# What Are the Best Ways to Increase Home Value? A Ranked, Data-Backed Guide for Sellers By Opendoor Editorial Team | 2026-06-10 # What Are the Best Ways to Increase Home Value? A Ranked, Data-Backed Guide for Sellers ## Key Takeaways - The single highest-ROI action for sellers is a garage door replacement: ~$4,500 cost returning roughly 194% at resale (JLC/Zonda Cost vs. Value 2025). - Non-renovation strategies — professional staging, accurate pricing, and pro photography — often beat mid-range remodels on a per-dollar basis, with staged homes selling for 5–13% more (NAR 2024 Profile of Home Staging). - For under $1,000, the highest-impact stack is deep cleaning + landscaping refresh + neutral touch-up paint + professional listing photography. - Major kitchen and bath remodels recoup only 38–80% of cost — only worth it if your existing kitchen or bath is severely dated (Cost vs. Value 2025). - The data is clear: spend on curb appeal and presentation before spending on big interior renovations. If you're preparing to sell your home, you're probably asking the same question every seller asks: *what are the best ways to increase home value before listing?* The answer isn't as simple as picking the trendiest renovation from a magazine. It depends on how much you can spend, how quickly you need to list, and whether a given project will actually pay you back at closing — or quietly drain your equity. Most guides compare renovations against other renovations. This one goes further. We ranked **every high-impact seller action** — from a $200 photography session to a $27,000 kitchen remodel — on the same scale so you can make apples-to-apples decisions about where your next dollar should go. Below, you'll find a data-backed top-10 list, a budget-based decision tree, and direct answers to the niche questions buyers and AI assistants keep asking. For category-specific deep dives, see our companion guides: [how to increase home value with 15 proven projects](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-increase-home-value), [which improvements increase home value by project type](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/which-improvements-increase-home-value), and [what renovations increase home value the most](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/what-renovations-increase-home-value-the-most). ## How We Ranked: The Three-Factor Framework Every action in this guide was evaluated on three criteria, weighted in order of importance: - **ROI per dollar spent** (primary factor). We relied on the [JLC/Zonda Cost vs. Value 2025 report](https://www.costvsvalue.com/) — the industry's most widely cited remodeling ROI dataset — along with findings from the [NAR Remodeling Impact Report](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report) and [Bankrate's analysis of HomeAdvisor data](https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/ways-to-increase-your-homes-value/). For non-renovation strategies such as staging and photography, we used the [NAR 2024 Profile of Home Staging](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging) and published research from Redfin. - **Time-to-value.** A project that takes one day beats a six-week remodel when your listing date is approaching. We factored in typical contractor timelines and DIY feasibility. - **Risk level.** Some projects — bold paint colors, swimming pools, custom wine cellars — polarize buyers. We penalized taste-specific choices and rewarded universally appealing updates with broad demographic appeal. **The key differentiator:** this article ranks *across categories* — cosmetic fixes, major renovations, staging, pricing strategy, and listing timing — on the same scale. No major competitor does this, which means most sellers are comparing kitchen remodels to bathroom remodels without ever considering that a $2,500 staging investment might outperform both. *A note on data:* All ROI figures represent national averages. Your local market may vary significantly — always [check what your home is currently worth](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-much-is-my-house-worth-7-ways-to-find-out-your-homes-value) and review neighborhood comps before committing to any project. ## The Top 10 Ways to Increase Home Value, Ranked Below is a summary comparison of every ranked action. The sections that follow break down each one in detail. | Rank | Action | Category | Avg. Cost | Avg. ROI | Timeline | Risk | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Garage Door Replacement | Exterior Renovation | ~$4,500 | 194% | 1–2 days | Very Low | | 2 | Professional Staging | Non-Renovation Strategy | $750–$2,800 | 5–13% price premium | 1–3 days | Low | | 3 | Steel Entry Door Replacement | Exterior Renovation | ~$2,400 | 188–216% | 1 day | Very Low | | 4 | Strategic Pricing & Market Timing | Non-Renovation Strategy | $0 | Varies (prevents losses) | Immediate | Low | | 5 | Manufactured Stone Veneer | Exterior Renovation | ~$11,000 | ~153% | 3–7 days | Low-Moderate | | 6 | Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) | Interior Renovation | ~$27,000 | ~96% | 3–6 weeks | Moderate | | 7 | Professional Photography & Listing Optimization | Non-Renovation Strategy | $200–$500 | 32% faster sale | 1 day | Very Low | | 8 | Interior & Exterior Paint (Neutral) | Cosmetic | $2,000–$7,000 | Up to 107% | 2–7 days | Low | | 9 | Landscaping & Curb Appeal Refresh | Cosmetic / Exterior | $500–$5,000 | Up to 200% | 1–14 days | Low | | 10 | Midrange Bathroom Remodel | Interior Renovation | ~$25,000 | 74–80% | 4–6 weeks | Moderate | ### 1. Garage Door Replacement A new garage door has been the single highest-ROI remodeling project in America for years running. According to the [JLC/Zonda Cost vs. Value 2025 report](https://www.costvsvalue.com/), a midrange garage door replacement costs approximately $4,500 and recoups about **194% of that investment** at resale. Some regional analyses peg the figure even higher — [Clark Hall's data](https://clarkhalldoors.com/home-exteriors/roi-home-improvements/) cites a 268% ROI based on a $4,672 cost recouping $12,507 in resale value. Why does it rank first? It's the rare project that combines rock-bottom cost, a one-to-two-day installation timeline, near-zero taste risk (every buyer appreciates a clean, modern garage door), and an ROI that no other renovation touches. If your garage door is dented, faded, or visibly outdated, this is the first check you should write. ### 2. Professional Staging This is the highest-ranked non-renovation action on the list — and most competitor guides ignore it entirely. According to the [NAR 2024 Profile of Home Staging](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/profile-of-home-staging), staged homes sell for **5–13% more** than non-staged homes, and 81% of buyers' agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home. The median cost ranges from $750 to $2,800 depending on the number of rooms and rental furniture needed. Staging is completed in one to three days, it's fully reversible, and it requires no permits, no contractors, and no permanent changes. For a deeper look at what's involved, see our guide on [home staging and how to know if it's right for you](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-staging-what-it-is-and-how-to-know-if-its-right-for-you). ### 3. Steel Entry Door Replacement Your front door is literally the first thing a buyer touches. A new steel entry door costs roughly $2,400 and delivers a **188–216% ROI** according to [Cost vs. Value](https://www.costvsvalue.com/) and [Clark Hall](https://clarkhalldoors.com/home-exteriors/roi-home-improvements/) data. Installation takes a single day. Because steel doors come in universally appealing styles and colors — and because a worn or damaged front door signals deferred maintenance — this swap carries virtually no taste risk. Pair it with a new garage door and you've transformed curb appeal for under $7,000. ### 4. Strategic Pricing & Market Timing This costs nothing, yet getting it wrong can erase thousands. According to [NAR research](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics), homes priced correctly from day one sell faster and closer to asking price, while overpriced homes that sit for 30 or more days frequently sell for **less** than market value after price reductions erode buyer confidence. Timing matters, too. [ATTOM Data Solutions](https://www.attomdata.com/) seasonal analyses consistently show that homes listed in late April through June sell for premium prices in most U.S. markets. Learn more about [key factors that determine the best time to sell](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/8-key-factors-that-determine-the-best-time-to-sell-your-home). The risk is low, but it requires discipline and high-quality comparable-sale analysis. If you're unfamiliar with how to pull comps, our guide on [how to determine what to offer on a house](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/how-to-determine-what-to-offer-on-a-house) walks through the methodology buyers and agents use — and the same data helps sellers price accurately. ### 5. Manufactured Stone Veneer (Exterior) Adding a manufactured stone veneer accent to a home's exterior costs approximately $11,000 and recoups roughly **153% of that cost** at resale, per the [Cost vs. Value report](https://www.costvsvalue.com/). The project takes three to seven days and is low to moderate risk. The caveat: stone veneer delivers its best returns in markets where stone facades are a common and expected exterior element. In regions where siding or brick dominates, the ROI may be lower. Check [local home features that add the most value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/home-features-that-add-the-most-value-fences-decks-windows-more) before committing. ### 6. Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) A midrange minor kitchen remodel — refaced cabinets, new hardware, updated countertops, a modern backsplash, and new appliances — costs approximately $27,000 and returns roughly **96% ROI** according to [Cost vs. Value](https://www.costvsvalue.com/) data. That near-dollar-for-dollar return makes it the strongest interior renovation on this list. The timeline is three to six weeks, and the risk is moderate: stick to neutral, modern finishes and avoid overly trendy choices that could date the kitchen before closing. A common question sellers ask is *"How much value do new appliances add?"* The honest answer: new appliances alone add modest value but are most impactful as part of a broader kitchen refresh. For more detail, see our breakdown of [the best home improvements to increase value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/best-home-improvements-to-increase-value-where-to-spend-for-maximum-roi-in-2026). ### 7. Professional Photography & Listing Optimization Almost no competitor guide ranks this alongside physical renovations — but it belongs here. According to [Redfin research](https://www.redfin.com/blog/real-estate-photography-drone-photography-helps-sell-listings/), homes with professional photography sell up to **32% faster** than those with amateur snapshots. And [NAR data](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics) shows 97% of buyers begin their search online, meaning your listing photos are your true first showing. Professional real estate photography costs $200 to $500, takes one day, and carries near-zero risk. Combine it with a compelling listing description and accurate square-footage data and you're maximizing every digital impression. ### 8. Interior and Exterior Paint (Neutral Palette) A full interior repaint in neutral tones costs $2,000 to $6,000 and can deliver up to **107% ROI**, according to [Bankrate's analysis](https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/ways-to-increase-your-homes-value/). Exterior painting runs $3,000 to $7,000 with a more modest 50–60% return. The key: neutrals are essential. Bold or polarizing colors can actually reduce perceived value. Zillow's paint color analyses have found that specific shades — soft blues in bathrooms, warm greiges in living areas — correlate with higher sale prices. For specific recommendations, explore [paint colors that boost home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/paint-colors-that-boost-home-value). Interior painting takes two to five days; exterior takes three to seven. ### 9. Landscaping & Curb Appeal Refresh Basic landscaping — fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, seasonal plantings, and a power-washed driveway — can return up to **200% of its cost** according to [HomeAdvisor data cited by Bankrate](https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/ways-to-increase-your-homes-value/). The [NAR Remodeling Impact Report](https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/remodeling-impact-report) estimates that landscaping adds a **5–11% perceived value lift**. Costs range from $500 for basic DIY refreshes to $5,000 for professional hardscaping. Timeline is one to three days for basics, one to two weeks if you're adding walkways or retaining walls. Risk is low for standard improvements but rises for major hardscaping that may not match neighborhood norms. For a deeper look at ROI by project type, see our guide to [whether landscaping increases home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/does-landscaping-increase-home-value). ### 10. Midrange Bathroom Remodel A midrange bathroom remodel costs roughly $25,000 and returns **74–80%** according to [Cost vs. Value](https://www.costvsvalue.com/) and [Clark Hall](https://clarkhalldoors.com/home-exteriors/roi-home-improvements/) data. Buyers consistently rank updated bathrooms as a top priority, but the combination of high cost, long timeline (four to six weeks), and moderate risk puts this at the bottom of our top 10. **This project is only recommended if your existing bathroom is severely dated or in poor condition.** A bathroom from the 1990s with pink tile and brass fixtures will actively suppress offers; a functional but uninspiring bathroom from 2010 probably doesn't justify a $25,000 investment. If you're unsure whether your bathroom is hurting your value, [understanding what appraisers actually look for](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/items-that-increase-your-home-appraisal-value-what-appraisers-actually-look-for) can help you decide. ## Honorable Mentions: Projects That Sometimes Add Value Not every popular improvement made the top 10. Below are the high-volume questions sellers (and AI assistants) keep asking — with honest, data-grounded answers. ### Does a New HVAC System Increase Home Value? Yes, but it functions more as a **protective investment** than a value-add. A new HVAC system typically adds $2,500 to $5,000 in home value with a roughly 50–60% ROI, per [HomeLight's analysis of agent survey data](https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-upgrades-increase-home-value/). That raw ROI is underwhelming. However, a *failing* HVAC system can reduce offers by far more than the cost of replacement — or kill a deal entirely during inspection. The real calculus: if your system is at or past its expected lifespan, replacing it before listing protects you from buyer credits, renegotiations, and deal collapses. If you're considering a cash offer from a company like Opendoor, [updating your home details before assessment](https://help.opendoor.com/selling/understanding-your-offer/update-home-details) — including a recent HVAC replacement — helps ensure the preliminary offer reflects your home's current condition. ### Do Pools, Pergolas, and Outdoor Features Add Value? **Pools** deliver a mixed 40–60% ROI and are deeply market-dependent. In warm-climate metros like Phoenix or Dallas, a pool can genuinely add value; in cooler regions, it may actually shrink the buyer pool by adding perceived maintenance costs. For a detailed breakdown, see [does a pool add value to your home](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/does-a-pool-add-value-to-your-home-what-the-data-actually-shows). **Pergolas and screened porches** add moderate perceived value ($5,000–$15,000) in markets where outdoor living is prioritized, but rarely recoup more than 50–75% of cost. **Drop ceilings, coffee bar cabinets, and garden ornaments** are taste-specific and generally do **not** add measurable resale value. Avoid spending money on these before listing. ### Do Built-Ins, Metal Roofs, and Wallpaper Add Value? **Built-in bookshelves** offer a modest value-add in family homes but are not a high-ROI pre-sale project. **Metal roofs** provide an appealing long lifespan but return only about 50–60% of cost — they're worth considering only if your existing roof needs replacement. For more on roofing ROI, see our guide on [whether a new roof increases home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/does-a-new-roof-increase-home-value-roi-costs-and-what-sellers-need-to-know). **Wallpaper** generally *reduces* appeal for resale. Most listing agents recommend removing wallpaper before going to market, as it signals personalization that buyers would need to undo — the opposite of the neutral, move-in-ready feeling that drives top-dollar offers. ## Pick Your Path: A Decision Tree by Budget Not every seller has $25,000 to spend, and not every home needs it. Use this tiered framework to decide where your money goes based on what you can actually invest. ### Under $1,000 - Deep clean and declutter every room - Fresh landscaping: mulch, trimming, potted plants at the entry - Interior touch-up paint in neutral colors - Professional photography for the listing **Expected combined impact:** 3–7% perceived value lift. This is the "presentation stack" — the minimum every seller should do regardless of budget. ### $1,000–$5,000 - Everything above, plus: - Professional staging (at minimum, living room, primary bedroom, kitchen) - Garage door replacement - Steel front door replacement **Expected combined impact:** 5–12% perceived value lift. This budget tier delivers the best return per dollar for most sellers because it combines the highest-ROI renovation (garage door) with the highest-impact non-renovation strategy (staging). ### $5,000–$25,000 - Everything above, plus: - Full interior paint (neutral palette) - Exterior paint or full-house power-washing - Stone veneer accent on front facade - Minor kitchen refresh (new hardware, countertops, backsplash) **Expected combined impact:** 8–18% perceived value lift. ### $25,000–$50,000 - Everything above, plus: - Complete midrange kitchen remodel (~$27,000, ~96% ROI) - Updated flooring throughout main living areas (engineered hardwood or LVP) - Replace or repair the roof if it is at end of life — protective, not value-add **Expected combined impact:** 12–22% perceived value lift, but with a longer 6–10 week timeline. At this tier, every additional dollar should be evaluated against simply listing your home and letting market appreciation work. Pull comps and run the math first — our guide on [factors that influence home value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/factors-that-influence-home-value) covers what actually moves the appraisal needle. ### $50,000+ - Everything above, plus: - Midrange bathroom remodel (~$25,000, 74–80% ROI) — only if existing bath is severely dated - Window replacement (vinyl, ~76% ROI) — only if existing windows are failing - Add usable square footage (finished basement, sunroom) — variable ROI, market-dependent - Major exterior siding replacement (fiber-cement, ~114% ROI) **Important caveat:** Past the $50,000 threshold, ROI typically *declines*. Major kitchen renovations recoup only 38–50% of cost and primary-suite additions just 35–50%. At this budget level, the highest-leverage move is often *not* spending it. Consider whether you'd be better served by listing as-is at a slightly lower price, or by accepting a competitive cash offer. To explore that option, see [how cash offers work and when they make sense](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/what-is-a-cash-offer-in-real-estate-and-why-consider-it). ## What to Avoid: Projects That Hurt More Than They Help The flip side of this analysis is just as important. The following projects consistently underperform — and many actively reduce buyer interest: - **Bold or polarizing paint colors** (interior or exterior). Neutrals win every time. - **Swimming pools in cool-climate markets.** ROI as low as 40%, and they shrink the buyer pool. - **Heavy personalization** — custom murals, themed rooms, ornate light fixtures, dated wallpaper. - **Major kitchen overhauls** (38–50% ROI) and **primary suite additions** (35–50% ROI) when the existing space is functional. - **DIY work without permits.** Buyers (and appraisers) deduct value for visible unpermitted work. For more on what *doesn't* pay off, our guide on [items that increase home appraisal value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/items-that-increase-your-home-appraisal-value-what-appraisers-actually-look-for) covers what appraisers actually credit. **Frequently asked questions** ## The Bottom Line The best ways to increase home value aren't always the biggest projects. The data is clear: **a garage door swap, a fresh coat of neutral paint, professional staging, and a great listing photographer routinely outperform $50,000 kitchen remodels on a per-dollar basis.** Start by deciding what budget you can commit. Then work down this list in order — high-ROI exterior swaps first, presentation and staging second, interior renovations only if your existing finishes are actively suppressing offers. Track the cost of each action against the expected return, and don't be afraid to *not* renovate when the math doesn't pencil. When you're ready to list — or if you'd rather skip the prep work and sell as-is — [see what your home could sell for with Opendoor](https://www.opendoor.com/sell) and compare both paths side by side. --- *Originally published at [https://www.opendoor.com/articles/best-ways-to-increase-home-value](https://www.opendoor.com/articles/best-ways-to-increase-home-value)*