Should You Remodel Before You Sell?

By Ron Moore – Real Estate Agent in Collin County, TX

If you’re preparing to sell your home and wondering whether remodeling is worth the time, cost, and effort, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from homeowners in Collin County is:
Should I remodel before I sell?

The answer? It depends. In this blog post, we’ll look at what upgrades actually pay off, what buyers are looking for in today’s market, and how to make smart decisions that can help you sell faster and for more money—especially if you’re targeting buyers who are moving to Collin County.

Focus Key Phrase: Should You Remodel Before You Sell

Related Key Phrase: best home upgrades before selling

Primary Synonym: renovate before selling
Related Synonym: home improvements to sell

Why It Matters: Buyers Expect More Than Ever

Today’s buyers—especially those relocating to areas like Collin County—are looking for move-in-ready homes. They often don’t want to take on projects or repairs after closing. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (opens in a new tab), homes that are updated tend to sell faster and with fewer price reductions.

So if you’re hoping to attract buyers who are moving to your city and comparing listings online, your home’s condition can make or break the sale.

Remodel or Not? Start With These 3 Questions:

Before you hire a contractor or head to Home Depot, ask yourself:

What’s the condition of the current market in my area?
How does my home compare to similar listings nearby?
Can I afford the time and money needed for updates?

An experienced local agent (like me!) can help you assess these factors and decide whether you should renovate before selling or sell as-is.

Cosmetic Improvements That Pay Off

Some upgrades offer a high return on investment (ROI) without requiring full renovations. Here are low-to-moderate cost improvements that help boost your home’s value:

1. Fresh Paint

A new coat of neutral paint can brighten any room and give your home a clean, modern look. According to Zillow (opens in a new tab), certain paint colors can even add thousands to your sale price.

2. Minor Kitchen Upgrades

Updating cabinet hardware, adding new light fixtures, and replacing outdated faucets can instantly modernize your kitchen without a full remodel. The Cost vs. Value Report (opens in a new tab) notes that minor kitchen remodels often recoup 70% or more of the investment.

3. Flooring Refresh

Buyers today expect hard surface flooring. If your carpet is dated or worn, replacing it with luxury vinyl plank or refinishing hardwood floors can make a huge difference.

4. Bathroom Touch-Ups

Simple updates like a new vanity mirror, upgraded faucet, and clean grout lines go a long way. Consider replacing any yellowing tubs or dated tile with a clean, neutral option.

5. Landscaping

Curb appeal counts. According to HomeLight (opens in a new tab), landscaping improvements can return 100% or more of their cost in many cases.

When a Full Remodel Might Make Sense

There are some cases when major remodeling before selling could make financial sense:

Your home is in a desirable neighborhood but is significantly outdated
Similar homes nearby are fully updated and selling faster
You plan to stay in the home for 6–12 months before selling

Just be careful not to over-renovate. You don’t want to outspend your neighborhood and miss the mark on ROI. A full kitchen gut or bathroom overhaul often costs more than it returns—especially if you’re trying to sell quickly.

For high-end renovations, it’s best to consult with a local real estate agent and a contractor who knows what buyers want in Collin County.

What Not to Bother Remodeling

Not all updates offer value to buyers. Save your money by skipping:

Garage conversions: Most buyers prefer a traditional garage
High-end fixtures or appliances: You won’t always see a return
Swimming pools: In some markets, pools can turn off buyers or lower appraisals

Instead of spending $40,000 on a major kitchen renovation, spend $3,000 on updates that make the space feel modern and functional.

The Buyer’s Perspective: What They’re Really Looking For

If you’re targeting buyers moving to Collin County, here’s what matters most:

Move-in readiness (no major repairs needed)
Updated kitchens and baths
Clean, neutral finishes
Good curb appeal
A home that shows well online

Today’s buyers are researching homes online before ever stepping foot inside. You only get one chance to make a first impression. That means listing photos matter, and updated homes get more views and better offers.

Consider staging key areas or using virtual staging to enhance appeal—especially if you’re not doing a full remodel.

Remodeling vs. Price Reduction

Sometimes, sellers think it’s easier to drop the price than to remodel. But here’s the catch: buyers often overestimate the cost of repairs and will reduce their offer significantly more than the actual cost of fixing the issue.

For example:

A $2,000 flooring project may result in a $7,000–$10,000 reduction in offers
An outdated bathroom could scare away buyers entirely

This is where strategic pre-sale improvements—guided by a real estate expert—can maximize your profit.

Real Numbers: ROI on Common Remodels

Here are some national averages from the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report (opens in a new tab):

Minor kitchen remodel: ~71% ROI
Bathroom refresh: ~66% ROI
New garage door: ~94% ROI
Entry door replacement (steel): ~88% ROI
New siding or paint: ~69% ROI

Keep in mind, these are averages. Homes in desirable markets like Collin County can see even better returns.

Lead Magnet: Free Pre-Sale Home Value Report

Want to know how much your home could sell for—with or without renovations?

📩 Click here to request your free custom home valuation
I’ll deliver a full report including:

Estimated selling price
Renovation recommendations
Cost-effective upgrades
Comparable sales nearby

You’ll know exactly what to expect—no guessing, no commitment.

Lead Magnet: Get a “Remodel ROI Checklist”

Thinking about updating your home but not sure where to start?

📩 Click here to download my free Remodel ROI Checklist
It includes:

The top 10 upgrades that buyers want in 2025
What to avoid (and why)
Budget-friendly updates with high return

This free guide will help you make smart, informed decisions before listing your home.

Next Steps: Sell Smarter, Not Harder

The decision to renovate before selling depends on your goals, your budget, and your local market conditions. In fast-moving, competitive areas like Collin County, even small upgrades can lead to faster sales and higher profits.

Don’t go it alone. I help sellers evaluate exactly what’s worth fixing, what’s not, and how to prep your home for a strong sale.

📞 Call or Text Me at 214-542-2405
📧 Or schedule your free pre-listing consultation today

Let’s make sure your home stands out—and sells for top dollar—in today’s market.