Planning to sell? Find out which home improvements help you maximize value before listing – and which ones don’t.

Properly pricing a home involves much more than price per square foot. Buyers evaluate condition, updates, layout and how move-in ready a property feels. That's why the work you do before listing can have a significant impact on both price and marketability.

However, not every dollar spent before listing your home will increase its value. Some projects help buyers see your home's full potential. Others simply transfer your money into someone else's dream renovation. 

Before listing your home, it’s important to determine which projects will actually improve marketability – and which won’t. Knowing the difference can mean a faster sale, stronger offers, and less stress.

Chad Larsen and Barry Berg regularly help sellers determine which projects are worth the investment, which improvements can boost buyer interest, and which expensive renovations are better left for the next owner. 

Check These Off Your List

Chad often tells sellers, “diligent speed.” 

This simple phrase encourages sellers to take the time to complete strategic improvements upfront so their home enters the market in its strongest position. That includes addressing small maintenance items, minimizing perceived “projects,” and presenting a home that feels move-in ready. 

Barry often tells sellers to “edit” their home before listing. Much like an editor removes unnecessary words from a manuscript, homeowners should remove excess furniture, decor, and clutter so buyers can focus on the home itself - not the belongings and personal touches that reflect your lifestyle.

From decluttering countertops and shelves to organizing closets and garages, editing allows buyers to see the architectural details, natural light, and quality finishes instead of your décor and personal items. It’s also essential for capturing solid listing photos. 

Take a look at the checklist below for some must-do items according to Chad and Barry. 

These Could Make a Big Difference

“If you want to stand above the crowd in the marketplace, you need to go the extra mile,” says Chad. “Step into the potential buyers’ shoes. You want this home to be as easy to move into as the home that you want to move into.” 

“You don’t have to do these things, but if you don’t do them, you’ll likely need to adjust the pricing,” explains Barry. “It may also take your home longer to sell in the marketplace.”

These recommendations are what will set your home apart from the rest, and can help align your property with the desired sale price.  

In some cases, larger investments such as roof replacements or new siding may make sense, particularly when deferred maintenance could limit buyer interest or create hiccups during inspection. 

“We can help you navigate those decisions and refer you to vetted experts in those areas,” adds Chad. 

Let the New Owner Decide

When you’re preparing your home to appeal to the next owners, there are some decisions that should be left in their hands.

For example, Barry recently advised his clients against adding a bathroom that appeared in the home’s original blueprints when they were preparing for the market. 

“I urged the sellers to leave that investment and decision to the future owner,” Barry recalls. 

And, that guidance paid off. The home sold within 36 hours of listing and drew four written offers all above ask. Read more about the clients’ experience working with Barry here.

Significant investments such as remodeling a kitchen or building a new bathroom are best left to the buyers, because ultimately what you choose likely won’t be their exact dream kitchen or bathroom. This often results in a lose-lose situation – the sellers lose money on the investment and the buyers spend more money remodeling it to their taste. 

Instead of spending money to create something new, Chad and Barry typically encourage sellers to maximize what’s already there. 

Take the Time to Be Prepared

In a tighter market where there are fewer buyers and fewer sellers, bringing a home that’s in good condition to the market will likely be your ticket to a quicker turnaround. 

If moving is on your mind, now is the time to meet with the Berg Larsen Group team and figure out what needs to be done so you’re ready to hit the ground running.