Boosting Buyer Interest: 12 Home Improvement Ideas from Experts
Selling a home is a significant endeavor, and getting the best price often requires strategic improvements. In this article, leading figures from the real estate and home improvement sectors share their most impactful tips on boosting buyer interest. From transforming your yard to converting your attic into a functional office, discover twelve expert insights that can make a substantial difference.
- Refresh Yard and Surroundings
- Repaint Entire House
- Renovate the Kitchen
- Upgrade the Plumbing System
- Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping
- Add Eco-Friendly Lighting Fixtures
- Install Smart Security System
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
- Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Create Outdoor Living Spaces
- Transform Basement into Multi-Functional Space
- Convert Attic into Functional Office
Refresh Yard and Surroundings
One of the big home-improvement changes we made to get more people interested in our property was to completely refresh the yard and surrounding area. In my experience, people generally can “feel” if a house is right for them the first time they see it from the street.
So, we decided to do things like reintroduce beautiful native plants, add stone walkways, and give the outside a fresh coat of paint. This improvement took time, but it paid off when we were basically booked on showings within a week.
Josh Kohlbach, CEO & Founder, Wholesale Suite
Repaint Entire House
I think the most important improvement to make before selling a home to boost buyers’ interest is to paint the entire house. A fresh coat of paint can instantly brighten up the space and make it look as if it’s newly built. The paint goes through the most wear-and-tear over time, even if you don’t use the place much. So, it’s highly recommended that you repaint everywhere before giving a home tour to potential buyers. You can choose a color of your choice, but going with safe options such as white or light gray would be better suited. Or, you can think outside the box and experiment.
Stephanie Wells, Co-founder and CTO, Formidable Forms
Renovate the Kitchen
I’d say the most impactful home improvement we made before selling was renovating the kitchen.
We focused on modernizing it with new appliances, sleek countertops, and stylish cabinets. We made this choice because kitchens often serve as the heart of a home, and an updated kitchen can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers. I think this helped them imagine what it would be like eating breakfast with their family and hosting dinner parties—which ultimately resulted in us selling sooner than we had hoped.
Benjamin Rojas, Co-Founder, All in One SEO
Upgrade the Plumbing System
When you consider selling your home, upgrading the plumbing system may work wonders for you. It’s one of the most necessary things that you should consider, as it often catches the attention of potential buyers. No one likes to move to a home with clogged pipes and poor water supply.
Once you’ve given a potential buyer a home tour, the first thing that they may likely check is the plumbing system to see if it’s in working condition. So, it’s one of the important things that you may want to consider upgrading when seeking potential buyers for your house.
Chris Klosowski, President, Easy Digital Downloads
Enhance Curb Appeal with Landscaping
Before selling our home, we enhanced its curb appeal with new landscaping. We installed a stone-paver walkway and updated outdoor lighting to highlight key features. This created a more inviting first impression that attracted potential buyers. At open houses, some commented on how welcoming and well-maintained the exterior looked. The improved landscaping set our property apart from others and helped buyers envision enjoying the outdoor space. This upgrade significantly increased interest.
Jack Perkins, Founder and CEO, CFO Hub
Add Eco-Friendly Lighting Fixtures
I was able to drastically boost interest in our property after we added brand-new eco-friendly lighting fixtures and solar panels. Most people are on a mission to go green, and this means using sustainable energy. Not only is this appealing to people who want to do good for the environment, but it’s also cheaper. When I considered the benefits, these improvements were a no-brainer.
Chris Christoff, Co-Founder, MonsterInsights
Install Smart Security System
One of the most impactful improvements I made before selling a property wasn’t the typical kitchen upgrade or a fresh coat of paint. It was installing a smart security system, including high-quality smart locks. As a locksmith, I know that safety and convenience are at the top of many buyers’ minds, but the average homebuyer doesn’t always think about upgrading these aspects themselves. So, I decided to give them something they didn’t even know they wanted but would definitely appreciate once they saw it in action.
The smart locks and security system were more than just gadgets. They provided peace of mind and showed that the home was ready for modern living. Buyers loved the idea of being able to lock and unlock the door from their phones, set up temporary codes for cleaners or guests, and even check if they had locked up after leaving. It’s a small touch that makes day-to-day life easier, and it added a sense of sophistication to the home. Plus, with everything already installed, it was one less thing for buyers to worry about once they moved in.
Eli Itzhaki, CEO & Founder, Keyzoo
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows
One impactful home improvement I made before selling was upgrading the old windows to energy-efficient models.
This immediately resonated with buyers by enhancing the property’s curb appeal and reducing energy costs by 20%, which offered significant savings on heating and cooling—an important practical benefit many potential buyers were seeking.
The promise of lower utility bills and increased comfort made the home more appealing, especially for buyers prioritizing long-term savings. Additionally, the modern, low-maintenance vinyl frames added a fresh look, assuring buyers they wouldn’t face immediate upkeep.
This combination of aesthetics and efficiency significantly boosted buyer interest and contributed to a smoother sale.
Anita Vassova, Sales Operation Head, Property Management, Pluxa Property
Add an Accessory Dwelling Unit
One impactful home improvement I made was adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to my property. Given my construction background, I capitalized on the growing demand for flexible living spaces. This improvement significantly boosted buyer interest, as ADUs offer rental income potential and increased property value, especially in high-demand areas like Phoenix.
The ADU wasn’t just about adding space; it was about creating a fully functional, attractive living area that felt like a mini-home. A key factor was ensuring it complied with local zoning laws and building codes, which can be a hurdle for many. By emphasizing its potential as a multi-use space—think guesthouse, rental, or even a home office—I captured the imagination of prospective buyers.
One example that resonated with buyers was the customizable design options we offered for the ADU. By showcasing various layout possibilities and finish options, potential buyers could envision themselves making the space their own, an attractive proposition for many. Overall, it wasn’t just adding an ADU—it was about smart, strategic integration into the home’s existing layout.
Richard Garrett, Managing Member, RG Construction Services, LLC
Create Outdoor Living Spaces
Adding outdoor living spaces, specifically a well-designed deck and a cozy fire-pit area, significantly boosted buyer interest in a market where outdoor space is highly valued.
The addition of a deck provided a perfect spot for entertaining, and potential buyers immediately saw the benefits of having a functional outdoor area for barbecues, family gatherings, or simply relaxing after a long day. The fire-pit area added an inviting touch, creating a sense of warmth and comfort that resonated with buyers looking for a place to create lasting memories.
During showings, we styled the outdoor space with comfortable seating and string lights, enhancing its appeal and helping buyers visualize themselves enjoying those spaces. Feedback from interested buyers often highlighted how much they loved the outdoor setup, emphasizing that it felt like an extension of the home.
Ultimately, investing in outdoor living improvements increased the property’s value and aligned with the lifestyle preferences of many buyers in the area, making it a strategic decision that paid off well during the sale.
Justin Landis, Founder, Justin Landis Group
Transform Basement into Multi-Functional Space
A home improvement that made a difference before selling my house was transforming an underused, awkward basement area into a cozy, multi-functional space. It wasn’t just about throwing in some fresh paint and new carpeting; I wanted to create a space that buyers could immediately picture themselves using, whether as a family room, home office, or even a small gym.
I added built-in bookshelves along one wall, which instantly gave the space character and made it feel more intentional. It created a spot that could work for someone’s home library or even just a display space. I also installed better lighting with soft, warm lights that made the room feel welcoming, unlike the harsh fluorescents that had been there before. The lighting change alone made a huge difference in how the space felt. The entire area went from feeling like a dark storage room to a space you’d actually want to spend time in.
What made this improvement resonate with buyers was that it gave them a bonus space without having to imagine how they’d use it. It was a ready-made solution. During open houses, I noticed that people would naturally spend more time in that part of the house, talking about how they could use the space. Rather than just adding square footage, it was about giving that square footage a purpose. Buyers could picture it as a home office, a place to hang out with family, or even a cozy little spot for watching movies.
Mushfiq Sarker, Chief Executive Officer, LaGrande Marketing
Convert Attic into Functional Office
One impactful home improvement I made before selling a property was converting an under-utilized attic into a functional office space. As a land developer, I often encounter buyers looking for versatile areas to accommodate remote work, and this transformation met a growing demand. The key was emphasizing natural light by adding skylights and ensuring the area was well-insulated for comfort.
Potential buyers appreciated the practical use of space in an era where home offices have become essential, making the property stand out in the market. This improvement resonated well because it instantly added value and utility, drawing interest from buyers who recognized the adaptability and modern appeal of the home.
Billy Rhyne, Founder/CEO | Land Developer and Merchant Builder, Horseshoe Ridge RV Resort
