Best Home Improvements to Increase Home Value Before Selling in 2026

Quick Answer: What Home Improvements Add the Most Value?

According to Zillow’s 2025 analysis of remodeling ROI and the National Association of Realtors, the home improvements that typically provide the best return on investment and are most common among homeowners include:

• Replacing the front entry door
• Improving curb appeal
• Minor kitchen updates
• Minor bathroom updates
• Replacing worn flooring
• Energy-efficient windows
• Garage door replacement
• Fresh paint throughout the home

Homeowners should prioritize projects that improve first impressions, functionality, and overall condition rather than undertaking expensive remodels.

Considering selling your home in 2026? Selling your home can be exciting, but it also comes with an important decision: Which improvements are worth making before you list?

While not every remodeling project increases resale value, the right home improvements to increase home value can help your home sell faster and may attract stronger offers. The key is knowing where to invest your money.

In this article, we'll cover:

• Whether now is a good time to sell
• Remodeling projects that offer the best return on investment
• Budget-friendly updates buyers notice
• Financing options for home improvements
• Recommended products that can increase appeal and value

Is Now a Good Time to Sell My Home?

This is a question that will haunt all homeowners at some point. Buying a home is a significant investment and we all want to feel confident that, when the time comes to sell, we can make the most possible from our investment. Homeowners often find themselves asking two important questions: Is now a good time to sell, and what home improvements can increase home value before listing their home?

Timing and market conditions are major factors that play into this decision. A time-sensitive situation may not give the option of waiting for “the right time”. Or you may be ready to move when you feel the time is right to recoup as much of your investment back as you can.

If you do have the luxury of time, the best thing you can do is research the housing conditions in your area, state, and nationally. Become familiar with trends and how your market responds to changes like interest rates and other external factors. You may prefer to speak to a professional who specializes in this information. Local real estate agents and mortgage lenders may be able to offer valuable information.

According to Zillow.com in an April 2026 article, 3 Stats that Show Resilient Demand this Spring, “Spring home shopping season kicked off with stronger-than-expected activity. More than 281,000 homes went under contract, the second-highest monthly total since August 2022.” The article also cites several metro areas where Home Outlet operates store locations with the “largest year over year change in newly pending listings.” Those markets included Boston, New Orleans, and Raleigh.

Housing conditions can vary significantly from market to market. Buyers in different housing markets may value home improvements differently, making local market research an important part of deciding which upgrades to complete before listing.

Best Home Improvements Before Selling Your Home

Unless you plan to sell your house “as-is” there are likely several things you can do to immediately improve the appearance of your house. A good first impression is key if you hope to sell your home quickly and receive the best offer possible.

Here are a few key tips for quick updates you can make before listing your home:

Deep clean, organize and declutter – there’s nothing wrong with living in your space, however when a buyer tours your home, it’s important they are able to picture the place as their own.

• Unnecessary clutter and strong smells may be an immediate turnoff. Spend a weekend cleaning and organizing your home for the best presentation.

Quick fixes and basic maintenance – if your home is reasonably well maintained and free of major untended repairs, buyers will feel more confident that you have properly cared for the home over time.

• This can be another easy weekend of repairing small knicks and holes in the walls, replacing filters, ensuring light fixtures are working, etc.

Be realistic about major home repairs – many home buyers expect to do some remodeling work if they are buying a home that is not brand new. There are, however, some non-negotiable items that go far beyond cosmetics, or the look of the home.

• Significant roof damage, an HVAC unit that is not working properly, or serious structural damage to a home are going to be major red flags for buyers. It’s time to reach out for a professional opinion if your home needs these improvements.

Best ROI Home Improvements Before Selling Your House

And now we arrive at one of the most important questions – how should I invest in home improvement projects to increase the value of my home?

The answer to this question can vary significantly depending on where you live and the value of your home. The more expensive your home is, the higher the expectations buyers will have for their potential new home.

We've identified some of the best home improvements to increase home value before selling, based on research from Zillow, NAR, and industry experts.

1. Improve Curb Appeal

Curb appeal remains one of the most effective home improvements before selling because buyers often form an opinion before they even walk through the front door. The National Association of Realtors stated in an April 2026 article that “strong curb appeal can raise a home’s perceived value by as much as 7%, according to a study published in The Journal of Real Estate, Finance and Economics.”

Curb appeal can include factors like tidy landscaping, well-maintained entry doors, quality windows, fresh paint, intact roofing, and more.

2. Replace Your Front Door

If you're looking for one of the best home improvements to increase home value, replacing your front entry door consistently ranks near the top of national ROI studies.  According to the 2025 article from Zillow, “The Best Home Improvements to Increase Value”, replacing your entry door offers one of the best return on investments (ROI) of all home remodeling projects.

The article estimated the return on investment at 216% for an exterior steel door and 85% for an exterior fiberglass door (based on a cost of $2435 and $11,754, respectively).

3. Make Minor Kitchen Updates

A full-scale kitchen remodel won’t recoup its cost in resale value, but minor updates are likely to bring a 113% ROI according to Zillow. There is also a greater emotional connection to the kitchen, as many consider it the “heart of the home”. Sometimes spending extra to improve this space may result in an ROI that cannot be measured.

Minor kitchen remodeling projects may include new hardware, plumbing fixtures, and/or lighting; cabinet repair and improvements including new cabinet doors or repainting cabinets; adding or replacing tile backsplash.

4. Refresh Bathrooms

Wellness and personal spaces have taken priority in modern homes. A refreshed, inviting bathroom space that makes buyers want to spend time there will improve their perception of the home.

Minor bathroom remodeling projects to increase value include updating hardware, plumbing fixtures, and/or lighting, replacing vanities/countertops, adding tile surround, or even replacing tile flooring.

5. Replace Worn Flooring

The Zillow article cited above also states that “20% of sellers replace or repair carpet and flooring.” Depending on your square footage, this can be one of the most practical options for DIY homeowners. For homeowners remodeling before selling a house, new flooring often provides one of the quickest visual transformations without the cost of a major renovation.  

6. Improve Energy Efficiency

A well-functioning HVAC system is important. If your home windows are dated and no longer preventing wind and sun from negatively impacting your home, replacement windows are key to improving long term energy efficiency.

7. Replace an Aging Garage Door

According to multiple sources and studies, a new garage door may offer the best ROI due to the relatively lower cost (compared to full remodels) and significant impact on curb appeal.

Sources also recommend a variety of home remodeling projects that improve functionality, aesthetics, and overall consideration of a home by potential buyers, such as master bedroom suite additions and closet renovations.

Home Outlet Tip: If you're remodeling before selling, focus on projects that improve first impressions rather than luxury upgrades. Buyers often notice curb appeal, flooring, kitchens, and bathrooms long before they evaluate premium finishes.

Home Outlet Featured Products for Remodeling to Sell

Once you've identified which improvements make sense for your home, selecting quality materials at competitive prices becomes the next step. The products below align with the research that shows how you can increase your home value through low to mid-range investments.

Here are our product picks for increasing curb appeal and overall home value:

• 4-Lite Fiberglass Black Exterior Door: there’s no question why this product is a customer favorite – it offers a beautiful, modern look; the fiberglass material is low maintenance, and there is a proven ROI when you update your entry door to a fiberglass option like this.
• Stainable Fiberglass Door with Iron Grills and Sidelights – This 60” exterior door is our runner-up pick for best Fiberglass Exterior Entry Door for those that prefer a more traditional look.
• Steel Half Lite Exterior Door – this exterior door comes in multiple sizes and is a great option if you are looking for a more sturdy, durable door. The steel door has also shown to bring a higher ROI.

If you decide to do a minor bathroom remodel or to add cabinets in your kitchen, laundry room, or entry hall, here are our top picks:

• Oslo Walnut Cabinets through KCD – this new cabinet offers quality at a price that won’t break the bank. And the Walnut color? You couldn’t find a more timeless look that happens to be “on trend.” This is a special-order item so make sure you factor in a few extra weeks for ordering/product shipment. Learn more about KCD products online or ask one of our store representatives about this product.
• Vanity Combo Milan Cobblestone/Calacatta Tree – offered in three sizes, this combo style vanity with a quartz countertop offers the best value for a bathroom remodel.
• Vanity Combo Oporto Black/Pure White – also offered in three sizes, this combo is a value buy that modernizes any space.

New flooring is DIY friendly (if you wish to go that route) and is one of the quickest ways to update your space. Our picks include:

• Vinyl Plank Matrix Premium Crystal River with Pad – a new item that is quickly gaining popularity due to the wider plank and warm brown tones.
• Vinyl Plank Laurel Reserve Palmilla with Pad – another new item in a neutral blonde tone with natural knots and grain.
• Vinyl Plank Ultimate Buckboard Maple – one of our top selling vinyl plank floors, the reviews speak for themselves

• Vinyl Plank Ultimate Sanibel Pier with Pad – offering quality and value – we simply cannot be beat.
• Vinyl Plank Earth Delights Brazilian Cherry with Pad – great value, offering a more traditional/warm tone for your floors.

New plumbing fixtures, like commodes, are an inexpensive option for helping your home feel updated and new. Note: these items are ADA compliant, a great feature or update in your home for potential buyers. We recommend the following to find the best value:

• Fabac 2-Piece White 20.5” Elongated Toilet
• Fabac 2-Piece Black 16.5” Elongated Toilet

Last, energy efficiency is a home feature many potential buyers are considering due to the long-term impact on utilities for the home. Here are a few new replacement windows we offer if you are in an older home:

• White Double-Hung Vinyl Replace Window in Various Sizes
• White Single-Hung Vinyl Windows in Various Sizes (with and without grids)

How will I Pay for the Home Improvements my House Needs?

Whether you are undergoing home improvement projects to sell your home, to improve functionality, or to match your style, the biggest challenge is determining how you will pay for the materials and labor.

A few payment options to consider include saving and paying in cash, financing your project where you buy your materials, or using a home equity line of credit. While paying in cash may be the preferred method, it’s not always the most realistic for every homeowner.

Home Outlet offers financing options through the Home Improvement Synchrony Credit Card (both online and in-store) or through a Buy Now, Pay Later option offered through Affirm on the Home Outlet website.

Many homeowners also draw a home equity line of credit (or HELOC) through their bank for home remodeling projects.

It’s important that you fully understand the cost of both materials and labor for your project before you consider your payment options. Once you have an estimate or amount you are willing to invest, weigh each payment option carefully so that you make the best decision for your family.

Achieving the Best ROI for your Home Remodeling Projects

Before investing thousands of dollars into a remodeling project, talk with a Home Outlet expert about the products that deliver the best value for your budget.

Whether you're making a few simple updates or investing in larger home improvements before selling, focusing on projects proven to increase home value can help maximize your return and attract more buyers.

From exterior doors and replacement windows to cabinets, vanities, and flooring, our team can help you find quality products at prices designed to maximize your return on investment.

Because Home Outlet stands behind a Guaranteed Lowest Price commitment, you can feel confident in your purchase. We work hard to ensure we offer the best prices on quality products. If you should find the same item at a better price, we will meet or beat the competitor’s pricing up to 10%.

Find a store location near youtoday and start planning the improvements that can help your home stand out when it's time to sell.

Home Improvement ROI Comparison: Which Projects Add the Most Value?

Home Improvement	Potential Benefit	Relative Investment
Entry Door Replacement	Increased curb appeal and ROI	Low-Medium
Minor Kitchen Updates	Improved buyer perception	Low-Medium
Bathroom Refresh	Modern appearance	Low-Medium
New Flooring	Strong visual impact	Medium
Energy-Efficient Windows	Utility savings and comfort	Medium-High
Exterior Improvements	Strong first impression	Low-Medium

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Improvements Before Selling

What home improvement adds the most value when selling a house?

Replacing an entry door, improving curb appeal, and making minor kitchen updates are among the highest-ROI projects according to Zillow and NAR.

Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?

A minor kitchen refresh often provides a better return than a full kitchen remodel.

Is new flooring worth it before selling?

Yes. Replacing worn carpet or damaged flooring can significantly improve buyer perception.

Should I replace windows before selling?

If your windows are damaged, drafty, or outdated, replacement windows may improve energy efficiency and buyer appeal.

What should I fix before listing my home?

Focus first on maintenance issues, structural concerns, roofing, HVAC performance, and cosmetic improvements that create a strong first impression.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on curb appeal first.
• Minor kitchen and bathroom updates often outperform major remodels.
• Flooring replacement can improve buyer perception.
• Energy-efficient upgrades remain attractive to buyers.
• Always compare project costs against expected resale value.

Sources:

Zillow.com, August 2025,  Best Home Improvements to Increase Value
National Association of Realtors, April 2026, How to Boost Curb Appeal in Two Weekends or Less

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