Over the years, I’ve sold countless homes in Marin, and one thing is clear: preparation makes all the difference. This year alone, several of my listings went through extensive updates before hitting the market—and those improvements directly translated into faster sales and stronger prices. The number one question I hear from sellers is, “What can I do to make my home more appealing?” The truth is, when a home isn’t properly prepared, sellers often leave significant money on the table. And in today’s market, there’s another critical factor to consider: insurability. With California’s shifting insurance landscape, making your home more resilient to fire and easier to insure is just as important as making it look great.
Winning ROI Projects
(Source: Journal of Light Construction 2024)
- Paint — ROI: 214%
- New Flooring — ROI: 195%
- Garage Door Replacement — ROI: 192%
- Front Door (Steel) — ROI: 110%
- Landscaping — ROI: 105%
- Minor Kitchen Remodel — ROI: 98%
Low ROI Projects
- Primary Suite Addition — ROI: 23%
- Upscale Bathroom Addition — ROI: 27%
- Major Kitchen Overhaul — ROI: 32%
- Home Office Remodel — ROI: 43%
- Backup Generators / Fancy Systems — ROI: 44%
- Pools — ROI: Low, often not recouped
The Bottom Line
Focus on smart, cosmetic updates that buyers instantly notice—fresh paint, new floors, curb appeal, and a yard that feels cared for. And don’t forget: in Marin, making your home more insurable; updated electrical panels, new plumbing, new fire resistant roofs is just as valuable as making it beautiful. Together, these updates attract more buyers, speed up your sale, and often deliver a stronger price.
Thinking about selling? Let’s walk through your home together—I’ll point out which updates will give you the best return and save you from spending where it won’t pay off.
