If you’re thinking of selling your home in 2025, you are going to want to prepare so that it sells as quickly as possible. A tricky balancing act for home selling is knowing how to invest wisely in order to receive the best possible offers. You don’t want to rush into replacing your roof at a large expense if it's not necessary, as you won’t make a return on your investment.
With so much information out there telling you what and what not to do, we let professionals and statistics do the talking. We have gathered the latest data from Fixr reports. These stats are based on survey results from top industry experts. This way, you can make an informed decision on how best to ready your home for potential buyers to see. Take a look at the 7 recommended projects below.
1. Paint the living area with soft or warm whites
A huge majority of 85% of interior design and home staging experts say soft or warm whites will add the most value to your home. Gentle, warm white tones equal a comfortable and welcoming environment. They also serve as a neutral backdrop, allowing potential buyers to envision personalizing the space to their liking.
While bold, striking colors might be on-trend, they’re better left for buyers to incorporate after they move in. For instance, a rich burgundy might appeal to some but feel out of place or overwhelming to others. Having a blank canvas is key, while still creating a homely feel.
2. Remove any lime green or bold pink
Everyone has their tastes and a home should always be to the owner's liking. But selling a home is different, and needs to appeal to buyers. 73% of professionals say that lime green is the most off-putting color for new home hunters. Lime green is a divisive color. Some people may love it, but the risk is some people may hate it. Being such a bold hue, it’s difficult to see past it and the potential a home has.
Another 42% of experts say that bold pink is what will put buyers off the most. Similarly to lime green, this color is extremely loud. Homebuyers' first thoughts will be on what they want/need to change, rather than what they love.
3. Hire a professional cleaning and decluttering service
96% of real estate professionals recommend hiring a professional to declutter the home. Decluttering a home creates a more spacious and tidy appearance. An excess of items can distract from the home's potential and often makes rooms feel smaller and more confined. It’s a ruthless task, and it's best left to an outsider. That ornament you bought at a market in Europe is a must-have decorative item in your eyes; to everyone else, it’s taking up valuable space.
4. Consider a minor kitchen remodel
You might consider undertaking many home projects to make your home appealing to buyers. However, one way to help you make a decision is to consider the return on your investment. According to Remodeling’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a minor kitchen remodel can recoup 96.1%. This is the most important part of any fairly intrusive and costly job before selling.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and can often be a deal breaker for many. With such a high return on investment, it's worth considering if your kitchen requires a touch-up and some modernizing.
5. Install a kitchen island
If you have the space, think about installing a kitchen island. Kitchen islands are hugely popular among home buyers. In Fixr’s Home Buyers’ Top Priority Features report, kitchen islands topped the list, with 61% of experts believing it’s the feature people look for the most.
A kitchen island offers numerous advantages, enhancing both the style and functionality of your kitchen while also providing space for bar seating. It adds valuable countertop area for meal preparation and cooking, making tasks more efficient and keeping things well-organized. Additionally, with integrated storage features like cabinets and drawers, an island helps maintain a clutter-free kitchen.
6. Paint the front door black, or replace it with a wooden door
The most popular, on-trend front door color this year is wood-grain, followed by black. 75% of top window and door industry professionals say wooden exterior doors are the most in demand. This ties in with other popular trends in 2025, such as integrating nature into home design.
Black is also a sought-after front door color; according to 50% of experts, it is the most wanted. The elegant and modern style matches any siding color, enhancing a home’s curb appeal which is majorly important when selling your property.
7. Maintain roof and siding
As mentioned, curb appeal is hugely important for home sellers. It is the first thing a potential buyer sees as they pull up outside. Two huge exterior expenses are the roof and siding. Therefore, it makes sense to keep them well-maintained and looking in tip-top shape. If a buyer sees a roof with shingles missing, they may assume that buying the home will mean instant costly repairs.
A roof inspection costs roughly $400, with a professional being able to tell you if there is anything urgent that needs to be taken care of. While having a professional clean your siding to keep your home looking its best will set you back around $500.