Which Home Upgrades Add the Most Value When Selling in Ankeny?
If you’re planning to sell your home in Ankeny, you might be wondering: Which upgrades will help me sell faster and for the highest price?
Making strategic improvements before listing can significantly boost your home’s appeal, attract more buyers, and increase your final sale price. But not all renovations provide a good return on investment (ROI).
At Allison Hart Home Team, we help sellers make smart, cost-effective upgrades that add real value. In this guide, we’ll cover the best home improvements to maximize your profit when selling a home in Ankeny’s real estate market.
Why Upgrading Your Home Before Selling Matters
In Ankeny’s competitive housing market, first impressions matter. Homes that are move-in ready and well-maintained tend to sell faster and for more money than those needing work.
Benefits of Making Key Home Upgrades Before Selling:
✔ Higher Sale Price – The right updates can increase your home’s value.
✔ Faster Sale – Move-in ready homes attract more buyers.
✔ Better Curb Appeal – A well-presented home creates a strong first impression.
✔ Stronger Negotiation Position – Fewer buyer objections mean fewer concessions.
But before you start renovating, it’s important to focus on upgrades that actually pay off.
Top Home Upgrades to Increase Value Before Selling in Ankeny
1. Boost Curb Appeal with Exterior Improvements
Your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. A well-maintained and inviting exterior can make your property stand out.
Best ROI Exterior Upgrades:
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✅ Fresh Paint or Siding Refresh – A new coat of paint (neutral colors work best) or power washing your siding can instantly refresh your home’s look.
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✅ Landscaping Enhancements – Simple upgrades like trimming bushes, adding fresh mulch, and planting seasonal flowers create a welcoming entrance.
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✅ New Front Door – Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient front door can increase curb appeal and security.
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✅ Updated Garage Door – Replacing an outdated garage door can add value and enhance the home’s overall look.
💡 Pro Tip: Homes with strong curb appeal can sell for up to 7% more than similar homes with neglected exteriors.
2. Upgrade the Kitchen – The Heart of the Home
A beautiful, functional kitchen is one of the biggest selling points for buyers. You don’t need a full remodel—small updates can make a big impact.
Best Kitchen Updates for Sellers:
✔ Refinish or Paint Cabinets – A fresh coat of white or neutral paint makes old cabinets look brand new.
✔ Update Hardware – Modern handles and knobs give a polished look.
✔ New Backsplash – A stylish backsplash (like subway tile) adds visual interest.
✔ Upgrade Lighting – Pendant lights over an island or under-cabinet lighting improve ambiance.
✔ Replace Countertops (If Needed) – If your countertops are outdated, consider cost-effective options like quartz or butcher block.
💡 Pro Tip: Minor kitchen updates can yield a 75%+ return on investment when selling your home in Ankeny.
3. Refresh the Bathrooms for a Spa-Like Feel
Bathrooms are another key area that buyers focus on. Even small improvements can make the space feel fresh and inviting.
High-ROI Bathroom Upgrades:
✔ New Faucets & Fixtures – Swapping out old fixtures for modern ones is an easy upgrade.
✔ Recaulk & Regrout – Cleaning up grout and caulking makes a bathroom look brand new.
✔ Paint or Refinish Cabinets – Just like in the kitchen, painting bathroom cabinets gives them a fresh look.
✔ Install a New Mirror & Vanity Lighting – Modern lighting enhances the space and adds elegance.
✔ Deep Clean & Stage with Towels & Décor – A well-staged bathroom feels luxurious.
💡 Pro Tip: Simple bathroom updates can increase your home’s value by 3% to 5%.
4. Modernize Flooring for a High-End Look
Worn or outdated flooring can turn buyers away. Updating to modern, low-maintenance flooring can significantly increase your home’s value.
Best Flooring Upgrades Before Selling:
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✅ Replace Old Carpet – Buyers prefer hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or tile over carpet in main living areas.
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✅ Deep Clean or Refinish Hardwood Floors – If you already have hardwood floors, refinishing them can bring them back to life.
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✅ Neutral Flooring Colors – Light, neutral tones make rooms feel larger and brighter.
💡 Pro Tip: Homes with updated flooring sell faster and appeal to a broader range of buyers.
5. Improve Energy Efficiency & Smart Home Features
Today’s buyers appreciate homes with energy-efficient upgrades and smart technology. These improvements can make your home more desirable.
Easy Energy-Efficient Upgrades:
✔ LED Lighting – Swap old bulbs for energy-efficient LED lights.
✔ Smart Thermostat – A Nest or Ecobee thermostat adds convenience and savings.
✔ Sealed Windows & Doors – Fixing drafts improves energy efficiency.
✔ Upgraded Insulation – Keeps the home comfortable year-round.
💡 Pro Tip: Energy-efficient homes often sell faster and for higher prices.
6. Fresh Paint – The Cheapest & Most Effective Upgrade
If you only do one thing before selling, paint your home’s interior. A fresh coat of neutral paint makes any home feel brighter, cleaner, and move-in ready.
Best Interior Paint Colors for Selling:
🎨 Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray – A warm, modern neutral.
🎨 Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – A soft, timeless greige.
🎨 Behr Swiss Coffee – A crisp, inviting white.
💡 Pro Tip: Painting your home before listing can add thousands to your sale price.
Upgrades to Avoid Before Selling
Not all home improvements provide a high return on investment. Avoid these costly upgrades that may not pay off:
❌ Extensive Kitchen or Bathroom Remodels – Minor updates provide better ROI.
❌ High-End Luxury Features – Custom designs often don’t appeal to all buyers.
❌ Swimming Pools – Expensive to maintain and not a must-have for Ankeny buyers.
❌ Overly Bold Paint Colors – Stick to neutrals for broad appeal.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on cost-effective upgrades that make your home more appealing without overspending.
Sell for Top Dollar with the Allison Hart Home Team
When selling your home in Ankeny, strategic upgrades can make a huge difference in your final sale price. But which upgrades are right for your home?
At Allison Hart Home Team, we provide personalized guidance on the best improvements to make before listing. Our goal is to help you sell quickly, for top dollar, with minimal stress.
📞 Want to maximize your home’s value before selling? Contact us today for a free consultation!
📍 Call or text: 515-210-5198
📍 Email:[email protected]
📍 Visit: allisonharthomes.com OR allisonharthomesales.com
Let’s get your home market-ready and sold fast!
