The Best ROI Updates Every Realtor Should Know
As a real estate professional, you’ve walked into enough listings to know: first impressions sell homes. But too often, potential buyers walk into outdated spaces that feel like a project—when they’re hoping for move-in ready.
That’s where a targeted refresh makes all the difference.
At RenoVision, we specialize in helping realtors like you prep listings with high-ROI improvements that maximize value, without full remodels or project headaches.
Here’s a breakdown you can share with clients—or use to guide your listing prep conversations.
What Buyers Want: Clean, Updated, Move-In Ready
In today’s market, buyers are more visual, more budget-conscious, and less interested in “fixers.” Minor cosmetic issues become negotiation points—or worse, they lead to lost offers.
Best Pre-Sale Updates for ROI
1. Interior Paint
- Cost: $2,500–$6,000
- ROI: Up to 150%
- Neutralize bold colors (whites, soft greys, greige)
- Makes the home feel newer, brighter, and larger
2. Flooring Updates
- Cost: $4,000–$9,000
- ROI: 100%+
- Replace tired carpet or tile with vinyl plank or engineered hardwood
- Consistent flooring helps flow and increases perceived value
3. Lighting & Hardware
- Cost: $1,000–$2,500
- ROI: 80–100%
- New light fixtures = modern, updated feel
- Cabinet pulls, doorknobs, and faucets should all match in finish and style
4. Kitchen Refresh (Not Remodel)
- Cost: $5,000–$15,000
- ROI: 85–100%
- Repaint cabinets, upgrade counters, replace dated appliances
- Clean, functional kitchens win buyers without overinvesting
5. Bathroom Updates
- Cost: $3,000–$7,500
- ROI: 75–90%
- New vanities, mirrors, and light fixtures go a long way
- Reglazing tubs and tile can modernize without demo
6. Curb Appeal
- Cost: $1,500–$4,000
- ROI: 100%+
- Paint the front door, add mulch, refresh the landscaping
- First impressions begin at the mailbox
What Not to Recommend
- Full kitchen/bath remodels unless absolutely necessary
- High-end finishes in mid-market homes
- Trendy custom colors or design risks
Quick Reference: Pre-Sale Refresh Checklist for Realtors
Use this list during listing prep or share with sellers who need a little help seeing what today’s buyers expect:
Paint
- Light, neutral tones
- Touch up trim and baseboards
- Eliminate bold accent walls
Flooring
- Replace dated tile or carpet
- Use consistent color/finish in main areas
- Deep clean grout or refinish hardwoods
Lighting & Hardware
- Swap fixtures to modern styles
- Match metals across knobs, pulls, and faucets
- Update exterior lighting
Kitchen
- Refinish or repaint cabinets
- Upgrade to quartz or stone-look laminate counters
- Add tile backsplash
- Declutter and depersonalize
Bathrooms
- New vanities, mirrors, and faucets
- Reglaze tubs/showers
- Clean caulk and grout
- Add fresh towels and neutral accessories
Curb Appeal
- Pressure wash driveway and entry
- Paint the front door
- Refresh mulch and trim shrubs
- Replace faded numbers or mailbox
Staging
- Declutter and depersonalize
- Use neutral, light-colored linens
- Consider professional or virtual staging
- Keep decor minimal and clean
Partner With RenoVision
We’re your behind-the-scenes listing prep team in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
- Fast cosmetic updates—no full remodels
- Affordable design packages
- No project management stress on you or your client
Let us help you win listings, reduce days on market, and close at stronger prices.
