Sell Your Home Smarter: What to Fix (and What to Skip)

Getting ready to sell your home? You don’t need a full remodel to make it more appealing to buyers—or to boost your final sale price. With a few focused updates, you can make your home feel fresher, more modern, and more valuable—without spending a fortune.

Here’s what we’re seeing work right now for our sellers in Lake Tapps and around Pierce County.

Small Upgrades That Bring Big Returns

You don’t need to take on a full renovation. Some of the best return-on-investment updates are also the simplest. Focus on areas buyers care most about—like kitchens, bathrooms, and flooring.

In the Kitchen:

• Update cabinet hardware – New handles in black, brushed nickel, or gold can make old cabinets feel new again

• Paint or reface cabinets – Stick to soft whites or warm grays for a fresh, neutral look

• Add a backsplash – Peel-and-stick options are easy and add instant style

• Swap light fixtures – Clean, modern lights make the whole space feel updated

In the Bathroom:

• Replace faucets and showerheads – New fixtures are a quick and affordable refresh

• Re-grout or re-caulk – Makes tile look cleaner and newer

• Swap the mirror and lighting – A modern mirror with clean lighting can change the whole vibe

In Living Areas and Bedrooms:

• Repaint with neutral tones – This is the #1 bang-for-your-buck upgrade

• Refinish floors or replace worn carpet – Flooring has a big impact on how “move-in ready” your home feels

• Update door handles and switch plates – It’s a small thing, but buyers notice

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Most of these updates are affordable and easy to knock out in a weekend or two. And according to national averages, kitchen and bath updates like these often recoup 80% or more at resale.

Boost Your Curb Appeal

The outside of your home is the first impression—and it matters. If buyers aren’t wowed when they pull up, they may not even walk in.

Quick curb appeal wins:

• Paint the front door – A bold color like charcoal, navy, or forest green makes your entrance pop

• Add planters or fresh flowers – Show buyers your home has been cared for

• Replace old house numbers and mailbox – Keep it clean, visible, and modern

• Pressure wash the driveway and walkways – It’s simple, but makes everything look better

• Add path lighting – Inexpensive solar lights create a warm, welcoming feel

These details may seem small, but they set the tone and boost perceived value.

Deep Clean Everything

It doesn’t cost much, but a professional-level clean can make your home feel like new. Grime, dust, and odors can turn off buyers fast—even if they can’t quite put their finger on what feels off.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Wash windows—inside and out

• Clean baseboards, doors, and fan blades

• Steam clean carpets and mop floors

• Eliminate pet or cooking odors

• Tidy closets and storage—buyers will open them

This alone can make your home show better and sell faster.

Stage It to Show the Lifestyle

You’re not just selling a house—you’re helping buyers imagine living there. That’s where smart staging comes in.

Keep it simple:

• Declutter and depersonalize – Pack up personal photos and extra decor

• Rearrange furniture – Create open walkways and cozy sitting areas

• Use natural light and mirrors – They make rooms feel bigger and brighter

• Add a few finishing touches – A bowl of lemons, a folded throw blanket, or fresh towels can make a space feel warm and lived-in

And don’t forget your entryway. That first step inside sets the mood.

Final Thought: Focus on What Adds Value

You don’t have to remodel your home to get top dollar. In fact, sometimes it’s the small, targeted updates—like fresh paint, new lighting, or simple landscaping—that make the biggest impact. We’ve helped sellers all over Western Washington figure out what’s worth fixing, and what’s not.

That said, when you do take on a bigger project, it’s smart to think long-term.

Susie and I are in the middle of a major bathroom remodel in our own home right now. Even though we’re not selling, improvements like this can increase your home’s cost basis—which could reduce your taxable capital gain someday when you do sell.

Want to see how it’s going? We’re sharing the progress on Instagram: @rethinkingrealestate

Thinking about selling?
We’ll walk your home with you and help you decide where to spend (and where to save). Call Don and Susie Karstedt at Rethinking Real Estate—253-255-1299—for a free home evaluation and honest advice tailored to your goals.