Spent $15K renovating my first rental property. Got $18K more when I sold it. Not every project returns like that. Most don’t. Here’s what actually moves the needle.
Paint (Always Paint)
Fresh neutral paint transforms tired spaces. $200-400 in materials. Massive visual impact. Every house flipper starts here for a reason.
Stick to warm whites and light grays. Bold colors scare buyers even if you love them.
Light Fixtures
Swap dated fixtures for something current. $50-200 per fixture. A brass chandelier in the dining room replaces “builder basic” vibes with intentional design.
Entry foyer and dining room fixtures matter most. Those are what people notice.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
New handles and pulls make old cabinets look refreshed. Maybe $200 for an entire kitchen. Takes an hour to install.
Black or brass hardware is current. Avoid anything too trendy that will look dated in two years.
Front Door
First thing buyers see. A fresh coat of paint or a replacement door changes entire curb appeal. $100-500 depending on how far you go.
Bold door colors work here even if they don’t inside. Red, navy, black all pop.
Landscaping
Curb appeal returns 100%+ often. Fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, maybe some flowers. $200-500 for DIY. Buyers decide before they walk inside.
What Doesn’t Return
Pools. Expensive additions that only appeal to some buyers. Over-customized anything. Your taste isn’t everyone’s taste.
