Fix it, Stage it, Sell it: Top Home improvements with the best roi

Here are the top 5 home improvements with the best ROI before selling:

1. Fresh Paint (Interior & Exterior)

Painting is one of the highest-ROI projects you can do. Neutral tones appeal to the widest range of buyers. Interior paint can return 107%+ of its cost. It’s relatively cheap and makes the home feel clean and new.

2. Minor Kitchen Updates

You don’t need a full remodel. Focus on:

∙ Replacing cabinet hardware

∙ Updating light fixtures

∙ Painting or refacing cabinets

∙ New faucet

A minor kitchen remodel typically returns 70–80% ROI, far better than a full gut renovation.

3. Curb Appeal / Landscaping

First impressions are everything. Simple upgrades like fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, a new front door, or updated house numbers can return 100%+. Buyers often decide in the first 30 seconds whether they’re interested.

4. Bathroom Refresh

Like the kitchen, you don’t need a full remodel. New fixtures, re-caulking, a new vanity mirror, and updated lighting go a long way. Minor bathroom updates typically return 70–75% ROI.

5. Deep Clean + Declutter + Staging

This is arguably the highest ROI of all — because it costs very little. Staged homes sell faster and for more money. Studies show staged homes can sell for 1–5% more than non-staged homes, which in Northern Colorado’s market can mean tens of thousands of dollars.

Honorable Mentions: New flooring (especially replacing carpet with LVP), updated light fixtures throughout, and fixing any deferred maintenance items (leaky faucets, broken doors, etc.).