Should I remodel my house before selling?

Short answer: Yes - but only the right updates. Strategic pre-sale improvements can dramatically boost your home’s appeal and sale price. We focus on high-impact, cosmetic improvements that buyers care about most - fresh paint, updated flooring, modern hardware, and clean finishes - rather than full gut jobs that don’t pay off.

It’s not just about upgrades. It’s about making the whole house feel like one polished, move-in-ready package. A newly remodeled kitchen won’t sell the house if the rest feels neglected. When everything flows, buyers feel confident - that is what adds value and drives offers.

What are the best renovations to boost my home’s value before listing?

It isn’t just one thing - it’s how everything ties together.

Yes, individual upgrades like a new kitchen or updated floor can offer solid returns - for example, a minor kitchen remodel can yield a nice return on investment and lead to a faster sale. But that assumes the rest of the home is up to par.

Think of your home like a product on a shelf. If the kitchen looks amazing but the floors are scratched, the lighting is dated, and the bathroom feels dingy, buyers see “one nice room” in an otherwise inconsistent home. That disconnect lowers perceived value.

Buyers (and appraisers) respond best when the entire home feels updated and cohesive. That’s why we focus on strategic, cosmetic updates across the board - modern fixtures, clean finishes, fresh paint, new flooring - so your home presents as a polished, move-in-ready package.

When everything works together, the perceived value skyrockets, often translating to multiple offers and better-than-expected resale prices.

How much value can I add with pre-sale renovations?

It depends - every home and every neighborhood is different. Here’s what we’ve seen:

Our clients typically see $10,000 - $30,000+ in added value from targeted, cosmetic upgrades. Some projects have brought even more, especially when they helped a home stand out in a crowded market or attract multiple offers.

Not every dollar you put in comes back 1:1. The real advantage is positioning your home as the best option at your price point - clean, modern, and move-in ready - which often leads to faster sales, stronger offers, and fewer buyer concessions.

We’re here to help you make smart decisions that maximize what your house can command - and to keep the process simple and seller-friendly.

Want to know what’s worth doing in your neighborhood? Schedule a free consult - we’ll run the numbers and give it to you straight.

What are the most affordable updates that help sell a house?

You don’t always need a full renovation to make a serious impact.

According to Zillow and the National Association of Realtors, some of the highest ROI updates are also the most affordable:

• Interior painting - A fresh coat in neutral tones can instantly make a space feel clean and updated, yielding a high return on investment.

• Cabinet hardware and light fixture swaps - Inexpensive changes that give the whole home a more modern, intentional look.

• New mirrors or vanities - Especially in bathrooms, quick refreshes here add polish without major expense.

• Front entry upgrades - Things like a fresh door color, new house numbers, or lighting boost curb appeal right away.

They key, however, is to do them together and elevate the entire feel of the home - not just individual rooms. A painted room is good. A painted wall with new fixtures, clean floors and refreshed trim feels like a move-in ready package. That emotional impact is what often bumps up showing activity, buying interest, and final sale price.

We help you identify the high-ROI improvements that pull the whole house together - so buyers see value, not just upgrades.

Should I paint my cabinets or replace them?

If the cabinets are structurally sound and free of major damage, painting is almost always the better investment - especially if you’re prepping for sale.

Cabinet replacement can cost $8,000-$15,000+, while professional painting or refinishing usually runs $1,500-$3,000. Yet the visual impact can be nearly identical when done right - clean, modern, and market-ready.

At Equity-Boost, we specialize in cabinet refinishing that updates the look without blowing the budget - so you keep more of your eventual profit at sale.

Do you offer pre-sale remodeling in the st. louis area?

Absolutely. Equity Boost Remodeling is locally owned and based in St. Louis County, and we serve nearby areas including South County, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Affton, Mehlville, Oakville, and more.

Most of our clients are gearing up to sell within the next 30-90 days and need fast, strategic improvements that actually move the needle on price.

We understand the local market and what buyers expect - which means we don’t waste your time (or money) on upgrades that won’t bring a return.

What if I don’t have the cash to pay for updates before selling?

You’re not alone - many homeowners hesitate to spend money right before listing. That’s why we offer a post-closing payment option for qualifying projects.

If your project totals $5,000 or more, you may be eligible to lock in our Equity-Backed Payment Plan:

• Pay just 20% upfront to start the work

• Defer the remaining 80% until your home sells

We simply collect the rest at closing - once your home is sold and you’re getting paid. No hidden fees, no interest. Just smart, seller-friendly remodeling.