When it comes to selling your home, not all renovations are created equal. Some upgrades will boost your property’s value and appeal to buyers, while others can drain your budget without adding much to your bottom line. If you're planning to sell your home in Hershey, Harrisburg, or the greater Central PA area, here's what you need to know about home renovation ROI—and how to invest smartly.
Top Renovations for High ROI
Some projects are proven winners when it comes to return on investment (ROI). According to national data and recent Central PA market trends, the following renovations consistently help homes sell faster—and for more:
Minor Kitchen Remodel (ROI: 75–85%)
Small updates like repainting cabinets, swapping hardware, upgrading appliances, and installing new countertops can give your kitchen a fresh, modern look without the cost of a full remodel.
Bathroom Refresh (ROI: 70–80%)
Replacing outdated fixtures, re-grouting tile, installing a new vanity, or updating lighting can go a long way in making bathrooms feel clean and contemporary.Contact us today to schedule a free market evaluation—and let’s build your resale plan together.
Exterior Improvements (ROI: 70–90%)
First impressions matter. Replacing your garage door, updating siding, or adding a stone veneer can increase curb appeal—and your sale price. Power washing and new landscaping also make a strong visual impact with minimal investment.
Flooring Upgrades (ROI: 70–80%)
Buyers in today's market are drawn to clean, durable flooring. Replacing worn-out carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl planks gives your home an instant lift.
What NOT to Renovate Before Selling
While it may be tempting to go big before listing your home, not every project pays off. Here are a few renovations that may not deliver the ROI you expect:
- Swimming pools: Often expensive to install and maintain, they can deter more buyers than they attract in the Central PA market.
- Major kitchen overhauls: Custom cabinets or high-end appliances may look beautiful, but most buyers won’t pay extra for luxury finishes that exceed the neighborhood norm.
- Room conversions: Turning a garage into a home gym or a bedroom into a theater may hurt more than help—buyers want flexibility, not niche spaces.
- High-end customizations: Ultra-personalized choices (bold tile, unusual fixtures, unique built-ins) may not appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Focus instead on universal updates that improve functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades: Worth the Investment?
If you’re only going to renovate one or two areas before selling, focus on the kitchen and bathrooms. Why? These are the rooms where buyers focus most of their attention—and they’re often the make-or-break factor when comparing homes.
Kitchen Tips:
- Repaint cabinets in a neutral tone (like white, gray, or soft green)
- Replace laminate countertops with affordable quartz or granite
- Upgrade to energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances
- Add under-cabinet lighting for a modern, polished look
Bathroom Tips:
- Replace outdated vanities with sleek, modern ones
- Install new faucets, towel bars, and lighting fixtures
- Regrout tile or add peel-and-stick backsplash accents
- Upgrade the mirror to a framed or LED option for extra flair
Pro Tip: A minor bathroom remodel can return nearly 80% of your investment—especially in high-demand zip codes like 17033 (Hershey) or 17112 (Harrisburg).
Budgeting for Home Improvements
Before swinging a hammer, create a realistic renovation budget based on your goals and timeline. Here’s how:
- Set your priorities: Which updates are necessary for safety, livability, or sale appeal?
- Research neighborhood comps: Don’t over-improve beyond what similar homes in your area are selling for.
- Get multiple quotes: Compare contractor pricing and timelines before committing.
- Leave room for surprise costs: Expect to spend 10–20% more than your original estimate.
- Talk to a local real estate expert: The team at Hershey Real Estate Group can guide you toward smart renovations that appeal to buyers in your area.
Contact us today to schedule a free market evaluation—and let’s build your resale plan together.
