10 Ways To Make Your Home Move-In Ready To Maximize Profits
Written by
Jennifer Taylor
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
The fixer-upper market isn’t as hot as it once was. These days, buyers want to spend their money on a home they can move right into — and appeasing their wishes could pay off.
Specifically, buyers are willing to pay 3.7% more — an average of $13,194 on the typical U.S. home — than expected for remodeled homes, according to Zillow. And compared with similar homes that haven’t been upgraded, remodeled homes get 26% more daily saves and 30% more shares on Zillow.
Remodeling a home you’re planning to sell might not be too appealing, but failing to put in the work can cost you. Fixer-uppers sell for 7.3% less than homes that are similar but haven’t been remodeled, per Zillow.
Of course, all upgrades don’t offer the same return. Here’s a look at 10 move-in ready improvements that will increase the resale value of your home, according to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report by Zonda.
Also see eight challenges you could face renovating your home — and how they could cost you.
Garage Door Replacement
If your current garage door doesn’t work or just looks terrible, replacing it can increase your resale value by an average of $8,751. The job costs an average of $4,513, allowing you to recoup 193.9% of the bill.
Entry Door Replacement
Your front door is a focal point, so spending an average of $2,355 to replace it — with a steel door — won’t go unnoticed. It will increase your resale value by an average of $4,430, for an overall cost recoup of 188.1%.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Giving your house a glow up by replacing some of the vinyl with manufactured stone veneer costs an average of $11,287. However, it can increase your resale value by an average of $17,291, allowing you to recoup 153.2% of the cost.
Grand Entrance
Creating a stunning entryway with a new fiberglass door and two sidelights costs an average of $11,353. This will increase your resale value by an average of $11,054, putting 97.4% of the cost back in your pocket.
Updated Kitchen and Appliances
Most — 88% — buyers want an updated kitchen and appliances, according to HomeLight. A midrange minor kitchen remodel costs an average of $27,492, but you can expect to recoup 96.1% of the cost.
Siding Replacement
Give your home a face-lift with a siding replacement. Plan to spend around $20,619 for fiber-cement materials, recouping an average of 88.4%, and $17,410 for vinyl, recouping 80.2%.
Outdoor Improvements
Upgrading outdoor areas, such as decks and patios, can make them more appealing to 51% of buyers, according to HomeLight. Adding a wooden deck costs an average of $17,615 — recouping 82.9% of costs — while a composite deck averages $24,206, with a 68.2% cost recoupment.
Updated Primary Bath
Around one-third — 36% — of buyers consider a more luxurious primary bath a key selling point, according to HomeLight. Plan to spend around $25,251 on a midrange bath remodel, which will increase your resale value by approximately $18,613.
Window Replacement
A vinyl window replacement project costs an average of $21,264, increasing your resale value by $14,270. For a wood window replacement, plan to spend $25,799, which can give your resale a $16,222 boost.
HVAC Conversion
Upgrading your fossil-fuel furnace to an electric heat pump for heating and cooling can increase your resale value by approximately $12,422. Plan to spend around $18,800 on this job, which can allow you to recoup 66.1% of costs.
More From GOBankingRates
