🏡 Best Home Improvements for ROI Before Selling Your St. Louis Home
If you’re preparing to sell your home in the Greater St. Louis area, you’re probably wondering:
Which home improvements actually add value—and which are just wasted money?
Smart question. Not every project pays off. But when done right, a few strategic updates can help your home sell faster and for a higher price. According to the National Association of Realtors®, certain home improvements offer a significantly better return on investment (ROI) than others.
Here’s what to focus on before listing your St. Louis home for sale.
🔧 1. Replace the Front Door
First impressions matter. A new front door is a low-cost, high-impact update that instantly boosts curb appeal and sets the tone for the entire home tour.
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Average ROI: 74%–100%
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Pro tip: Choose a modern, energy-efficient model with updated hardware.
🏠 2. Exterior Repairs, New Siding, and Fresh Paint
Peeling paint and worn siding can make buyers assume the whole home is poorly maintained—and appraisers agree. A neglected exterior can knock up to 10% off your home’s value.
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ROI: Varies, but consistently strong
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Focus on: Repainting, siding repairs, trim upgrades, and pressure washing
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Bonus: Improves MLS photos and online listing clicks
🍽️ 3. Kitchen & Bathroom Updates
Buyers love updated kitchens and baths—even minor updates can make a huge difference.
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ROI: 50%–80%, depending on the scale
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Budget-friendly ideas: Replace countertops, paint cabinets, update lighting, or swap out hardware
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Full remodels can help your home sell faster and for closer to asking price
🌿 4. Add Outdoor Living Space
Backyards sell. A deck, patio, or outdoor entertaining area appeals to modern buyers who value extended living space.
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ROI: 65%–90% for new decks or patios
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Cost: DIY wood decks start around $8–$12/sq ft
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Add outdoor furniture, a firepit, or container plants to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space
🛏️ 5. Add Livable Square Footage
This one comes with the highest price tag—but also the highest return if done well.
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Convert an attic, basement, or loft into usable space
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Add a bedroom, home office, or extra bathroom
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ROI: 70%–90% or more depending on your neighborhood
Note: These improvements often price your home into a higher tier, especially in competitive areas like Webster Groves, Kirkwood, or Chesterfield.
⚡ Bonus: Boost Energy Efficiency
While solar panels are still debated in terms of ROI, simple energy-efficient upgrades are a huge selling point.
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Service the HVAC system
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Clean or replace air filters
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Make sure insulation is updated
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Highlight any energy-efficient doors and windows in your listing
Buyers are increasingly looking for eco-friendly homes that save on monthly costs.
💬 Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess—Ask Your Agent
Before you pick up a hammer or call a contractor, talk to your St. Louis real estate agent. They’ll help you:
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Compare your home to similar recent sales
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Identify updates that actually matter to buyers in your area
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Avoid over-improving for your neighborhood
The right upgrades can help your home sell faster, attract more buyers, and maximize your return.
