Staging for the Next Command: Home Improvements That Increase Your Resale Value

1. High-ROI Exterior & Curb Appeal Improvements

• Garage Door Replacement: Consistently ranks as the #1 highest ROI upgrade nationally. Replacing an old or dented garage door with a modern, insulated model costs ~$3,000–$4,500 and typically recoups 90%–100%+ of its cost.
• Steel Entry Door Upgrade: Swapping a worn front door for a steel entry door signals high security and structural integrity, delivering a 75%–100%+ return.
• Manufactured Stone Veneer: Replacing partial vinyl siding around the lower entryway or facade with stone veneer costs ~$10,000 and yields a 90%+ ROI by giving the exterior an upscale look.
• Landscaping & Power Washing: Washing the siding, cleaning driveways, spreading fresh mulch, and trimming overgrown shrubs offers an immediate boost in buyer perception at a fraction of the cost.

2. Strategic Interior Refreshes

• Minor Kitchen Remodel: Focus on cosmetic updates—painting existing cabinets, swapping hardware, installing quartz countertops, and adding matching stainless steel appliances. Recoups 70%–80%+ (compared to 40%–50% on a major gut renovation).
• Neutral Interior Paint: A fresh coat of neutral paint (off-white, light warm gray, or soft beige) throughout dark or colorful rooms makes spaces feel larger, cleaner, and move-in ready.
• Hardwood Floor Refinishing / Uniform Flooring: Continuous, clean flooring throughout main traffic areas creates better flow. Refinishing real hardwoods or replacing mismatched carpets with modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) yields strong returns.
• Modernized Fixtures: Replacing dated brass lighting, cabinet pulls, and bathroom faucets with cohesive brushed nickel, matte black, or brushed gold fixtures upgrades the aesthetic across the entire house at a low price point.

3. High-Cost Projects to Avoid Before Selling

• In-Ground Swimming Pools: Often cost $60,000–$100,000+ to install, but only recoup ~30%–40%. Many buyers actively view pools as safety hazards or maintenance liabilities.
• Luxury Primary Suite Additions: Expanding square footage for high-end primary suites rarely appraises for what it costs to build unless the surrounding neighborhood supports ultra-luxury prices.
• Over-Customized Specialty Rooms: Conversions like home theaters, built-in wine cellars, or removing bedrooms to create walk-in closets shrink your potential buyer pool.

Home improvements to sell will be different than home improvements for you to personally enjoy. If you are prepping to sell, remember you want to appeal to the highest buyer pool by remaining neutral - keep a neutral color palette, add pops of color in your staging or artwork or a focal wall, and remember to keep things light and bright.

Interested more about life in Kitsap, WA? Reach out to Kelsey for her interactive guide to Kitsap filled with local tips - restaurants, things to do, and local vendors. Thinking about buying or selling? Kelsey would love to chat to see how she can help or if she is a good fit for you. She also knows agents around the country part of her military-affiliated network - The Military Move - she would love to connect you.