Must-do remodels and repairs before you sell for a great return on investment

If you’re thinking about selling a home you’ve been living in for some time, take a moment to look at it through a potential buyer’s eyes. If you’ve been putting off small repairs or ignoring your dated kitchen’s problems, these may be the first thing a buyer notices. And these issues can prevent you from getting the most for your home when you sell. So, does it make sense to make repairs before you sell?

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), nearly half of homebuyers want a home in good condition when purchasing. And while that means it might take some work to get your home sale-ready, there are a few things that can help you earn more for your dollar. Here’s where you can start.

The top project real estate agents recommend sellers do before listing is to paint the house. Half of the agents surveyed in the NAR report recommend painting the entire home, while 40 percent recommend painting at least one interior room. In addition to decluttering and depersonalizing, one of the next things to tackle is painting any personalized color choices to keep from distracting buyers.

Neutral colors like soft greys, warm beiges and browns, whites, and even subtle shades of lavender or light blue create a blank canvas in your home. It helps buyers picture themselves in the space and can even help your home feel move-in ready. Neutral tones can also help a home feel more spacious, brighter, and cohesive. And these colors can make it more appealing to a wider audience, which can increase your bottom line at a price that’s worthwhile. Whether you paint both the inside and outside or the main living area, paint can go a long way toward helping you get your home ready to sell fast.

Real estate agents agree that one of the most appealing updates for buyers is an upgraded or renovated kitchen. Before you make formal plans, talk to a contractor to better understand the costs. A full renovation of a kitchen might not get you the best return on investment — only an approximate 35 percent return on investment in the Triangle for a high-end luxury kitchen. But you can upgrade a kitchen in numerous cost-effective ways.

For example, a budget-friendly refresh or kitchen facelift can bring a 93.5 percent return on investment in the Triangle area. A simple refresh can involve a fresh coat of paint, a new backsplash, and new tiling. Meanwhile, a facelift may include upgraded countertops, new flooring, and the replacement of outdated appliances. It may be worth the investment to see such a high return if your kitchen needs an update. Kitchen upgrades are in high demand from buyers.

One of the top home repairs before you sell is a roof renovation. And while it may not be the most exciting upgrade to a home, it’s one of the smartest. The NAR report shows that a new roof is in high demand from potential buyers. When you take care of the roof in advance of listing your home, you may see a nearly 60 percent return on investment.

Homes with newer roofs tend to sell faster, which is especially appealing for the Triangle area, where good-quality resale homes are in high demand. A new roof also adds to curb appeal. And it can be especially appealing for anyone who would rather avoid the cost of a new roof in the coming years.

Modern home buyers are obsessed with storage space, yet closets are often overlooked when sellers want to make a great impression. What’s more, the NAR report states that a closet renovation can see an 83 percent return on investment. With the help of custom shelving, lighting, and even upgraded doors, a closet renovation can appeal significantly to potential buyers.

If you have a small closet, consider decluttering and keeping closets only 60 percent full — or less — to help the closet feel spacious. In any size closet, adding uniform hangers, decorative baskets, and smart storage can help closet spaces feel more functional and spacious. Thoughtful closet upgrades can help your home stand out in buyers’ minds, ultimately translating into stronger offers and a faster sale.

The NAR report shows that there are a few simple upgrades to your home that can bring a high return on investment with minimal work. For example, a new steel front door, which can range between $150 to $4,000, can bring a 100 percent return on investment and boost curb appeal significantly. New windows may bring a more than 70 percent return to your home.

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest difference. And while some of these changes may seem subtle, they can make a large impact on what a buyer offers or how quickly the home sells.

Before you start making repairs, talk to an experienced real estate agent who has a good pulse on the Triangle market. With their knowledge, they can help you better identify the must-do remodels or repairs before you sell.