5 Ways to Boost Home Resale Value

Not all upgrades are created equal — and some renovations can add way more for your home’s value than others. Whether you're planning to sell down the road or just want to make smart homeowner decisions, these 5 updates consistently offer the best return.

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Thinking about upgrading your home? Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to make smart improvements, some renovations consistently deliver a much better return than others. Here's a breakdown of five value-boosting upgrades homeowners in Richmond should know about — based on real market data and buyer feedback.

renovations that boost resale value

1. Minor Kitchen Updates

  • Replace countertops with quartz or granite

  • Update cabinet hardware and lighting

  • Swap outdated appliances for stainless steel or energy-efficient models

Why it works: Kitchens sell homes. Even modest updates can make the space feel brand new.

Bright bathroom with white vanity, marble countertop, two mirrors, decorative wall art, wooden chair, window with white curtains, and patterned wallpaper.

2. Refresh your bathrooms

  • Retile or regrout showers & tubs

  • Replace old vanities or mirrors

  • Upgrade hardware, fixtures and lighting

Why it works: Buyers love a clean, modern bathroom. Even a small facelift can make a big impact.

Decorative gallery wall featuring various framed artwork, a white painted wall with wood paneling, hardwood floors, and a hallway view with a red patterned rug and a console table with a lamp and books.

3. Fresh paint

  • Stick with light, neutral tones (greige, soft white, light gray)

  • Focus on high-traffic areas: living rooms, kitchens, entryways

Why it works: Paint is inexpensive but completely transforms how a home feels. Neutral colors help buyers picture themselves in the space.

A yellow two-story house with black shutters, a brick chimney, a front entrance with steps, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and manicured bushes, with a brick pathway and white benches in the garden, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

4. Exterior Curb Appeal

  • Power wash siding and walkways

  • Paint your front door and/or replace hardware

  • Add fresh landscaping and lighting

Why it works: First impressions matter. Great curb appeal makes buyers feel confident before they step inside.

View of a kitchen entryway with a brick floor, wooden trim, a black door with window panes, and a built-in oven or microwave.

5. Flooring Improvements

  • Refinish hardwoods or replace worn carpet. Consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP) for style, durability & price.

  • Keep flooring consistent across spaces if possible

Why it works: New floors make the whole home feel clean and move-in ready — which buyers love.

Bonus Tip: Focus on ROI, Not Just Style

Before starting any big project, ask: “Will this help sell the home faster or for more money?” Not all upgrades do — stick to the ones that

add clear value. Every home is different — and not every renovation makes sense for every market. If you’d like a free walk-through and personalized improvement strategy, I’d be happy to help.

Reach out!