When it comes to preparing a home for sale, the right renovations can make all the difference. But, where do you start? Luckily, some of our Realtor partners, armed with their industry experience, have a wealth of knowledge on the most effective ways to invest your money for the best returns. 

From creating a warm ambiance to revitalizing key spaces, keep reading to learn the art of renovating with ROI in mind.

Illuminate With Strategic Lighting

As simple as it sounds, lighting can greatly impact the vibe of a home and how potential buyers feel when walking into it. Dark, dim spaces with outdated light fixtures can feel uninviting, while well-lit areas exude warmth and spaciousness. 

“You walk into a space and what does a buyer say? They say hm ‘this feels good,’ or ‘this doesn’t feel good,’” explains Niko Apostal, Keller Williams Realtor. “So much of that is just lighting.”

Invest in new, stylish light fixtures, replace outdated bulbs, and consider adding accent lighting to highlight architectural features. “At such a small cost, the benefit is tremendous,” says Niko. Strategic lighting upgrades can significantly enhance the appeal of your home to potential buyers.

Keller Williams Realtor, Niko Apostal at our recent “Set Yourself Apart” Panel

Mastering Paint and Color Palettes

As a low-cost investment that yields high rewards, Realtors agree that fresh paint can make all the difference in a home sale. 

Hayley Westhoff, a top 1% producing REALTOR® of Chicago, explains that when she’s evaluating a home for presale updates, “We definitely want to make sure the paint is in good condition and that it’s the right color.” 

Choose a timeless color palette that could appeal to a range of tastes and creates a blank canvas for buyers to envision their personal touches. White is a great option, but warm grays, taupes, and creams can also create a welcoming atmosphere.

Kitchen and Bathroom Refresh

Undoubtedly, the kitchen and bathrooms experience the highest foot traffic within a home.

Loreal Urso of Dream Town Real Estate recommends updating kitchens and bathrooms over anything else. “In my experience with buyers, that’s the first thing that captures their attention,” she explains.

Even if a full remodel isn’t within budget, there are ways to do targeted updates, like painting cabinets, replacing hardware, and refreshing countertops, that can still have a major impact without the price tag of a complete overhaul.

Your All-In-One Solution

When it comes to renovating a home for a successful sale, there’s no need to get overwhelmed. By focusing on strategic updates, you can complete your renovation quickly and without excessive out-of-pocket costs.

And, instead of playing the guessing game when it comes to renovations, call your local renovation expert to get your design, construction, and financing done all-in-one while getting the home ready for a successful sale.