Thinking about selling this spring? You might want to wait for the flowers or warmer weather, but in today’s market, that’s actually cutting it too close — now is the time to get started.

Buyers have more choices than they did a few years ago, so it pays to take care of repairs now and make your home stand out. You don’t want to be scrambling as the spring rush hits or running out of time to finish the work your house really needs.

The trick is to concentrate on updates that really make a difference — and that’s where ROI data becomes useful.

Which Projects Tend to Pay Off?

Each year Zonda checks which home improvements give you the best return when it’s time to sell — and the findings can be pretty surprising.

The green sections of the chart highlight the updates where sellers can add the most value, according to the research.

Even though the data covers lots of different projects, the fun part is that some of the biggest winners aren’t major overhauls — they’re as simple as changing a door.

Small Updates, Big Visual Impact

This proves small projects can make a real difference. You don’t need to break the bank or check off every item on the list. But in today’s market, doing nothing could hurt your chances.

Now that buyers have more choices, many will prefer homes that are move-in ready.

The best move? Take care of what your home actually needs — listed here or not. Fix those repairs you’ve been postponing: spruce up the front door or shutters, rake the leaf piles in the yard, touch up scuffed paint where the kids play. Those little things make a difference.

Mallory Slesser, an interior designer and home stager, put it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) like this:

““If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”
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— Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager

Little details like these let buyers concentrate on the home instead of worrying about future repairs. That’s benefiting other sellers — buyers are often willing to pay more for homes that look well cared for, updated, and truly move-in ready.

This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy

Keep this in mind: national data is just a guideline. What buyers want changes by location, price range, and even neighborhood. So a renovation that adds value in one area might be unnecessary—or too much—for your market.

That’s why your first move should be to have a conversation with a local real estate pro before you get started.

A knowledgeable agent can walk you through questions like:

• What upgrades do buyers in your local market actually expect?

• What can you skip without hurting your sale price?

• Where will a small investment make the biggest impact?

• Is it smarter to make updates — or sell as-is?

That guidance helps you steer clear of over-improving or under-preparing.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell this spring, there’s still time to make simple updates that help your home shine—no full renovation needed.

Not sure where to start? Let’s chat about what will make the biggest impact for your home. A short conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll deliver the most value.