Should You Update Your House Before Selling?

Here’s What Buyers Are Asking For in 2025

Whether you’re preparing to list your house soon or planning a future move, being strategic about home updates can make a major difference. It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest inspiration or start dreaming about big-ticket renovations—but the real question is: Which improvements will actually pay off when you sell?

At Abby Powers & Company, we walk Kansas City homeowners through these decisions every day. The goal is simple: help you enjoy your home more now and position it for maximum resale value when the time is right.

 What the Data Tells Us

The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is packed with useful insights for homeowners just like you. It breaks down the top renovations based on cost recovery, buyer demand, and homeowner satisfaction—and it confirms something we’ve known from experience: Not all updates are created equal.

Some projects bring joy, some bring value, and the best ones do both.

 What Buyers Are Asking For in 2025

According to NAR, real estate professionals across the country (and here in Kansas City) are reporting a noticeable increase in demand for:

• Kitchen Upgrades (48%) – Think refreshed cabinetry, modern countertops, or updated appliances.

• New Roofing (43%) – Buyers want peace of mind knowing they won’t face a major expense right after move-in.

• Bathroom Renovations (35%) – Functional, bright, and spa-like spaces go a long way.

• Fresh Interior Paint (32%) – A coat of clean, neutral paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh your space.

These preferences reflect a post-pandemic shift toward homes that are both move-in ready and highly functional. Buyers don’t just want a house—they want a home that works for their lifestyle right now.

Buyer Preferences We’re Seeing in Kansas City

In the Liberty, Smithville, Parkville, and Northland areas, we’re seeing this firsthand. Buyers often walk into a home and immediately assess whether the kitchen and primary bathroom feel “updated.” If the home needs paint or carpet, that’s manageable—but older kitchens, outdated vanities, or signs of roof wear often lead to hesitation, moving onto the next property, and occasionally lower offers.

 Which Home Updates Offer the Best ROI?

If you’re aiming for improvements that give you a solid return on investment (ROI), NAR’s data shows clear winners:

If one of these projects is already on your radar, you’re likely on the right track. We recommend focusing on updates that add both comfort and confidence—features buyers can see and feel.

 Which Projects Bring the Most Joy?

Not every project is about resale. Some are about making your space work better for you. NAR also surveyed homeowners on which updates brought them the most happiness—and it’s no surprise that the biggest “joy scores” came from:

• Adding a Primary Suite

• Kitchen Upgrades

• New Roofing

Joy is a value too. If an update improves your day-to-day lifestyle and makes your home feel more like you, it’s often worth the investment.

 Why Planning Ahead Matters

Even if you’re not planning to sell your Kansas City home immediately, there’s huge value in spacing out updates over time. Here’s why:

• Budget-Friendly: You avoid large one-time costs by spreading projects out.

• Stress-Reducing: Tackling one project at a time makes everything more manageable.

• Enjoy the Benefits: Why make improvements for someone else to enjoy? Live with the upgrades you love!

And let’s face it—life can change quickly. A job relocation, growing family, or shift in priorities could move your timeline forward unexpectedly. Having your home “sale ready” before you need to list is a major advantage.

 Local Strategy Is Key

National trends are helpful, but real estate is always local. What buyers value in Parkville or Gladstone may be different than what sells in downtown Kansas City or Johnson County. That’s where our expertise comes in.

At Abby Powers & Company, we’ll evaluate:

• How your neighborhood compares to nearby comps

• What features are trending in current buyer searches

• What updates are necessary and market-appropriate

• Where to spend (and where to save) before listing

 Budgeting Tips for Home Updates

1. Start with an Inspection-Style Walkthrough
   Even if you’re not selling yet, walk your home like a buyer would. Are there signs of wear? Does the layout feel functional?

2. Prioritize ROI Projects First
   Focus on updates that improve livability and will translate into higher offers later.

3. Use a Trusted Contractor or Handyman
   Ask us for recommendations—we work with trusted vendors across the KC metro.

4. Get a Pre-Listing Consult
   Not sure where to start? We’ll guide you through which updates make sense for your goals and timeline.

 Let’s Make Your Next Project Count

At the end of the day, it’s not about updating everything—it’s about updating the right things. Whether you’re painting a few rooms or planning a full kitchen redo, we can help you make strategic decisions rooted in today’s Kansas City market.

Call Abby Powers & Company today at 816-295-9835 or visit AbbyPowers.com to schedule your personalized home improvement consult.

We’re not just here to sell your home —we’re here to help you love it until it sells.