Thinking About Renovating? Here’s What Buyers Actually Want (And What’s Worth It)
Thinking About Renovating? Here’s What Buyers Actually Want (And What’s Worth It)
By Stephanie Pinet, Realtor – TheRealtyDeal.com
Hey there, homeowners and future sellers! If you’ve been dreaming about sprucing up your space or wondering which renovations are really worth the investment, you’re not alone. According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), Americans spent over $600 billion on home remodels last year—yes, billion!
So, what’s behind this reno rush? And more importantly, if you’re planning to buy or sell soon, which upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck?
Let’s break it down.
🛠 Why People Are Renovating
Most homeowners aren’t fixing up their homes to sell—they’re doing it to enjoy them! In fact, only 18% of people who took on a project said they were planning to sell in the next two years. The biggest reasons for renovating were:
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Improving functionality
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Replacing worn-out finishes
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Boosting energy efficiency
If your home could use a little refresh, I totally get it! A few well-planned upgrades can make your space feel brand new—and more enjoyable to live in.
🏡 What Buyers Are Really Looking For
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: Buyers aren’t looking for fixer-uppers like they used to. They want move-in ready homes. That means smart, clean updates that feel fresh and finished.
The most appealing updates for buyers right now are:
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Updated kitchens
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New roofing
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Renovated bathrooms
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Fresh interior paint
So, if you’re thinking of selling soon, these are the areas where it really pays to focus your time and budget.
💰 What Renovations Actually Pay Off
Not all home improvements are created equal when it comes to return on investment (ROI). Some projects pay off big-time, while others might be more about your personal comfort than resale value.
Here’s what the report found:
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Steel front door = 💯 full cost recovery
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Closet renovations = 83% ROI
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New windows = Around 70–75% ROI
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Kitchen reno = 60% ROI
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Bathroom reno = 50–56% ROI
Upgrades buyers want the most:
- Kitchen upgrades – 48%
- New roofing – 43%
- Bathroom renovations – 35%
- New interior paint – 32%
- Top-to-bottom kitchen renovations – 26%
- Renovations that had the biggest ROI for home sellers:
- New front doors – 90%
- Closet renovations – 83%
- New vinyl windows – 74%
- New wood windows – 71%
- Basement conversion to living area – 71%
Now, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do a kitchen or bath reno—but it helps to know what you’re getting back if a sale is on the horizon. The good news? Even the bigger projects often bring major “joy scores” for homeowners, meaning they’re totally worth it for lifestyle upgrades.
🧠 My Advice as Your Realtor
Whether you’re thinking of selling now or down the road, I’m here to help you make smart, strategic decisions about your home. Not every project needs to be a full renovation—sometimes, a fresh coat of paint and updated lighting is all it takes to make your home stand out.
If you’re a buyer, this is also a good reminder to focus on the bones of a home and think about what you’re willing to tackle (or not!) after you move in.
Let’s Chat
Thinking about renovating or getting ready to sell? I’d love to chat about what makes the most sense for your goals—and your budget. Reach out anytime!
➡️ stephanie@therealtydeal.com
📱 @therealtydeal on Instagram
💻 www.therealtydeal.com