Every Seller Wants to Know: Which Home Projects Should I Do for Resale?

124 Surrey Ln, San Rafael CA

The very first question we get when we meet with a homeowner who wants to sell their home - what do I need to fix or remodel for resale? As real estate agents, we like to meet with sellers at their home to walk through the property and discuss specifically which repairs to prioritize. But it also helps to have a more general idea of what's going to give you the most bang for your buck. You might be surprised which items are at the top of the list!

A recent report by the National Association of Realtors® shows which projects offered the highest returns. The Remodeling Impact Report estimates the following cost recovery at resale:

1. New Steel Front Door: 100%

2. Closet Renovation: 83%

3. New Fiberglass Front Door: 80%

4. New Vinyl Windows: 74%

5. New Wood Windows: 71%

6. Basement Conversion to Living Space: 71%

7. Attic Converstion to Living Space: 67%

8. Full Kitchen Renovation: 60%

9. Minor Kitchen Updates: 60%

10. Bathroom Addition: 56%

11. New Primary Suite: 54%

12. Bathroom Renovation 50%


This report shows that smaller projects may have the biggest impact! Less expensive items like front doors and closet organization systems can really increase the desirability of a home. We have personally seen this time and again. A front door can change the whole vibe of a home, while a closet with built-ins can deflate the stress of a buyer's overwhelming move. 

With regard to marketing a home for sale, NAR found that real estate agents recommend the following projects most:

1. Paint the Entire Home

2. Paint One Interior Room

3. New Roof

4. Kitchen Upgrade

5. Bathroom Renovation


We agree! Fresh white paint and a big ticket item like a new roof are fantastic selling points. According to the NAR article, 46% of buyers say they're less willing to compromise on the condition of a home they purchase. So it is worth while for sellers to make improvements to help justify higher home prices and therefore sell the home faster. Read the full NAR article here: NAR.realtor 12 Remodeling Projects

With our Thorne Home Team services, we have a wonderful network of professionals who can help with all your home projects - from painters to contractors to electricians, plumbers, you name it! And we are happy to manage those projects ourselves so you can get the highest price for your home when you sell.













Location: Marin County, CA, USA

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