Why You’re Not Getting the Return You Expected on Your Home

By JP Fluellen

JP became a licensed real estate agent in 2010 after being a real estate investor for 2 years. He’s been a top real estate agent at Coldwell Banker The Property Exchange and has recently started the Titan Real Estate Team at eXp Realty.

Have you ever listed your house, only to be disappointed that it’s not selling for what you expected? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the frustration of their property not meeting the price they think it should. Let’s take a look at the four major reasons this is happening to sellers:

1. Your home might be outdated. If you’ve owned your home for a while and haven’t made updates, it could be losing its appeal to buyers. Every 10 years, a house starts to show signs of aging, even if you’ve kept it in good condition. Buyers today expect homes that feel modern and well-maintained. If your house hasn’t kept up with current trends or is in need of repairs, it’s likely not going to sell for top dollar.

2. Small repairs matter. It’s easy to ignore small repairs, but they can add up. Things like scratched sliding doors, broken screens, or worn floors may seem minor, but they can make a big difference to a buyer. These small issues give the impression that the home is not well taken care of, so fixing these little things before listing your home can definitely help boost its value and make it feel more polished.

3. Major improvements can help. Kitchens and bathrooms are two areas that can have a huge impact on your home’s value. If your home has an outdated kitchen or bathroom, it could be holding back your sale price. Older countertops, cabinets, and appliances are a clear sign that the home needs updating. I recommend making updates to these spaces to make your home more appealing to potential buyers. This also helps you get closer to your asking price.

4. ROI on improvements. Before diving into major renovations, it’s important to understand that you might not get back every dollar you spend. Research shows that most homeowners recoup about 70-80% of their renovation costs when selling. This means that if you invest $100,000 in improvements, you might only see an increase of $70,000 in the sale price. If you’re looking to get the best return, consider how long you plan to stay in the home. Remember: appreciating home values over time could work in your favor, but only if you wait to sell.

To get the most out of your home sale, focus on making smart updates and repairs. Address small issues, like worn-out floors or damaged screens. I also recommend updating outdated features in your kitchen or bathroom to help increase the home’s value. Lastly, be mindful of the return on any larger renovations you make, and consider whether you’ll see the full benefits of those improvements in the near future.

If you need help navigating the selling process or want more tips on getting the best value for your home, you can call or text me at 307-772-1184 or email me at ** ** jp@titanreteam.com. I’m happy to provide insights that can help make your home selling experience smoother and more profitable.