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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 There are some things that are outdated or that could be updated.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 | 1520 views | Remodeling | Updated 3 years ago
Answers (12)
Tania Gardere MacLeod
EXP REALTY LLC
I’d always encourage sellers to start with anything that is needing repairs, stained, cracked, leaking, etc. having a home that is in great shape is bette Ethan having a kitchen remodel but deferred maintenance everywhere else.
Roof, windows, hvac, water heater, siding, deck, wood rot, etc. always start with those.
If the home is in excellent shape but needs some updates…. I’d start with the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home… then outdoor space - landscape, deck, outdoor entertainment space… then back inside for bathrooms… fresh paint is always the top ROI!
Roof, windows, hvac, water heater, siding, deck, wood rot, etc. always start with those.
If the home is in excellent shape but needs some updates…. I’d start with the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home… then outdoor space - landscape, deck, outdoor entertainment space… then back inside for bathrooms… fresh paint is always the top ROI!
- 2 years ago
Helpful (2)
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Agni Mitra
Keller Williams Arizona Realty
In most cases, any upgrades unless the condo is in a terrible shape do not yield a good ROI. Decluttering and a good deep clean followed by painting would yield the best return and help sell your property fast as it would stand out more. If you really want to do some upgrades, spend it for things you can do in the kitchen and bathrooms as those yield the best returns. However, as with most things, get some advice from your real estate agent. For great agents in your neighborhood look them up at this site:
https://www.fastexpert.com/rsp/agni-mitra-78257/
Good luck!
https://www.fastexpert.com/rsp/agni-mitra-78257/
Good luck!
- 2 years ago
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Kristen Adams
RE/MAX GOLD
The best return-on-investment updates are updates to kitchens, baths, and floors. The simplest and least expensive updates that make a big difference are painting and cleaning/decluttering.
- 3 years ago
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Dave Carney
Abbey Realty, Inc
Kitchen remodels return 85% of investment - which means a 15% loss, However, updating and upgrading make homes stand out against the competition and make homes more desirable. Be careful when considering upgrades. Make sure the condo is super clean and freshly painted. A well done paintjob is a great investment.
- 3 years ago
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Steven Hunt
Real Broker NY LLC
Kitchens and bathrooms. Paint as well.
- 3 years ago
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Stephanie Biello
Biello & Black Group
When considering what updates are worth investing in, it is important to take into consideration the overall condition of the condo and your target market. It may be beneficial to invest in projects that will have a lasting impact on your home’s value, such as updating outdated appliances or fixtures, making cosmetic improvements (e.g., painting, replacing countertops or flooring), or tackling more elaborate projects such as expanding the space. Additionally, you may want to consider ways to make the home energy efficient, which could also add value for potential buyers. Ultimately, it is wise to consult with a local real estate agent to gain insight on what upgrades could help your property stand out and maximize its selling price.
- 3 years ago
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Melissa Key
Woodland Realty, Inc.
Updates can be tricky. You are wise to reach out to professional realtors/brokers for advise. So much depends on your immediate market area and the competition within the market. For example, if your property only needs relatively inexpensive cosmetic upgrades it very well may be worth the investment. Do allow Fast Expert to help you find an experienced professional to help you, and do your homework when interviewing different agents. Experience definitely matters and it matters more now more than ever in a market that is changing every day! A seasoned Broker who successfully survived 2008/2009 will be well equipped to advise you in this current enviroment.
- 3 years ago
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Jennifer Leche
RE/MAX Properties East
Market conditions in your area will dictate what is considered egregious and what is considered passable. As the market changes and shifts towards a more buyer friendly market place, take the opportunity to reach out to your local realtors to discuss their opinions about what needs to be changed. Consider having an open house for agents. Feed them lunch and ask their opinion. Then you can find an agent that you trust - who has professionals to handle the job on hand and can help you sell your place.
btw, Painting your ceiling is the least expensive way to brighten your entire space. Good luck!
btw, Painting your ceiling is the least expensive way to brighten your entire space. Good luck!
- 3 years ago
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Freddie Gomberg
Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach Realtors
This is exactly the right question — because the goal isn’t to update… it’s to get a return.
Before spending a dollar, I always look at the condition of the competing condos in your price range.
That tells us what buyers expect and where your money will actually come back to you.
The updates that usually do pay off:
✔ Paint (light, neutral, fresh) – biggest ROI, instantly makes a home feel newer
✔ Flooring if it’s worn or dated – especially carpet replacement
✔ Lighting & fixtures – inexpensive and dramatically changes the feel
✔ Kitchen & bath touch-ups – think hardware, faucets, mirrors, quartz over old laminate (not full gut jobs)
✔ Professional cleaning & staging – presentation drives offers
The updates that usually don’t pay off:
✖ Full kitchen or bath renovations
✖ High-end upgrades in a mid-range condo community
✖ Anything buyers would want to choose themselves
The condo-specific reality:
Buyers compare units side-by-side online in seconds.
If yours looks cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready than the competition — you win, even without major renovations.
💬 Bottom line:
Don’t remodel to sell.
Strategically improve so your condo feels like the best value in the building.
Skip the big renovations. Paint, flooring, lighting, and clean, updated finishes bring the best return. The goal is to outshine the competing units — not to build your dream kitchen for the next owner.
Before spending a dollar, I always look at the condition of the competing condos in your price range.
That tells us what buyers expect and where your money will actually come back to you.
The updates that usually do pay off:
✔ Paint (light, neutral, fresh) – biggest ROI, instantly makes a home feel newer
✔ Flooring if it’s worn or dated – especially carpet replacement
✔ Lighting & fixtures – inexpensive and dramatically changes the feel
✔ Kitchen & bath touch-ups – think hardware, faucets, mirrors, quartz over old laminate (not full gut jobs)
✔ Professional cleaning & staging – presentation drives offers
The updates that usually don’t pay off:
✖ Full kitchen or bath renovations
✖ High-end upgrades in a mid-range condo community
✖ Anything buyers would want to choose themselves
The condo-specific reality:
Buyers compare units side-by-side online in seconds.
If yours looks cleaner, brighter, and more move-in ready than the competition — you win, even without major renovations.
💬 Bottom line:
Don’t remodel to sell.
Strategically improve so your condo feels like the best value in the building.
Skip the big renovations. Paint, flooring, lighting, and clean, updated finishes bring the best return. The goal is to outshine the competing units — not to build your dream kitchen for the next owner.
- 2 weeks ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Haley Doeppers
Sotheby's International Realty Wine Country
Updates That Usually Give the Best Return
1. Fresh Paint (One of the best investments)
Neutral colors like white, light gray, or beige
Makes the space look larger, brighter, and newer
💡 Cost: Low
💰 Return: Very high
2. Update Lighting Fixtures
Replace old brass or dated fixtures
Use modern LED lights or simple contemporary fixtures
Buyers notice lighting immediately because it affects the whole feel of the home.
3. Kitchen Touch-Ups
You usually don’t need a full kitchen remodel.
Instead:
Paint or refinish cabinets
Replace cabinet hardware
Install a new faucet
Consider updated backsplash
💡 Small updates can make the kitchen look 10+ years newer.
4. Bathroom Improvements
Simple upgrades work well:
New mirror or vanity light
Replace faucets
Re-caulk tubs and sinks
Install a new shower head
Clean, fresh bathrooms strongly influence buyers.
5. Flooring Fixes
If flooring is worn:
Deep clean carpets
Replace badly damaged carpet
Refinish hardwood if possible
Old flooring is one of the biggest turnoffs for buyers.
6. Decluttering and Staging
This costs little but has huge impact.
Remove excess furniture
Clear countertops
Add simple décor and plants
Staged homes often sell faster and for more.
Updates That Usually Aren’t Worth It
Before selling, avoid spending big money on:
❌ Full kitchen remodel
❌ Major structural renovations
❌ High-end appliances
❌ Luxury upgrades buyers may change anyway
You rarely get the full cost back.
✅ Simple rule:
If buyers see it in the first 10 seconds, it’s worth updating.
Paint, lighting, kitchens, and bathrooms influence most purchase decisions.
1. Fresh Paint (One of the best investments)
Neutral colors like white, light gray, or beige
Makes the space look larger, brighter, and newer
💡 Cost: Low
💰 Return: Very high
2. Update Lighting Fixtures
Replace old brass or dated fixtures
Use modern LED lights or simple contemporary fixtures
Buyers notice lighting immediately because it affects the whole feel of the home.
3. Kitchen Touch-Ups
You usually don’t need a full kitchen remodel.
Instead:
Paint or refinish cabinets
Replace cabinet hardware
Install a new faucet
Consider updated backsplash
💡 Small updates can make the kitchen look 10+ years newer.
4. Bathroom Improvements
Simple upgrades work well:
New mirror or vanity light
Replace faucets
Re-caulk tubs and sinks
Install a new shower head
Clean, fresh bathrooms strongly influence buyers.
5. Flooring Fixes
If flooring is worn:
Deep clean carpets
Replace badly damaged carpet
Refinish hardwood if possible
Old flooring is one of the biggest turnoffs for buyers.
6. Decluttering and Staging
This costs little but has huge impact.
Remove excess furniture
Clear countertops
Add simple décor and plants
Staged homes often sell faster and for more.
Updates That Usually Aren’t Worth It
Before selling, avoid spending big money on:
❌ Full kitchen remodel
❌ Major structural renovations
❌ High-end appliances
❌ Luxury upgrades buyers may change anyway
You rarely get the full cost back.
✅ Simple rule:
If buyers see it in the first 10 seconds, it’s worth updating.
Paint, lighting, kitchens, and bathrooms influence most purchase decisions.
- 1 week ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Chaimae Yaagoubi
Keller Williams Wellington
Stick to updates that make the condo feel clean, modern, and move-in ready—without overdoing it. Fresh paint, updated lighting, new hardware, and a deep clean go a long way. Minor kitchen or bath touch-ups can help too. Skip major renovations or anything overly custom. If permits are needed, make sure the work is approved. Wishing you the best of luck in selling your condo!
- 7 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Jaye Allen
Coldwell Banker Northland
Hi Hudson, I would start with meeting with an agent to get the most recent sales information in your community and review photos from the listings. Once you know what condition they are in and what they sold for, you can set a budget of what you're comfortable spending. I just sold a home that needed updating, but they had a limited budget. We refreshed the paint in the living room and entry, de-cluttered and removed some of the large furniture. We also had the windows cleaned, touched up baseboards, and removed outdated curtains. I did some decor staging as well. We were under contract within two weeks. It depends on your market, of course. I would also interview a few agents and ask for input and also ask what their marketing strategy would be. Best success to you!
- 1 month ago
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