Best Home Improvements Before Selling: How to Boost Your Home Value in South Orange County

Taylor-Ann Bergeron
Sep 23
2 min read

South Orange County home with fall curb appeal updates including fresh landscaping and seasonal flowers to boost value before selling

When it’s time to sell your home, one of the first questions many sellers ask is: " What are the best home improvements before selling? Certain updates can significantly increase your home’s marketability and final sale price, while others may cost more than they return. Let’s break down what’s worth doing in today’s Orange County market.

Does Remodeling Increase Your List Price?

In many cases, yes — strategic remodels can help your home sell faster and for more money. Buyers in South Orange County are often looking for “move-in ready” homes. Fresh, modern finishes make a strong first impression online and in person, helping your home stand out in competitive neighborhoods like Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, or San Juan Capistrano.

However, not all remodels add value. The key is to focus on cost-effective upgrades that improve your home’s appeal without over-spending.

Bathroom remodel before and after photos showing updated fixtures and paint, one of the best home improvements before selling in Orange County.

Top Remodels With the Best ROI

1. Kitchen Refresh

Simple updates like new cabinet hardware, fresh paint, modern light fixtures, and updated countertops can go a long way.
A full kitchen gut can cost six figures — often unnecessary before selling. Aim for cosmetic improvements.

2. Bathroom Updates

Swap outdated faucets, mirrors, and lighting.
Re-grout tile and add a fresh coat of paint.
Buyers love clean, spa-like bathrooms, and these smaller projects usually pay off.

3. Curb Appeal Enhancements

Landscaping, fresh mulch, seasonal flowers, and a new front door or exterior paint make a lasting first impression.
According to NAR, curb appeal projects often recoup 80–100% of their cost.

4. Flooring Improvements

Replace worn carpet with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or refinish hardwood.
Consistent flooring throughout makes the home feel bigger and more cohesive.

5. Fresh Interior Paint

Neutral colors like soft whites, greys, and beiges create a blank canvas for buyers.
Paint is one of the highest ROI upgrades—fresh, clean walls can make your home feel brand-new.

Pie chart of the best home improvements before selling a house, highlighting ROI from paint, flooring, curb appeal, kitchen, and bathroom updates.

Remodels That May Not Pay Off

Luxury Upgrades: High-end appliances, custom closets, or a built-in wine cellar often don’t add enough value to cover their cost.
Pools & Additions: In South OC, pools can add appeal but not always ROI — especially if buyers see them as extra maintenance.
Over-personalization: Bold colors, unique tile patterns, or ultra-custom designs may turn buyers off.

Should You Invest in Home Improvements Before Selling?

It depends on your goals, budget, and timeline:

If you want to maximize your sale price → focus on cosmetic upgrades (paint, flooring, fixtures).
If you need to sell quickly → skip big remodels and instead invest in professional staging and deep cleaning, which can also create strong returns.
If you’re unsure → get a comparative market analysis (CMA). A local Realtor (like me!) can walk through your home and help you decide which updates are worth it.

Final Thoughts

Not every seller needs to invest thousands into remodels before listing, but small, smart improvements can boost your home’s list price and help it sell faster in today’s competitive South Orange County market.

If you’re considering selling, I’d be happy to give you a room-by-room analysis of where to invest — and where to save — so you can get the highest return with the least stress.