Should You Renovate Before Selling? A Guide for OC Sellers

Thinking about selling your home in South Orange County and wondering if you should renovate first? You’re not alone. Here's what to consider when deciding whether to upgrade before you list.

When Renovating Makes Sense

• Outdated Kitchens or Baths: These are top priorities for buyers. A mid-range kitchen remodel can return up to 80% ROI.

• Major Wear-and-Tear: If buyers walk in and mentally tally repair costs, you’re likely to get low offers.

• Your Neighborhood Supports It: If neighboring homes are updated, you may need to compete.

When to Skip It

• Time-Sensitive Move: If you're relocating quickly, focus on cleaning, staging, and minor cosmetic touch-ups.

• Low ROI Projects: Pools, luxury appliance upgrades, or full room additions often don’t return dollar-for-dollar value.

What Always Pays Off

• Fresh paint, updated light fixtures, deep cleaning, landscaping, and decluttering. These inexpensive fixes can completely change a first impression.

Pro Tip: We offer seller consults where we walk through your home and help you prioritize what’s worth fixing. Let’s get you top dollar without unnecessary expense.