What NOT to Do Before Selling Your Home (and What Actually Adds ValueTop)

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When it’s time to sell your home, knowing where to spend your time and money can make or break your bottom line. Every seller wants top dollar, but not every improvement pays off. Let’s go over the smart moves that add value—and the ones that often don’t.

✅ What to Do Before Selling Your Home

Upgrade Kitchens and Bathrooms—Strategically


According to multiple studies, kitchen and bathroom remodels are the top two value-boosting improvements. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to go overboard.

 

  • Focus on modern finishes (quartz counters, refreshed cabinets, new hardware, updated lighting).

  • Refinish rather than replace when possible.

  • Keep colors and materials neutral and timeless.
    The goal is to make your home feel move-in ready—not custom-designed for one person’s taste.

 

Fresh Paint Goes a Long Way


Neutral, modern tones can make your home feel updated and well cared for. It’s affordable, quick, and has one of the highest returns on investment in real estate.

 

 

Enhance Curb Appeal

Return: 91%

Simple landscaping, a clean walkway, a new doormat, and some bright flowers make buyers want to see what’s inside. You never get a second chance at a first impression.

 

Declutter and Deep Clean

Return: 70%-80%

Buyers need to see themselves in your home. Less is more—store excess furniture, clean windows, and remove personal items for a spacious, inviting feel

 

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Stage for Success

Return: 60%

Whether professionally or DIY, staging helps buyers imagine themselves living there. Homes that are staged statistically sell faster and for more money.

 

Staging

What NOT to do before selling:

Don’t Overspend on Custom or Luxury Upgrades

Yes, kitchens and bathrooms sell homes—but only if your upgrades fit your neighborhood and price point. Avoid ultra-high-end materials or layouts that over-personalize the space. You won’t get that money back.

 

Avoid Trendy or Bold Design Choices

What’s “in” today may be “out” tomorrow. Skip flashy colors, eccentric fixtures, or overly modern finishes that could alienate buyers.

 

 

Don’t Ignore Deferred Maintenance

Buyers notice the details. Neglecting small repairs—like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or sticky doors—can make them wonder what else is wrong.

And remember, the function of your home is going to be buyers top priority, so best replace the roof than the kitchen counter if the roof is not in good condition.

 

Don’t Replace Everything Just Because It’s Old

Not every feature needs to be brand-new. If your floors or appliances are in good condition and show well, replacing them might not increase your net return.

 

Don’t Skip Professional Guidance

Every home and market is unique. What adds value in one area might not matter in another. Before spending on upgrades, get a professional home evaluation for specific, localized advice.

 

💰 The Smart Move

Some updates add value, while others just add cost. The key is knowing the difference—and that’s exactly what you’ll learn with a free, no-obligation home evaluation.

I’ll personally walk through your property, review comparable sales, and identify which upgrades will give you the best return in today’s market.

👉 Get your personalized home evaluation today and discover where to invest wisely—so you sell faster, for more, and without waste.