Every seller I've ever worked with asks me the same thing: "How do I maximize home value before selling, without overspending or overdoing it?"
It's a good question. And it's one that most articles online don't really answer with actual, useful advice. They say things like "spruce up your home" or "upgrade your kitchen," which are fine… but not always practical, and not always necessary.
So here's what I've seen work, after helping thousands of people with buying and selling a house.
I always tell homeowners in two groups:
What to improve if you are not selling your home yet
What to improve if you are ready to sell
Want to learn more about this topic? Watch the full episode about this topic in our locqube chats podcast.
First things first: If you're not selling yet… this is your golden window
I want to start with homeowners who are not selling yet. You're in the best position of all.
Why? Because the best ROI doesn't come from rushing to fix everything in a panic two weeks before listing. It comes from upkeep, year after year.
If you do just one small project per year, it will pay tremendous dividends when it's finally time to sell. Prevention in this case means less pain and better results.
I know homeowners who replaced their HVAC five years ago. At the time, of course, it hurt. But when it was time to list, buyers loved it and that sacrifice from a few years ago paid off in real money.
On average, about 1% of your home’s value should go into maintenance yearly. Things like upgrading your heating system, keeping the HVAC in shape, or repainting the facade. And of course, they aren’t glamorous, but they show buyers that the home is well cared for. It builds trust and translates into a higher offer down the line.
If you are ready to sell...
Okay. So you're thinking of selling soon. Maybe even in a few months. The cost of buying and selling a house is no joke right now, so getting the most out of your current home matters more than ever.
But, I think a lot of homeowners waste money chasing flashy remodels without realizing that simple maintenance and staging can have just as much (if not more) impact on your sale price.
Overspending on full kitchen or bathroom remodels can sometimes cost you more than you get back. And buyers (believe it or not) care more about how they feel walking into your home than the brand of countertop you have.
The kitchen and bathroom myth
Everyone hears “kitchen and bathroom remodels add the most value.” True. But how to maximize home value is less about throwing money into full remodels and more about creating a neutral, clean slate that lets buyers imagine themselves living there.
Plus, most sellers don’t have unlimited budgets, and most buyers aren’t looking for show kitchens with marble countertops and the latest appliances.
So here’s what I tell sellers:
Declutter and deep clean: Yes, this again. A sparkling bathroom with two fluffy white towels looks better than a half-renovated one filled with personal items.
Regrout the tiles. It’s cheap and makes a huge difference.
Paint the cabinets. And swap out the hardware.
Replace light fixtures. I say this a lot, but good lighting sells homes.
In the kitchen, even just clearing the counters has major impact. Don’t underestimate what a buyer feels when they walk into a clean, open kitchen.
Would a brand-new quartz island help? Sure. But sometimes, in the right circumstances, just removing clutter feels like you installed one. That’s why a 2024 report suggest that minor kitchen remodels have a 96% return on investment.
Curb appeal equals first impressions
This one is very talked about and for a good reason. The second someone sees your home (either in person or online) they’re already forming an opinion.
That means landscaping, the front door, lighting… it all counts.
But here’s the part most people miss: You have to look at your house like a buyer, not a homeowner who walks that pathway day in and day out.
You want to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer looking at the home, and understand that it is an emotional process, as well as an investment. They want to see that structurally it looks good and that's why curb appeal is important.
That means:
Mow the lawn.
Power wash the siding.
Paint the front door a fresh, neutral color.
Swap old house numbers or outdated door hardware.
Clean the windows, inside and out.
These are low-cost, high-impact moves. They won’t break the bank, but they will absolutely help you maximize home value from the moment buyers pull up.
See also: Curb appeal landscaping tips before you try to sell your home
Living rooms: You’re selling a feeling
This is where most families spend their time. So give it a feeling.
Buyers want to walk in and feel like they could sit down, relax, and stay awhile.
What does that mean?
Neutralize the space. Take down personal photos, religious items, anything overly specific.
Add throw pillows. Light a candle before showings.
Set the coffee table like you’re hosting friends.
If you can, stage it (or fake-stage it). Even a few smart accessories can change everything.
Staging sells homes faster. Sometimes, 30x faster, and with an increase in the offer price by 1% to 5%. So, pay attention to that.
See also: Is staging home needed in a HOT market?
Bonus spaces: Basement, attics and garages
You have to also think about basements, attics, garages, and… corners.
Yes, corners. You don’t need an extra room to create the feeling of extra space.
In a master bedroom? Add a cozy chair and small table. It instantly reads as a “reading nook” or morning coffee spot. LIFESTYLE SELLS!
Basements? Clean, decluttered, and well-lit basements are gold. Bonus points if you hint at a purpose:
Home gym (throw down a yoga mat)
Kids’ playroom (add a small shelf of toys)
Storage (use bins and labels so buyers see organization)
These are subtle cues that help people visualize their lives there, and maximize home value without any big spend.
Flooring and lighting
Here’s what I suggest if you’ve got around $5,000 to spend:
Buff the floors (especially hardwood).
Replace yellowed lighting with modern fixtures.
Paint everything in neutral, calming tones.
Get the place professionally cleaned.
Freshen up appliances if needed
This combo gives you a noticeable lift, without the cost of buying and selling a house eating up your gains.
Also think about sustainability
Buyers today are looking for efficient homes. That's why many people are asking if solar panels increase the value of a home. Homes with solar panels sell for 6.9% more, according to recent studies.
However, if you don't want to go there straight away, here’s where to start:
LED lights
Smart thermostats
Efficient shower heads and faucets
Mid-range moves:
Energy-efficient appliances
Double-pane windows
Big-ticket:
Heat pumps
Solar
Sustainability sells, especially if you can show the savings. A 2025 report suggests that 19% of homeowners have made upgrades to improve energy efficiency in their homes.
See also: Why Smart Homes for Sale Are the Future: Statistics & Features You Need [2025]
What to do if you're 6 months out from listing
You’ve got time. Use it wisely.
Walk your home like a buyer would.
Start decluttering. Because you don’t want to do this the week of photos.
Get a home valuation. For example, at locqube, we just launched our AI-powered home valuation tool, and it’s INSANELY helpful. It tells you exactly what your home is worth and why, with comps and everything. Yes, even at 3 a.m.
Consider a pre-listing inspection. You’d be surprised how much smoother your sale will go when you’re not scrambling to fix things mid-negotiation. Just pay the $500 for the inspections. It will really help you.
Talk to an agent. And this goes not only to people who want to list tomorrow, but even those who want to strategize. Agents can help you pick where to invest, where to hold back, and how to position your home to win.
Final thoughts? Think like a buyer, but act like an investor
If I had to wrap this all up in one line?
Treat your home like a product.
Not a museum. Not a memory box. (I know it's hard though.)
The second you decide to sell, it’s no longer your sanctuary; it’s your biggest asset, and you should treat it as such.
You’re not just trying to impress people. You’re trying to maximize home value and get the return you deserve.
Because buying and selling a house is emotional, but it’s also business. Let’s help you win at both.
Ready to find out what your home is worth? Go to locqube.com, try our free AI-powered home value tool, and get the edge you need, before you even list.
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What's different about locqube? locqube allows you to talk to an agent, get your home ready, priced right, and sold - with one app/platform to do it all, start to finish.
