8 Myths and Truths About Renovating Your Home Before Selling

It can be an overwhelming challenge to prepare your home for selling. As much as you may have a soft spot for it, potential buyers may see your property differently from you. So it’s time to make some changes and carry out some major renovations. 

Or is it?

A wealth of conflicting information is out there, telling you what and what not to do before selling. So we’ve decided to speak to real estate professionals and get the lowdown; busting the myths and finding out the truths.

Is curb appeal really that important? Is a major bathroom renovation actually going to make you money? Find out in the list of 8 myths and truths below what experts recommend you do, and those projects they recommend you needn’t bother. 

1. DIY fixes are worth the savings

Myth

First of all, unless you're a highly skilled DIY expert with extensive experience, the idea that DIY fixes can save you money is often a myth. Poorly executed repairs can be a major deterrent for potential homebuyers and, if not addressed properly, may lead to even bigger problems. This can result in more costly repairs down the road. Andrew Fortune, Owner of Great Colorado Homes agrees, saying “If you decide to do DIY repairs, make sure that you are skilled enough to do them to the same standards as the professionals. Otherwise, you may spend more time and money in the long run.”

While it might be tempting to save on labor costs by fixing a small hole in the siding or replacing a few roof shingles, a subpar job could cause leaks, dampness, sagging, or mismatched colors—all things a professional inspector will notice. These issues can undermine a buyer’s confidence in the home, leaving you with expensive repairs they’re unwilling to take on.

2. Big, costly renovations will make you money

Myth

You may assume that carrying out a major overhaul of a room or feature, as expensive as it may be, will raise the price of your home enough to pay for that project and then some. As Mike Chappell, Co-Founder and COO of FormsPal explains “Over-investing in things like high-end kitchens or luxury bathrooms might not give you the return you expect, especially if your home is in a mid-range market.” Ryan Chaw, Real Estate Investor and Founder of Newbie Real Estate Investing agrees, saying “Inexpensive home upgrades, like window replacements, can increase your home's value without breaking the bank.” Consider lower-cost projects that still impact home value. 

The data backs this up. Most major projects will increase home value, but not enough to make you money. When you compare the cost vs value of interior home projects, no project has a return on investment (ROI) of 100% or more. Most ROIs above 100% are for smaller, less expensive projects such as a garage door replacement (194%) or a steel entry door replacement (188%).

3. Replace the roof before selling

Myth

If the roof is old but still in good shape (not leaking), it doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced, as this will not increase the value significantly. This concept applies to all of the house’s systems; they are checklist items for the inspector.

Joe Boone

|

Realtor

| Boone Buys Houses

A roof replacement is often considered a necessary value booster. However, Ben Wagner, Owner of Leave The Key Homebuyers says ”A new roof is essential for structural integrity, but it doesn’t typically provide a high return on investment in terms of increasing sale price. You can always offer a credit to the buyer so they can replace it themselves. Buyers expect a functional roof, so replacing it is more about meeting expectations than adding value.”

While homebuyers are often very, and rightly, concerned about the state of the roof, a complete replacement might not yield the added value you may think. However, an inspector will take a very close look at the roof, so make sure to hire a roofing professional to inspect it for any necessary repairs before listing your home. 

4. Changing interior paint colors can add home value

True

You will have heard people say that a lick of paint can give a new lease of life to a room. But did you know that it could add value to your home, meaning receiving higher offers? Well according to Fixr.com’s Paint and Color Trends report, 81% of top experts recommend warm neutral paint colors in interiors to boost home value, while another 69% also advise using warm whites. Whereas when asked which is the most off-putting color to buyers, 59% of experts said red. 

A paint job may definitely be worth it if you currently have very bold colors that could be overpowering a space and not to the taste of most people viewing the home. Dino Dinenna, Real Estate Broker at Hilton Head Real Estate, agrees; “Fresh paint is cost-effective: A new coat of neutral paint can make spaces appear larger and well-kept, attracting a broad range of buyers.”

5. Curb appeal is important

True

You’ll hear a lot about curb appeal when it comes time to sell your home. Curb appeal is the first impression a potential buyer gets from the street. As the old saying goes, you don’t get a second chance at a first impression. It’s wise to take time to take care of how your home looks from the outside. 

Another truth is that curb appeal matters more than many sellers realize.

Yosef Adde

|

Founder

| South Bay Realtor

Clean siding, a healthy roof, and a neat and tidy porch all count. However, landscaping is what 91% of real estate experts say is the number one priority. Mike Golab, Investor/Realtor at HomeSmart, agrees, saying “Basic tasks of painting a front door, keeping landscaping tidy (landscaping increases value up to 7-15%), and adding new exterior lighting go a long way to make any home feel inviting and cared for. These are low-cost alterations that greatly enhance a home's marketability.”

6. You should prioritize renovating over just deep cleaning and decluttering

Myth

A renovation of one or multiple rooms is a costly task. But it’s not entirely necessary. When asked, a majority of 96% of real estate professionals say that they recommend professional decluttering, while 88% also advise an entire home cleaning before selling. This compares to only 57% who recommend painting walls. Depending on your home’s current condition, no type of remodeling may be necessary. As Tim Trainum points out “A buyer will not buy a renovated home, paying top dollar, only to demo and incur a second capital improvement expense in addition to the one they just paid to the seller.” Depersonalizing the home and opening up the space as much as possible can be enough for buyers to envisage putting their own stamp on the place. 

7. Kitchens and bathrooms will get you the best ROI

True

If you are struggling to sell, it may be because one of the major rooms is just too off-putting. In this case, a kitchen or bathroom remodel may be worth it. But only minor remodels. “One myth is that you need to completely renovate the kitchen and bathrooms to sell a home. While these rooms are important, minor updates like new hardware or fresh paint can make a big impact without the heavy costs” says Kenneth Sesley, Real Estate Expert with Top Ranked Home Buyers. A minor kitchen remodel can see up to a 96% return on investment, while a mid-range bathroom remodel could potentially reach 73% ROI. 

8. Home staging is worth it

True

Home staging can make your home appear at its best. Using the latest design trends to modernize and let homebuyers see its full potential. Adde says “A critical truth is that staging your home has a significant impact on its sale. Staging helps potential buyers visualize themselves in the space, making the home feel more inviting and move-in ready​.” If you find your home is not selling, it is probably worth getting in touch with a top home staging expert who could transform your home into a more sellable asset. And it doesn’t have to be a costly project, as Chaw says “You can hire a freelancer to virtually stage your property for less than $100.”