Upgrading Before Selling: Which Home Improvements Deliver the Best ROI This Year

🛠️ Upgrading Before Selling: Which Home Improvements Deliver the Best ROI This Year

📍 Upgrading Before Selling: Which Home Improvements Deliver the Best ROI This Year

Thinking of sprucing up before you sell? Great idea — but not all upgrades deliver the same value.

In 2025, buyers in Chattanooga Valley want move-in-ready homes that feel modern and fresh—but many sellers overestimate which projects actually pay off.

Here’s your guide to the best upgrades for return on investment this year.

🎨 1. Fresh Paint (Inside & Out)

ROI: 90%–120%
Nothing transforms a home faster than clean, neutral paint.

Benefits:

• Makes spaces look larger and lighter

• Covers dated colors

• Improves listing photos instantly

Stick to neutral shades buyers love: warm whites, greige, and soft grays.

🍽️ 2. Minor Kitchen Refreshes

ROI: 70%–90%
You don’t need a full remodel — just updates that feel modern and clean:

✔ New cabinet hardware
✔ Fresh lighting fixtures
✔ Updated faucet
✔ A stylish backsplash

Buyers spend more time in kitchens — and even small updates make a big impact.

🛁 3. Bathroom Updates That Sell

ROI: 65%–85%
Bathrooms matter… but you don’t need tile from ceiling to floor.

High-impact upgrades include:

• New vanity hardware

• Frameless mirror or updated mirror lighting

• Fresh grout, caulk, and deep cleaning

• Modern showerheads and faucets

Clean + updated = higher perceived value.

🌿 4. Boosted Curb Appeal

ROI: 90%–120%
First impressions happen before the first showing — online and in person.

Focus on:

• Power washing siding and walkways

• Front door refresh

• New house numbers and porch lighting

• Mulching and seasonal plants

Beautiful curb appeal leads to more showings, which leads to better offers.

🌡️ 5. Energy-Efficient Upgrades

ROI: 60%–80%
In 2025, buyers care about lower utility costs and smart tech.

Consider:

• Smart thermostat

• LED lighting throughout

• High-efficiency HVAC tune-up

• Updated insulation or attic work

These improvements often show up as value add in buyer minds — even if not reflected in comps yet.

🪵 6. Flooring You Can Live With

ROI: 70%–100%
Old carpet or tired floors age a home. Upgrading flooring can elevate the entire space.

Options buyers love:
✔ Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
✔ Refinished hardwoods
✔ Consistent flooring throughout main areas

A unified look makes a home feel more spacious and premium.

🧠 Featured Snippet

Best home improvements for 2025 ROI:

• Fresh paint (inside & out)

• Kitchen hardware & lighting updates

• Bathroom refreshes

• Curb appeal enhancements

• Energy-efficient upgrades

• Stylish flooring

🏁 Final Thought

The smartest upgrades are not always the most expensive — they’re the ones buyers notice first, appreciate most, and find irresistible.

At Hanson Capital Homes, we help sellers tailor upgrades that deliver the biggest bang for their budget and their timeline.

🎯 Want a custom upgrade plan for your home? Click here!