Should You Renovate or Sell As-Is on Florida’s East Coast?

“When clients ask whether to renovate or sell as-is in Florida, we always say: focus on insurability, update the paint, and stage thoughtfully. Those strategic moves deliver better results than costly overhauls in today’s market,” said Dewayne Carpenter, veteran Realtor and FastExpert partner.

As the co-team leader of Compass’ #1 real estate team in Florida, based on transactions, with 795 families served in 2024 and over 50% of our sales representing listings, I’m often asked the same core questions when meeting with sellers:

What do we need to do to get the house ready to sell?

That’s where the decision between renovating and selling as-is in Florida becomes a key part of the conversation—and there is a lot to consider on a case-by-case basis.

Why This Matters More Now

This question is coming up more often as the market has softened. On the Space Coast, where my team is based, we’re seeing what I call a tale of two markets.

There is a clear divide between properties that stand out and sell at a premium and those that don’t, which are selling for less.

Premium homes with exceptional locations, finishes, views, or unique features are still commanding record prices. We’ve set several records this year across different categories, and every one of those properties offered that special something—the X factor that made the buyers act.

On the other hand, the market for more typical homes has softened.

Average prices are down about 6% year-over-year, creating better opportunities for buyers who now have more inventory to choose from and stronger negotiating power, especially when inspection issues arise. Much of this negotiation centers on repairs, with roof and insurance-related items being the most common.

Insurance Is the Deal Breaker

Insurability here in Florida—especially in coastal areas like ours: Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Melbourne, and Merritt Island—has become a real crisis.

For homes without wind mitigation credits, the cost of insurance has made affordability even harder in a market already challenged by higher interest rates. Also, if the roof is near the end of its useful life, the home is not insurable. This has fundamentally changed how buyers evaluate homes.

How to Handle Insurability Issues Before You List

Because of the insurance issues we experience here, part of our listing strategy is to pay for a four-point inspection for the seller before we go to market. A four-point inspection is a report that evaluates the age and condition of a home’s four major systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It’s required by insurance companies to assess insurability, especially for older homes.

The last thing you want is to get a property under contract only to discover it’s not insurable. Issues can range from minor problems like corrosion on a pipe to the water heater, to bigger concerns like an electrical panel flagged as uninsurable or a roof defect that affects its remaining useful life. As a seller, you can’t offer a credit for these defects—you must do the repair for the property to be insurable.

So, should you renovate before listing or sell as-is? We advise sellers to handle all the insurability-related repair items that come up on the 4-point inspection before listing the property.

The Power of Paint

Ok, so the property is newer or has all insurance-related items handled upfront—what other renovations should you do?

The most recommended home improvement before listing is a fresh coat of paint. If each room features different colors or if your home is still painted in millennial gray or outdated Tuscan tans and yellows, it’s time to repaint. A cohesive, modern palette can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive your property.

Design Matters

When it comes to paint, take a page from designer Loren Kreiss and aim for a color-drenched look. That means painting the walls, ceiling, trim, and even doors in the same rich hue for a seamless, sophisticated feel.

Skip the traditional white baseboards and trim, which can feel dated and disrupt the visual flow. Instead, choose a warm, modern color and apply it consistently throughout the space. Avoid crisp, cool whites; opt for creamy, layered tones that feel inviting and timeless. This approach creates depth, elegance, and a polished, designer finish that makes a lasting impression on buyers.

Walk Through with a Buyer’s Eye

Ok, repairs are done and the painting is complete—now what?

It’s time to walk through the property with a buyer’s eye. Anything you’ve lived with or grown complacent about—address it.

To support this process, we bring in an interior designer to offer recommendations on what to edit, rework, or reappropriate. If there are areas of the home that aren’t self-explanatory or feel awkwardly laid out, we’ll stage those spaces to tell a clear story and help buyers visualize how they can be used. The goal is to present every part of the home with purpose and appeal.

What Not to Renovate Before Selling

When it comes to big-ticket items, we don’t recommend renovating kitchens, bathrooms, replacing flooring, or adding a pool before selling.

The return on investment for these projects simply isn’t there in today’s market. Beyond that, they often open a Pandora’s box of unexpected issues and almost always run over budget. Instead, focus on improvements that position the home well without taking on unnecessary risk or cost.

However, if you do decide to renovate, please consult with your agent first so your upgrades align with current market expectations.

We can help ensure your investment adds value rather than limits appeal. For example, if you’re selling a luxury home, installing vinyl plank flooring would be a mismatch for the price point and could hurt your return. The goal is to make choices that enhance marketability without wasting time or money.

Bottom Line: How to Prepare Your Florida Home for the Best Sale Price

In the end, what we recommend is simple and effective: address the insurance-related items, apply a fresh coat of paint, and stage the home to highlight its best features.

Once that’s done, list it as-is. This approach ensures the property presents at its best without unnecessary over-investment, helping you attract serious buyers and achieve a stronger result.