Some updates are a wise investment for a temporary stay, but experts say you should skip the rest.
Annie Schlechter
Short-term moves can be stressful, and making a temporary space feel like home is important.
Personally, if more than 10% of my stay is spent renovating, it would be a no-go.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
saysDevin Juarez, a real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite.
Analyzing your budget and how long the project will take will help you prioritize your projects.
Next, decide whether the project youre considering is a want or a need.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Finally, consider the return on investment.
There are other investments in your home that could provide a better return with the same investment.
Remember the end game is to resell, so confirm to keep it neutral and appealing to prospective buyers.
Credit:Annie Schlechter
Dot Frank
Here are a few projects the experts say are often good investments.
Many buyers go straight to the kitchen when searching for a new home.
As you make your updates, attempt to keep them neutral and pleasing for the widest range of buyers.
Credit:Buff Strickland
Avoid trends that are permanent.
You dont want a permanent trend like your kitchen cabinets.
That’s permanent, saysTammy Doss, an agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Central.
Doss also cautions against making cheap upgrades likepainting countertops, which wont last long.
Dont have the time or budget for a major overhaul?
Consider a small update.
These changes elevate the look of the space without requiring a major remodel.
I always tell my buyers, its like going on a dating app, Doss says.
You swipe left or you swipe right.
Youre not going to date that house.
Doss says a well-manicured lawn and facade on your home will draw the most buyers and showings.
They want to see the lawn has been taken care ofno oversized shrub, Doss says.
They want to check that the gutters have been taken care of, the porch has been swept off.
If you want to go above and beyond, try adding to your beds.
New Paint
Want to make your temporary home feel clean and new?
Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint, Adam says.
Painting is relatively inexpensive and easy to execute, whether you tackle it yourself or hire a professional.
A well-painted home is an attractive feature for buyers, should you be looking to sell, Adam adds.
New Flooring
If you hate the old carpeting in your short-term home, its likely worth addressing.
Agents caution against investing too much in new flooring as theres a cap for your return.
Mid-range options likeLVP or engineered hardwoodare better, she says.
Focus on appealing to a wide range of buyers without overindulging in niche features.
However, this is not the case for short-term residents.
On the interior you have to think of your house as a blank canvas, Doss says.
A lot of people like color, but its their color.
When selecting new paint colors to freshen up a home,go for neutral palettesnothing too bright or bold.
Theyre high maintenance and may not add enough value, Zinsser says.
They could even dissuade potential buyers.
Theyre expensive and may not suit future buyers, Zinsser adds.
Instead, opt for freestanding alternatives.
Avoid super high-end features as well.
People often regret adding highly personalized features if they aren’t going to be staying long.
Things like built-in wine cellars, home theaters, or quirky paint colors or wallpaper, Schneidersays.
There is zero ROI and buyers might even factor in removal costs.
Removing bedrooms or converting garages can hurt resale value, she says.
Appraisers dont assign the same value per square foot for below-grade space as they do for above-grade.
It might not bring the return youre expecting.
Theyre easy to remove when you leave and provide immediate upgrades without permanent commitments.
This is especially helpful if the space youre moving into is a bit of a blank canvas.
When you walk in youre like, this is so boring.
And if you get the itch to update, go for changes that are easily reversible.
They include swapping out hardware (hang onto the originals!
), area rugs, drapery, and decor.
