ROI Reality Check: Not Every Upgrade Pays Off
- Kat Moore — The German Realtor®
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
One of the biggest questions I hear from homeowners is:“Kat, should I upgrade before I sell?”
Here’s my honest answer: it depends. Sometimes a smart update can make your home shine and boost your sale price. Other times… it’s just money down the drain (sorry, no HGTV refund coming your way).
The reality? Not every upgrade gives you a strong Return on Investment (ROI). Let’s take a closer look at where your money actually works for you—and where it doesn’t.
💡 Upgrades That Usually Pay Off
1. Curb Appeal Is King
First impressions matter—buyers decide in seconds whether they’re interested. A power-washed driveway, trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, and a crisp new front door can add major appeal without draining your savings.👉 Fun fact: Replacing a garage door has one of the highest ROIs nationwide—often 90% or more. Who knew?
2. Minor Kitchen Refreshes
You don’t need a $50,000 kitchen overhaul. Paint those cabinets, swap out the old brass knobs for sleek handles, and update your light fixtures. Instant glow-up.👉 ROI range: 70–80% for small kitchen remodels.
3. Bathroom Touch-Ups
Reglaze the tub, re-caulk the tile, hang a stylish new mirror, and boom—spa vibes without spa prices.👉 ROI: A mid-range bathroom remodel can return around 60–65%.
4. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Maryland buyers love hearing “new windows” or “brand-new HVAC.” Lower utility bills + comfort across four seasons = a solid selling point.👉 ROI: Buyers may not pay dollar-for-dollar, but these updates help your home sell faster.
🚫 Upgrades That Rarely Pay Off
1. The Luxury Kitchen Overhaul
That $80,000 chef’s kitchen? Gorgeous. Will you get $80,000 more at closing? Probably not. Most buyers don’t pay extra for a six-burner gas stove they’ll never use.👉 ROI: Closer to 50–60%.
2. Over-Personalized Projects
A built-in aquarium wall? A wine cellar that rivals Napa? A neon pink accent wall? Love it for you, but most buyers won’t. Personalized projects can actually hurt resale if buyers see dollar signs to “undo” them.
3. Invisible Upgrades
Moving plumbing lines across the house, installing heated floors, or adding ultra-custom wiring. You’ll pay big money, but buyers won’t notice—or pay extra.
🧮 Maryland Math: The ROI Balancing Act
Let’s say you’re selling a $400,000 home in Anne Arundel County.
If you drop $50K into a high-end kitchen remodel, you might only add $25–30K in value.
But if you spend $5K refreshing paint, landscaping, and fixtures, you could boost your home’s perceived value by $15–20K.
See the difference? ROI isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smart.
✅ My Seller’s Takeaway
Before you start tearing down walls or swiping your credit card at Home Depot, talk to a Realtor® (hi 👋). I’ll help you:
Prioritize upgrades that actually matter to today’s Maryland buyers.
Skip the money pits that don’t give you a solid return.
Focus on presentation: clean, fresh, and move-in ready always beats over-the-top remodels.
Because here’s the truth: buyers don’t need a luxury showroom. They just want a home that feels inviting, well-maintained, and ready for them to make their own.
So, save your money for your next dream home (and maybe some crab cakes to celebrate closing day).
Kat Moore | Realtor | AdvisorSamson Properties
📞 410-414-5967 (cell), 443-975-7555 (office)
The Kat Walk To Homeownership
Disclaimer
This blog post is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects my perspective as a licensed real estate agent. It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations can change, and individual circumstances vary. Please consult a licensed tax professional, attorney, or other qualified advisor for advice specific to your situation.
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