Top 3 Home Improvements That Bring the Best ROI When Preparing to Sell Your Home
Selling your home is a big decision — and you want to make smart choices about which home improvements add the most value. Some projects cost a lot but don’t help you get that money back when you sell. Other improvements give you more value than they cost! Today, we’ll talk about the top 3 home improvements with the greatest return on investment (ROI) based on recent real estate industry reports.
These tips are great for sellers in the Concord, NH, Merrimack County, and New Hampshire areas who want to boost resale value, speed up their sale, and get more money at closing.
1. Replace the Garage Door — Best ROI for Your Money
One of the most powerful upgrades you can make is a new garage door.
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A new, stylish garage door can return almost double what it costs when you sell your home.
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Garage doors improve curb appeal, energy efficiency, and the overall look of your home.
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Because this is something buyers see immediately, it helps make a strong first impression.
👉 Why it matters: Buyers often decide within seconds whether they like a home — and the garage door is a big part of that first impression.
2. Update Your Front Entry Door (Steel or Fiberglass)
Your front door is another high-impact improvement.
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A new steel or quality entry door can give you back about twice what you invest when selling.
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A fresh, strong front door looks welcoming and signals good home care and security.
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Even a simple upgrade with a fresh color or modern hardware can make your home stand out online and in person.
👉 Why it matters: Buyers feel safer and more impressed when they see a clean, modern entrance. It sets a positive tone for the whole tour.
3. Minor Kitchen Remodel — Big Value in the Heart of the Home
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house — and buyers notice it.
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A minor kitchen remodel (not a full gut job) can bring back nearly as much value as you spend.
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This can include things like new countertops, refacing cabinets, updated hardware, and modern, energy-efficient appliances.
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A modern and functional kitchen makes your home look “move-in ready,” which buyers love.
👉 Why it matters: Kitchens help buyers picture their life in your home. A fresh kitchen can make your listing more clickable and memorable.
Bonus Tips That Also Help Boost ROI
While these don’t always top the list like the three above, they do help buyers say “yes!” when they walk through your door:
● Boost Curb Appeal with Landscaping
A tidy yard, trimmed bushes, and fresh mulch help your home look cared for before buyers even step inside.
● Fresh Paint Inside or Outside
Light, clean paint makes your home feel newer and larger without spending a lot.
● Minor Bathroom Touch-Ups
Small changes like new fixtures or updated lighting can help bathrooms feel modern.
👉 These smaller fixes work together to make your home more inviting and competitive.
Why These Projects Work So Well
Professional real estate and remodeling reports show that exterior updates and targeted interior upgrades give the greatest return when selling. Projects that draw buyer attention — and fix common problems — tend to pay off best.
In contrast, big, expensive renovations that are very personal (like custom home offices or luxury bathrooms) may not return as much when you sell.
Final Thought
If you’re planning to sell your home in Concord, NH or anywhere in Merrimack County, focusing on high-ROI home improvements can make a big difference in your sale price and time on market.
✔ New garage door
✔ Updated front entry door
✔ Minor kitchen remodel
These are the three improvements that smart sellers focus on first!
Need help deciding which updates make the most sense for your home before listing? Contact me — I can walk you through current market trends, smart investments, and how to get your home sell-ready with the best return on your time and dollars.
