One of the most common questions sellers ask is: “Should we do some updates before listing?”

It’s a great question — and the right answer isn’t always “yes.”

While updates can improve a home, the more important question is whether the money you spend will actually come back to you when you sell. In today’s market, that matters more than ever.

Renovating vs. Netting More

A few years ago, renovations often paid off quickly. Buyers were competing, inventory was tight, and sellers could expect close to a dollar-for-dollar return on upgrades.

Today, buyers are more price-sensitive. They’re cautious, selective, and not always willing to pay extra for improvements — especially in homes that aren’t already modern. That means spending more doesn’t always translate into taking more home.

My job isn’t just to help you sell — it’s to help you net the most possible from your sale.

How Buyers Actually Decide

Buyers don’t fall in love with a home because of one specific finish. They connect emotionally to:

• Light and openness

• Layout and flow

• Overall condition

• How the home feels

Before they think about countertops or flooring, they’re imagining their life in the space. If a home feels bright, welcoming, and well cared for, buyers are far more likely to engage — even if they plan to personalize later.

That’s why heavy renovations don’t always move the needle the way sellers expect. Many buyers assume they’ll customize anyway.

When Updates Make Sense

Instead of big projects, I usually look for strategic improvements that protect your return, such as:

• Fresh, neutral paint

• Decluttering and staging

• Improving lighting

• Minor repairs that affect first impressions

• Creating strong emotional appeal

These changes are about positioning, not over-investing.

Sometimes a home truly benefits from upgrades. Other times, the smartest move is pricing well and letting the next owner make their own changes — without you carrying the risk.

The Goal Isn’t to Spend More — It’s to Net More

Every home is different, and every market is different. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to renovations before selling.

The real strategy is knowing where to invest, where to hold back, and how to present your home so buyers connect emotionally and confidently.

If you’re thinking about selling and wondering what’s worth doing — and what’s not — I’m always happy to walk through it with you and help you make smart, return-focused decisions.