Looking for home upgrades that make a difference when you sell in Philly? The solution you choose will depend on your locality, home’s condition and the budget you have. However, some improvements always bring better results than others. You’ll learn what should guide your actions to help you sell what you buy sooner.
Focus on First Impressions
Homebuyers can decide very fast, sometimes even while walking in. For this reason, enhancing how your home looks and basic tidiness pays off very well. Adding little touches that make a house inviting can assist in selling it faster and for greater value.
Improvements like these often pay off:
- Repainting the front door
- Pressure washing the siding
- Replacing outdated house numbers or lighting
- Trimming shrubs and planting fresh flowers
According to Remodeling Magazine, simple exterior updates often recover over 90% of their cost at resale – more than many large renovations.
Keep It Simple Inside
You don’t need to fully renovate your kitchen or bathroom to get buyer attention. In fact, minor updates usually have a better ROI in Philadelphia’s market.
Buyers respond well to clean, modern finishes. Refinishing cabinets, updating fixtures, or swapping outdated countertops for something neutral can make a big difference – without gutting the space.
Some of the best-performing interior updates include:
- Fresh paint in neutral tones
- New cabinet hardware
- Updated lighting fixtures
- Modern backsplashes
- Refinished hardwood floors
Homes in areas like Fishtown, Point Breeze, or Brewerytown often see faster sales when these modest updates are in place.
Energy Efficiency Is a Quiet Winner
Buyers love upgrades that reduce utility bills. While these improvements may not be as visible, they often lead to a stronger sale price.
In Philly’s older housing stock, things like improved insulation, new windows, and smart thermostats can stand out – especially during open houses in extreme weather.
If your heating or cooling system is more than 15 years old, replacing it could boost your listing value and attract attention during inspection.
Skip the Full Gut Unless Necessary
It’s easy to overspend before listing, especially on full kitchen or bathroom remodels. Unless your home is severely outdated or you’re in a high-end neighborhood, full renovations rarely return what they cost.
For example, a full bathroom remodel in Philly may cost $20,000 but only return $13,000 at sale. That’s a 65% ROI – far below what you might expect.
Instead of remodeling every room, focus on specific upgrades that improve how the home feels to walk through. Think clean lines, working systems, and light-filled rooms.
Make It Show-Ready
A polished look sells better – even without major upgrades. Before listing, clean thoroughly and stage the home for photos and showings.
- Wash windows inside and out
- Repair visible scuffs or damage
- Remove personal items and clutter
- Let in as much natural light as possible
- Use mirrors to make small rooms feel bigger
- Add fresh linens, towels, and houseplants
A well-maintained home tends to sell sooner and may not need many price negotiations.
You can find more tips on Liberty Bell Investments which outlines how sellers boosted their offers using simple changes to their homes.
The best changes to a home in Philadelphia are usually the simplest. Upgrading with clean and simple changes is better than choosing flamboyant ones. According to Liberty Bell Investments, updated interior areas and making a house cozy with insulation or lighting are the first things house buyers will pay attention to.
Before making any purchases, take a look at other homes in your zip code. Wisely improving some sections of your home is better than changing everything at once. This means tidying up, making any necessary repairs and staging it beautifully which should attract many interested buyers.
