Are you or a loved one preparing to sell a longtime family home? You're not alone—and you're part of a growing trend. According to Harvard’s 2025 Housing Report, seniors are now a driving force in the renovation market. But aging homes, outdated features, and deferred maintenance can create roadblocks when it’s time to sell.

So how can older homeowners prepare their homes for the market without all the stress? That’s where smart, professionally managed updates come in.

Seniors Are Leading the Renovation Market

Harvard’s latest research reveals a significant shift in who’s driving home improvement spending—and seniors are at the center of it.

• Homeowners aged 65+ now account for 27% of all home improvement spending, nearly double their share from 20 years ago (14% in 2003).

• Their per-household renovation spending rose 35% between 2013 and 2023, reflecting a growing demand for professional services and higher-impact updates.

For seniors, updating their home isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about maximizing value and simplifying life transitions, often with the help of family or trusted advisors.

Older Homes Need More Than a Fresh Coat of Paint

The median age of a U.S. home hit 42 years in 2023—the oldest on record. Many of the homes long owned by seniors were built before 1980, and that matters for two reasons:

• They cost 24% more to update than newer homes.

• They require 76% more in ongoing maintenance.

These homes often have outdated layouts, worn finishes, and aging systems—things today’s buyers notice right away. Without updates, these listings can linger on the market or sell well below asking.

Seniors Prefer Professional, Done-for-You Help

In 2023, homeowners aged 65 and over spent 88% of their renovation dollars on professionally installed projects. The message is clear: Seniors want renovation support they can trust.

DIY isn’t appealing when your time is limited or mobility is reduced. For many older adults, managing contractors, timelines, and design decisions can quickly become overwhelming.

What they need is a turnkey solution—something that feels manageable and low-pressure, yet still delivers a fresh, market-ready home.

Delaying Updates Can Cost Seniors Equity

Failing to update a home before listing often results in:

• Lower offers from buyers looking to negotiate

• Longer time on market due to outdated features

• Reduced equity—a major concern for those counting on the sale to fund retirement or long-term care

According to Harvard, homes in substandard condition are most often owned by older, lower-income homeowners. Without guidance or support, these sellers risk losing out on the full value of their property.

What Seniors (and Their Families) Really Need

Whether it’s a homeowner making decisions for themselves or adult children helping a parent prepare for a move, one thing is clear: they’re not just looking for a contractor—they need a partner.

Here’s what matters most:

• Modernizing key areas to make the home attractive to buyers

• Eliminating stress through full-service project management

• Getting it done quickly to align with selling timelines

• Maximizing value without over-improving the home

How Renovation Sells Supports Senior Homeowners

At Renovation Sells, we specialize in smart, value-driven renovations that make selling easier—especially for aging homeowners and their families. From design to final touch-ups, we manage every detail to reduce stress and maximize value.

Ready to talk next steps? Contact your local Renovation Sells team to see how we can support you—or your loved ones—through a smooth and successful home sale.