Top 5 Home Improvements That Add the Most Value Before Selling

When you're preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to start noticing every chipped corner and outdated light fixture. The question becomes: which upgrades actually help your home sell faster, and for more?

The answer depends partly on your market. In the Twin Cities, buyers care about energy efficiency, well-maintained exteriors and layouts that make the most of long winters and glorious summer days. Not every improvement pays off, but a few well-chosen updates can make a real difference in both sale price and time on market.

​Let’s dig into the five home improvements that consistently add value before a sale, particularly in Minnesota’s climate and market.

1. Curb Appeal That Works in All Four Seasons

First impressions matter, and in Minnesota, that front view often includes snowbanks or bare branches for half the year. Sellers who invest in curb appeal that stands strong through winter can gain a distinct advantage.

Consider the following updates:

• Giving your entry door a fresh coat of color and new hardware
• Installing low-maintenance landscaping with evergreens or native grasses
• Repairing or replacing cracked walkways and driveway edges
• Adding durable, energy-efficient exterior lighting
• Replacing your garage door (a high-ROI update, often returning up to 194%)

Even in the dead of February, a tidy front step and clean lines give buyers a sense that the home has been well cared for. If your house looks buttoned up from the outside, it sends a quiet message: the inside probably is, too.
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2. Attic Insulation & Energy Efficiency Updates

It might not be the flashiest upgrade, but improving attic insulation is definitely one the smartest, offering a great return on investment. A poorly insulated attic increases the risk of ice dams, moisture problems and roof leaks, while a well-insulated one means lower utility bills. This is something buyers notice. Sometimes they even ask about it directly.

If your attic hasn’t been touched in a while, adding blown-in insulation is a quick way to improve energy efficiency. You can also look at sealing gaps in the basement or around plumbing, updating windows (particularly in older homes) and installing a smart thermostat. Although these improvements don’t always show up in a listing photo, they make a splash where it counts — in inspection reports, energy bills and buyer confidence. ​
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3. Kitchen Refreshes That Keep It Simple

You don’t need to gut your kitchen or install high-end appliances to make it market-ready. In fact, full kitchen remodels rarely return 100 percent of what they cost, and most Minnesota buyers respond better to clean, updated spaces than dramatic renovations.

So what does work? Painting cabinets, swapping out dated hardware and replacing tired countertops can freshen the space without overwhelming your budget. Choose finishes that match the rest of your home and don’t try to over-correct. Mid-range choices tend to appeal more than ultra-modern looks.

You might also consider replacing any harsh overhead lights with something a little warmer. It’s subtle, but it makes the space feel easier to live in. The goal is to make the kitchen feel like a space buyers can move into and gradually make their own.
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4. Bathroom Updates That Remove Buyer Hesitation

Bathrooms aren’t where people fall in love with a home, but they are where they can fall out of love with one. Buyers will notice grime, rust and worn-out surfaces, so before listing, walk through your bathrooms with fresh eyes. Some good places to start include: 

• Recaulking tubs and showers
• Cleaning or regrouting tile
• Replacing dated mirrors or light fixtures
• Installing a new toilet seat or faucet 

You’re not creating a showpiece, you’re just trying to remove reasons for someone to hesitate. When bathrooms feel clean and functional, buyers move through the rest of the home with less resistance.
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5. Fresh Interior Paint in All the Right Places

Paint is one of the least expensive ways to freshen up a home. Neutral, modern tones help buyers focus on the space itself, not the past choices of previous owners.

But don’t assume you need to paint everything. Focus on entryways and main living areas, rooms with dark or bold colors, and walls that show wear, stains or scuff marks. In Minnesota, earthy tones and soft, neutral colors like whites, greys and beiges tend to resonate well.

These tones fit well with Sherwin-Williams' 2025 "Color Capsule of the Year" list, which features trending colors that work with almost any style, whether you're going for warm minimalism, modern farmhouse vibes or an Art Deco aesthetic. 
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Where to Start if You're on a Budget

You don’t have to do everything at once. If your time or budget is limited, start with the improvements that offer the most visible return. These tend to be small updates that signal a well-maintained home.

Here’s a simple priority list many Minnesota sellers find helpful:

• Fix anything broken or obviously dated (think peeling paint and flickering lights)
• Clean thoroughly, including corners and fixtures
• Repaint high-traffic areas or outdated colors
• Make basic energy efficiency upgrades
• Refresh fixtures in kitchens and bathrooms as needed
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What This Really Comes Down To

Selling a home in Minnesota comes with a few unique factors. Buyers want to know the house will be warm in February. They want to walk in and feel like it’s been cared for, even through long winters and muddy springs. You don’t have to give them perfection, but you should offer something that feels ready.

If you're unsure where to begin or want help prioritizing based on your timeline and goals, Sheri and Melany Thelander are happy to take a look. A short walkthrough can help spot the things buyers are most likely to notice — and the things they’ll thank you for fixing before they ever step inside. Contact us today to learn what you can do to sell your home quickly! 

Sheri Wessel
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-270-7157
Email: [email protected]  

Melany Thelander
Office: 651-379-5252
Mobile: 651-500-8789​
Email: [email protected]