Selling your house can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to stand out in a competitive market. You might be wondering: What are the best home improvements to sell your house fast? Should you paint? Stage your rooms? Replace old flooring?
While there are plenty of projects you can tackle, time and again kitchen and bathroom remodels sit at the top of the list for home sellers who want maximum return on investment (ROI) and a faster sale.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down why upgrading your kitchen and bathroom makes such a huge difference, which specific improvements bring the highest ROI, how to budget wisely, and how to highlight these upgrades to attract motivated buyers.
Why the Right Home Improvements Help Homes Sell Faster
Before we get into kitchens and bathrooms specifically, let’s look at why updating your home helps it sell faster — and for more money.
Today’s buyers are busy. They want move-in ready homes that don’t come with a long list of repairs or outdated spaces they’ll need to gut themselves. Most buyers decide how they feel about your home within seconds of walking in the door — and nothing influences that first impression more than your kitchen and bathrooms.
According to multiple national housing studies and reports like the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, kitchen and bathroom remodels consistently rank as two of the top home improvements for resale value. They’re the rooms buyers scrutinize the most — and the rooms that show wear and tear the quickest.
Kitchen Remodel ROI: Why the Kitchen Sells the House
There’s an old saying in real estate: the kitchen sells the house — and it’s true.
When buyers tour a home, the kitchen is often the first room they notice. It’s the space where people imagine hosting holidays, preparing meals, gathering with friends and family. A dated kitchen is one of the biggest turn-offs for potential buyers — but an updated, fresh kitchen can create instant emotional appeal.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Add to Home Value?
Depending on your market, a mid-range kitchen remodel can recoup 60% to 80% of its cost at resale, sometimes more in competitive areas. Minor kitchen remodels — like updating cabinets, swapping out countertops, and replacing old appliances — often bring the best ROI.
For example:
- Replacing outdated laminate countertops with quartz or granite.
- Installing new cabinet doors or hardware instead of a full cabinet replacement.
- Adding energy-efficient, stainless steel appliances.
- Updating lighting with recessed or under-cabinet lights.
- Fresh paint in a neutral, bright tone.
Small changes can make your kitchen feel modern and clean without blowing your budget.
Bathroom Remodel ROI: Small Room, Big Impact
Next up: the bathroom. You might think buyers care most about square footage or big living rooms, but outdated bathrooms are a dealbreaker for many buyers.
Bathroom remodels deliver impressive ROI because buyers pay close attention to signs of age and damage here — moldy grout, dated tile, leaky fixtures — these raise red flags.
How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Add to Home Value?
A well-done bathroom renovation can recoup 50% to 70% of its cost, sometimes more for smaller updates. Some of the best ways to increase bathroom ROI include:
- Installing a walk-in shower instead of an old tub.
- Upgrading to new fixtures and faucets.
- Replacing cracked or dated tile with modern, neutral tile.
- Adding a double vanity if space allows.
- Improving ventilation and lighting.
Other Smart Upgrades That Help Sell Your House Fast
While the kitchen and bath are at the top, other upgrades can help too — especially when paired with your remodel.
Fresh Paint: One of the cheapest ways to freshen up your whole house. Neutral colors like soft gray, warm beige, or clean white appeal to the widest audience.
Updated Flooring: Old carpet, worn-out vinyl, or cracked tile can make your house feel tired. New flooring — especially hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) — makes a big impact.
Curb Appeal: Don’t forget the outside. Power washing, minor landscaping, and a new front door can help your house make a great first impression.
Energy Efficiency: Buyers appreciate energy savings. New windows, LED lighting, and efficient appliances can all be selling points.
How to Balance Cost and ROI
One common mistake homeowners make is over-improving. The key is to choose updates that match your neighborhood’s price point and typical buyer expectations.
You don’t need a gourmet chef’s kitchen with $20,000 appliances in a starter home neighborhood — but modern finishes, clean lines, and updated lighting can help your house outshine others at your price point.
Pro Tip: Talk to a local real estate agent or trusted contractor before starting. They’ll help you determine the sweet spot for your remodel budget vs. expected return.
Should I Remodel My Whole Kitchen and Bathroom or Do Minor Updates?
This is one of the most common questions sellers ask: Do I need to do a full gut job, or will smaller updates be enough?
The answer depends on your budget and how outdated your spaces are. Sometimes, simple cosmetic updates can bring huge returns.
Examples of minor, high-ROI updates:
- Repainting cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Swapping old hardware for modern pulls and handles.
- Installing a new backsplash.
- Replacing light fixtures and faucets.
- Re-caulking tubs and showers.
If your kitchen or bath is very outdated or in poor shape, a more complete remodel may make sense — especially if local homes for sale have upgraded spaces that buyers will compare yours to.
Staging Tips to Make the Most of Your Remodel
Once your kitchen and bath upgrades are done, show them off! Staging can help buyers see themselves living in your space.
Simple staging tips for kitchens:
- Clear countertops of clutter.
- Add fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit.
- Use new dish towels and stylish accessories.
Simple staging tips for bathrooms:
- Use fresh, fluffy towels.
- Add new soap dispensers or a spa tray.
- Keep counters sparkling clean.
How to Market Your Home’s Upgrades
When listing your home, highlight your remodels in your listing description and photos.
Use phrases like:
- Recently updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless appliances.
- Modern bathroom remodel with walk-in shower and custom tile.
- Move-in ready home with fresh, updated spaces buyers will love.
Buyers don’t just see pretty photos — they see savings. They know they won’t have to tackle a remodel themselves, which can be a huge relief.
Final Thoughts: Best Home Improvements to Sell Your House Fast
If you want to know the best home improvements to sell your house fast, focus first on the spaces that matter most: the kitchen and bathrooms. These are the rooms buyers remember. Updated, clean, modern spaces make your home stand out, attract more buyers, and often sell for more money — faster.
Hunter Builders is here to help Albuquerque homeowners plan kitchen and bathroom remodels that deliver strong ROI and boost resale value. We know what local buyers want — and we design every project to help you get the most out of your investment.
Ready to get your home market-ready?
Contact Hunter Builders today for a free consultation and discover how a smart kitchen and bath remodel can help you sell faster — and for more.
Call (505) 814-4921
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the #1 upgrade to sell my house faster?
A: Kitchen remodels consistently top the list. Even small updates — like new counters or painted cabinets — can help.
Q: How much should I spend on a kitchen remodel before selling?
A: A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 5–10% of your home’s value on a kitchen remodel.
Q: Do bathroom remodels really add value?
A: Yes! Bathrooms are second only to kitchens when it comes to ROI. Even simple updates like new tile or fixtures help.
Q: Should I remodel before or after I list?
A: Before! An updated kitchen and bath give you stronger listing photos, more showings, and better offers.
Q: Can Hunter Builders help with both kitchen and bathroom remodels?
A: Absolutely — we specialize in custom kitchen and bathroom renovations designed to help you get top dollar for your home.
