Remodeling and Selling: Where It Matters Most

When it comes to selling a home, it’s not just about dollars and square footage — it’s also about the Joy Factor. The National Association of Realtors defines this as the satisfaction and happiness homeowners feel after a project is completed. A fresh coat of paint, a landscaped yard, or a new kitchen can not only increase value but also boost that sense of pride and enjoyment.

And the numbers show how seriously Americans take it: in the U.S. last year, more than $600 billion was spent on remodeling. These projects can influence how quickly a home sells, how much it sells for, and how much joy it brings along the way.

But because each buyer values different things, deciding where to invest before listing can feel overwhelming. Below are three key areas worth considering — whether you’re preparing to sell or weighing a purchase.

Staging: Setting the Scene

Staging may not be a remodel in the traditional sense, but it’s often one of the best returns on investment. By making strategic changes to furniture and décor, staging helps buyers picture themselves living in the home.

• Typical cost: $500–$1,500 (with focus on living room, primary bedroom, and dining room)

• 83% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to imagine a home as their own

• Roughly 1 in 5 agents say staging can increase sale price by 1–5%
  

Landscaping: The First Impression

The land is the frame around the house — the first thing you see when driving up, and often the lasting impression when leaving. In fact, 97% of Realtors say curb appeal is essential to finding a buyer. Outdoor projects also tend to recover a larger share of their costs compared to interior remodels — and many deliver high Joy Scores too.

• High ROI projects:

  • Standard lawn care – $415 cost, 217% cost recovery

  • Landscape upgrade – $9,000 cost, ~100% recovery

  • Outdoor kitchen – $15,000 cost, ~100% recovery

• Strong Joy Score projects:

  • New deck ($16,900) or patio ($10,500) – 90–100% cost recovery plus lifestyle enjoyment

• Luxury projects with lower recovery but high enjoyment:

  • Landscape lighting, fire features, or a pool
    

Home Repairs & Renovations: Updating the Essentials

Fresh paint, deep cleaning, and decluttering can often do as much as a remodel when it comes to creating appeal. Painting consistently ranks as a top Realtor-recommended project — it’s affordable, do-it-yourself friendly, and boosts Joy Scores by refreshing spaces and helping buyers imagine themselves there.

For bigger investments:

• Strong cost recovery (70%+):

  • New front doors (steel or fiberglass)

  • Closet renovations

  • Vinyl or wood window replacements

  • Basement or attic conversions

• Moderate cost recovery (50–60%):

  • Kitchen and bathroom remodels

  • Adding a new bathroom or suite

• High-demand projects in recent years:

  • Kitchen upgrades

  • New roofing

  • Bathroom renovations

And when it comes to sheer enjoyment? The highest Joy Scores go to a new primary suite, kitchen upgrades, roofing, bathroom renovations, new wood floors, and painting the exterior.

The Bottom Line

Remodeling decisions balance cost, marketability, and joy. Whether you’re a seller choosing which projects will open your home to more buyers, or a buyer prepared to take on renovations, the key is knowing where each dollar — and each ounce of effort — has the most impact.

• 92% of owners say they would do more renovation if they had the funds

• About 50% of projects are financed with a home equity loan/line of credit, 30% with savings

• Roughly 25% of remodels are DIY

In the end, the right project is the one that improves both the market value of the home and the Joy Factor of living in it.

Sources:

1. Rennie Realty Group experience

2. National Association of Realtors Research