Advice Topics
- Buying (272)
- Selling (267)
- Renting (42)
- Market News & Trends (14)
- Finance & Legal Info (115)
- Tips & Advice (106)
- Working With an Agent (62)
- Marketing (5)
- Investing (18)
- Affordable Housing (26)
- Green Housing (4)
- Schools (3)
- Remodeling (43)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (28)
- Home Loans (20)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
Is it worth fixing up a harvest gold 1970s kitchen before listing?
I have an old split-level that feels very 70s. My agent says to sell it as a project or that maybe someone will fall in love with the old look. but I see newr homes nearby going for $150k more. In this 2026 market, do buyers want homes they can customize or will people not even come to look at it because of the old feel of the listing photos?
Asked By Catherine | Indianapolis, IN | 15 views | Remodeling | Updated 2 days ago
Answers (5)
Aaron Sims
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Fixing up a dated 1970s kitchen before listing can make sense, but only if the updates meaningfully change how buyers perceive the home. In today’s market, buyers are still heavily influenced by photos, and a very dated kitchen can limit your audience before anyone even walks through the door. Many buyers say they’re open to a “project,” but in reality, most gravitate toward homes that feel updated, clean, and move‑in ready.
That said, a full renovation right before listing rarely delivers a dollar‑for‑dollar return. The smarter approach is often targeted improvements—painted cabinets, new hardware, updated lighting, fresh counters, or modern flooring. These smaller changes can dramatically shift the look without the cost of a full remodel.
If nearby homes are selling for significantly more because they’re updated, presentation matters even more. In many cases, an untouched 1970s kitchen will cap your price ceiling and reduce your buyer pool. Some buyers will see the potential, but many won’t get past the listing photos.
The key is understanding your local market and what buyers expect at your price point. Sometimes selling “as a project” is the right call, but often a few strategic updates create a stronger first impression and help you compete with the renovated homes around you
That said, a full renovation right before listing rarely delivers a dollar‑for‑dollar return. The smarter approach is often targeted improvements—painted cabinets, new hardware, updated lighting, fresh counters, or modern flooring. These smaller changes can dramatically shift the look without the cost of a full remodel.
If nearby homes are selling for significantly more because they’re updated, presentation matters even more. In many cases, an untouched 1970s kitchen will cap your price ceiling and reduce your buyer pool. Some buyers will see the potential, but many won’t get past the listing photos.
The key is understanding your local market and what buyers expect at your price point. Sometimes selling “as a project” is the right call, but often a few strategic updates create a stronger first impression and help you compete with the renovated homes around you
- 22 hours ago
Helpful (0)
Unhelpful (0)
Ryan Reed
Century 21 Homestar
Your home will attract buyers IF it is priced appropriately. While typical buyers are seeking “move in ready” homes, there is a market for homes like yours among active buyers. The key is to price it appropriate for its condition. Consider reviewing more data with your agent. Specifically, what are homes in similar condition to yours selling for? And what are homes in updated condition by similar to yours selling for? Is your split-level updated at all? Is it just the kitchen that is outdated? You could endeavor to update the kitchen as well as the rest of the house, but that is a significant investment in time as well as the upfront capital needed to fund the updates. Adding time, money, and the added layer of managing the entire project is often not practical for most homeowners. Bottom line - people will come and look at your house - just make sure you price it appropriately based on its condition.
- 1 day ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Kristin Ruther
Fivestar
Your two real options:
Option 1: Sell as-is (true “project” strategy)
This works if:
you price it clearly below updated homes
buyers instantly see the opportunity
Rule of thumb:
You need to look like the best deal, not just a slightly cheaper one.
Option 2: Light prep to remove objections (often the better play)
You don’t need a full renovation.
Focus on:
neutral paint (this is huge)
updated lighting
removing anything that screams “1970s”
clean, bright photos
This doesn’t make it “updated”—it makes it approachable.
Buyers don’t mind outdated. They do mind overwhelming.
My recommendation: Don’t rely on “someone will love the old look.”
That’s not a strategy—that’s hope.
Instead:
decide whether you’re a deal or a clean canvas
price and present accordingly
make sure photos don’t turn buyers away before they ever step inside
Option 1: Sell as-is (true “project” strategy)
This works if:
you price it clearly below updated homes
buyers instantly see the opportunity
Rule of thumb:
You need to look like the best deal, not just a slightly cheaper one.
Option 2: Light prep to remove objections (often the better play)
You don’t need a full renovation.
Focus on:
neutral paint (this is huge)
updated lighting
removing anything that screams “1970s”
clean, bright photos
This doesn’t make it “updated”—it makes it approachable.
Buyers don’t mind outdated. They do mind overwhelming.
My recommendation: Don’t rely on “someone will love the old look.”
That’s not a strategy—that’s hope.
Instead:
decide whether you’re a deal or a clean canvas
price and present accordingly
make sure photos don’t turn buyers away before they ever step inside
- 2 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Shelly Farley
RE/MAX Solutions
Do you see newer(construction) homes going for 150K more or updated/remodeled homes going for 150K? I think it all depends on your motivations and your timelines needed for your sale. If you sell your home without the updates, you of course make less. And to some people that's OK. Kitchens and bathrooms are where most of the expense comes from. What would it take financially to update your property? Do you have the funds to do so? And are you Ok with living with the construction? Will the construction time align with your moving timelines? Answering these questions should help you make a decision that's best for you.
- 2 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Jose Cardenas
Premier Sotheby's International Realty
The mo re you fix, the higher the chances to attract a better offer and more potential buyers. Do you want to sell at wholesale or retail price? The price depends on the condition of the home but also on the skills of your advisors. You have AI to easily help you visualize the new updated look. Buyers don't have time or energy or patience or money to do the renovations. If you want top dollars, the home needs to match the price. Kitchen updates are your biggest returns. Maybe a clean up refresh and not a full demo makeover is needed. I don't know the condition of your cabinets or the layout of your kitchen. Bottom line, buyers want it easy and ready.
- 2 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Related Questions
-
Should I replace my hollow doors?
My house was built in 1934 but someone replaced all the the interior doors with hollow ones, not solid wood. It seems weird in this historic house. Is it worth my money to replace them all before selling? - Rick
- Asked by Richard Maddses
- Milwaukee, WI
- 1345 views
- Remodeling
- Updated 3 years ago
-
What updates are worth it?
We're thinking of selling our condo. There are some things that are outdated or that could be updated. We don't want to waste our money on things that don't matter, but also want our condo to sell for the best possible price. So, what updates are worthwhile?
- Asked by Hudson A
- Denver, CO
- 1522 views
- Remodeling
- Updated 3 years ago