Thinking about selling? Before spending thousands on renovations, consider these five improvements backed by research from the National Association of Realtors. In this video, Katherine runs through them in under a minute; the full write-up is the article on home improvements worth making before you sell, on this site.
Fresh paint: one of the most commonly recommended projects before selling.
Landscaping: NAR's 2023 report estimated 104% cost recovery for landscape maintenance.
Hardwood floor refinishing: NAR's 2022 report estimated 147% cost recovery.
Home staging: in NAR's 2025 survey, 29% of sellers' agents reported that staging increased offers by 1–10%.
Cleaning and decluttering: simple work that changes how buyers perceive the home.
Not every renovation is worth the investment. Before listing your Orange County home, reach out — Katherine is happy to help you pick the improvements that attract buyers without overspending.
Sources: National Association of Realtors' 2022, 2023, and 2025 research reports. Figures are national estimates and agent survey responses, not guaranteed returns; results vary by property, location, market conditions, and project costs.