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If you’re getting ready to sell, you might be wondering something a lot of sellers ask right off the bat.
“Should I fix it up or just sell it as-is?”
Some people assume they need to renovate everything before selling. Others want to do the bare minimum and get it listed fast. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.
Let’s talk about whether home renovations still pay off in 2025, what buyers actually care about, and how to avoid over-improving for a sale.
First, Are People Still Renovating Before Selling?
Yes, but less than before.
Thanks to rising labor costs, high material prices, and tighter timelines, many sellers are skipping the major remodel and focusing on quick, visual upgrades.
According to a 2024 NAR Remodeling Impact Report, 45% of homeowners said they were more likely to focus on necessary repairs and minor updates rather than full renovations before listing their home.
That means more people are asking the same question you are. Do I really need to renovate, or can I just clean it up and list?
What Buyers Actually Notice in 2025
The market has shifted a lot in the past few years, and so have buyer expectations.
Most buyers today are focused on:
- Clean, well-maintained homes
- Neutral finishes and move-in ready appeal
- Major systems that work properly (roof, HVAC, plumbing)
- Homes priced appropriately for condition
What they are not expecting?
A fully remodeled home with luxury upgrades unless the price reflects it.
In fact, according to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, nearly 60% of buyers said they would prefer a lower price on a home that needs cosmetic updates over a fully remodeled property with a higher list price.
So the idea that you need to gut your kitchen or completely redo your bathrooms just to attract offers isn’t really true anymore.
Renovations That Still Pay Off
There are a few areas where small updates go a long way. If you’re willing to invest a little money and effort, these projects often have solid ROI:
- Fresh paint in light, neutral tones
- Simple landscaping cleanup (mow, mulch, trim)
- New light fixtures or cabinet hardware
- Minor flooring repairs or deep cleaning
- Decluttering and staging (even just rearranging what you already have)
These kinds of updates help buyers feel good about your home without making you spend tens of thousands before even listing it.
When You Might Skip Renovating
In some cases, renovations just aren’t necessary:
- Hot markets where homes are selling quickly
- Homes priced for condition (you’re not pretending it’s a flip)
- Buyers who want to renovate themselves to their own taste
- You’re doing FSBO and keeping your price competitive
The truth is, most buyers understand that not every home is going to be turnkey. If you’re transparent, realistic with pricing, and show that the home is structurally sound, many buyers will overlook outdated finishes or cosmetic flaws.
Some of the best FSBO sales happen when the seller prices the home right, keeps it clean, and is upfront about what needs work. Buyers respect that.
The Danger of Over-Renovating
Here’s where many sellers go wrong.
They pour $20,000 into upgrades thinking they’ll add $40,000 in value. But the reality is that ROI isn’t always dollar-for-dollar.
For example, major kitchen remodels often only return 50% to 60% of the cost in added home value. And that’s if the style choices actually match what buyers in your area want.
We’ve seen people put in all white cabinets and quartz counters, and then the buyer wants rustic wood and granite. That’s a tough pill to swallow when you just spent your savings on materials.
It’s smart to focus on broad appeal and simple touch-ups, not personal design statements.
FSBO Sellers Are Keeping It Simple
If you’re planning to sell without an agent, this part’s important.
FSBO sellers already save thousands by skipping commission. Most of them would rather keep that money than blow it all on last-minute upgrades with questionable returns.
Instead of trying to guess what buyers want, FSBO sellers are often pricing the home fairly, listing it quickly, and letting buyers decide how much fixing they’re willing to do.
It’s not lazy. It’s efficient.
And honestly? Some of those homes are getting offers faster than the over-staged, over-renovated ones down the block.
Final Thoughts
So, is it still worth renovating your home before selling in 2025?
Sometimes yes, but not always. It really depends on your market, your timeline, and your goals. A few quick updates can absolutely help — but full-blown renovations don’t guarantee more profit.
And if you’re planning to sell FSBO with a service like ListLean, it makes even more sense to keep your costs low and your expectations grounded.
There’s no need to spend big just to list. Buyers care more about price, potential, and function than marble countertops and designer light switches.
Want to sell without overspending before you even list?
ListLean helps FSBO sellers get on the market fast — with flat fee listing plans starting at just $95.
See our plans here and keep more of your equity where it belongs.
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