Upgrades are great — but don’t expect dollar-for-dollar returns.
We love a gorgeous kitchen just as much as you do.
Granite countertops, luxury appliances, spa bathrooms… they’re all amazing — and they absolutely make your home more enjoyable to live in.
But here’s the hard truth:
Most renovations don’t pay you back in full when it comes time to sell.
That $100,000 kitchen?
You might get $20K–$40K back in resale value — if you’re lucky.
The real “return” on those improvements?
You already got it — in the form of comfort, enjoyment, and years of good living. And that’s a beautiful thing. But…
Over-improving your home — especially for the neighborhood — is a real problem.
Buyers still shop based on location and comparable sales.
If your neighbors are all selling homes with average kitchens and modest finishes, yours — no matter how stunning — still has to appraise and justify its price based on the surrounding area.
So be careful:
- Don’t assume buyers will pay top dollar for your upgrades
- Understand the limits of your market
- Avoid pricing your home based on what you put into it — price it based on what buyers are actually willing to pay
House Karma Tip:
We’ll help you evaluate what adds value and what doesn’t.
We’ll show you what buyers in your area really want — and what they’re willing to pay for.
So before you sink money into that wine cellar or marble bathroom…
make sure you’re not pouring those dollars down the drain.
