overpaying for contractors or settling for less than your best presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What home improvement has the highest ROI?
Garage door replacement currently offers the highest ROI, returning between 194% and 268% of the project cost according to Zonda's Cost vs. Value Report.

Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?
A minor kitchen update (painting cabinets, new hardware, updated fixtures) typically returns about 96% of costs. Major kitchen renovations only return about 38%, so keep improvements modest unless your kitchen is severely outdated.

How much should I spend on updates before selling?
There's no one size fits all answer. Work with a local real estate agent to determine which updates make sense for your home, neighborhood, and price point. Some homes sell best as is, while others benefit from strategic improvements.

Do buyers really care about curb appeal?
Absolutely. First impressions happen before buyers walk through the door. According to NAR, exterior improvements consistently rank among the highest ROI projects because they immediately signal a well maintained home.

Is it better to sell as is or make repairs?
It depends on your local market and the condition of your home. In competitive markets with limited inventory, some buyers will accept homes needing work. In markets with more options, move in ready homes often command higher prices and sell faster.

Bottom Line

If you're looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out without taking on a full renovation. Focus on high ROI improvements like door replacements, fresh paint, and curb appeal projects. Skip the major overhauls that rarely pay off.

Not sure where to start? A quick conversation with a local real estate professional can help you prioritize the updates that'll pack the biggest punch for your specific home and market.

Call me at 860-985-4363 or visit melindatherealtor.com for a free consultation. Never too busy for you to be my #1 client.

What's one upgrade you've been thinking about and wondering if it's worth it?

Sources

1. Zonda – Cost vs. Value Report (Highest ROI Remodeling Projects)
   https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value

2. National Association of Realtors® – Remodeling Impact & Buyer Preferences
   https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics

3. National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) – What Buyers Want & Will Pay For
   https://www.nahb.org

4. Freddie Mac – Renovation ROI & Home Value Impact Studies
   https://www.freddiemac.com/research

5. Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies – Home Improvement & Resale Value
   https://www.jchs.harvard.edu