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7 Ways to Add Value to Your Home Before Selling
They help your home stand out from the pack.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:30am
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With the number of homes on the market outpacing the number of buyers, it's more important than ever to get your home market-ready if you're looking to sell. Our experts share the best ways to spend your remodeling dollars, from giving the kitchen a facelift to pumping up the curb appeal, to help your home stand out from the competition.
Why it matters
In a buyer's market, homeowners need to make strategic home improvements to make their property more appealing to prospective buyers. These upgrades can increase the home's value and help it sell faster.
The details
The article provides seven key tips for adding value to a home before selling: 1) Give the kitchen a facelift by updating high-contact surfaces, fixtures, and hardware; 2) Address any water issues like leaks or water damage; 3) Improve curb appeal with small touches like potted plants, a new welcome mat, and a fresh coat of paint on the front door; 4) Declutter and deep clean the entire home; 5) Apply a fresh coat of neutral-colored interior paint; 6) Expand the living space by adding an outdoor living area like a pergola or gazebo; and 7) Increase the home's lighting by replacing outdated fixtures and maximizing natural light.
- Spring 2026 is shaping up to be peak home-selling season.
The players
Nicole Stewart
A real estate agent based in Boise, Idaho.
Tamara Mattox-Kabat
A real estate agent and interior designer in Denver.
Kendra Sinclair
Home Trends Expert at Thumbtack, the home services marketplace.
Kellie Martinez
A real estate agent based in Orange County, California.
Dan DiClerico
Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at Good Housekeeping.
What they’re saying
“Think of it like a popularity contest. You need to do everything you can to make your home stand out from the pack.”
— Nicole Stewart, Real estate agent
“Updating the things buyers will touch every day, like counters, the faucet, and cabinetry pulls, will instantly make a home feel newer and better maintained.”
— Tamara Mattox-Kabat, Real estate agent and interior designer
“Real estate agents and their buyers will zero in on any sign of leaks or water damage.”
— Kendra Sinclair, Home Trends Expert at Thumbtack
“I always tell my clients to have their carpets professionally cleaned a day or two before the open house.”
— Kellie Martinez, Real estate agent
“Baseboards tend to show a lot of wear and tear, so it might be worth making them look fresh and shiny with a coat of semi-gloss paint.”
— Kellie Martinez, Real estate agent
The takeaway
In a buyer's market, homeowners need to be strategic about home improvements to make their property stand out and maximize its value. By focusing on key areas like the kitchen, curb appeal, and decluttering, sellers can attract more buyer interest and potentially sell their home faster.
