Renovate or Sell As-Is? What Homeowners Need to Know Before Listing

By Young & Partners Real Estate | Seller Strategy Series

LOS ANGELES, CA — When Maria decided to sell her Inglewood bungalow, she faced a dilemma most homeowners eventually confront: Should she invest in updating the outdated kitchen and repaint the faded exterior, or list the home “as-is” and let the next owner handle the upgrades?

“I kept wondering if I’d even get that money back,” she said. “Was it worth the hassle?”

It’s a question our team hears daily — and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The ROI Reality Check

According to the National Association of Realtors, certain pre-sale improvements — like a fresh coat of paint, modern light fixtures, or landscaping — can yield up to a 150% return on investment. But others, like luxury kitchen remodels or complete bathroom overhauls, might not pay off unless your home is in a high-demand price point.

“Not every upgrade is a smart investment,” explains Robert Young, lead advisor at Young & Partners Real Estate. “You have to be strategic. Sometimes less is more.”

What Adds Value:

• Curb Appeal Touch-Ups: Fresh mulch, pressure washing, and new house numbers can attract buyers from the curb.

• Neutral Paint & Flooring: Light, neutral colors help buyers visualize themselves in the space.

• Minor Kitchen & Bath Refreshes: Think resurfaced cabinets, modern hardware, and clean grout — not full gut jobs.

What to Avoid:

• Over-customizing: Bold colors or trendy finishes can alienate buyers

• Over-renovating for the neighborhood: Don’t be the only luxury kitchen in a mid-range block

• Ignoring timeline: Large projects can delay your listing — and cost you more in holding expenses

The Buyer’s Perspective

For buyers, spotting homes with tasteful, functional updates — but not over-the-top renovations — often signals a well-maintained property. But don’t let the fresh finishes fool you.

“Always ask when and why the renovations were done,” says Young. “Some flips cut corners. We guide our buyers to look beyond the surface.”

Pro Tip:

Before spending a dollar, ask your agent for a pre-listing consultation. At Young & Partners, we provide a room-by-room analysis of what’s worth upgrading, what’s not, and how to maximize value with minimal spend.

Final Word:

In today’s market, smart renovations can elevate your sale price — but reckless ones can backfire. Whether you're deciding how to prep your home for market or how to evaluate a recently renovated listing, knowledge is your most valuable asset.

And when in doubt, Young & Partners is here to help you make confident, strategic decisions — not expensive mistakes.