Turnkey Sells: Why Updating Your Home is a Must in Today’s Market

This graph from Keeping Current Matters highlights the impact of home updates on buyer preferences and home sale prices.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, you might be wondering whether updates and renovations are worth the investment. The short answer? Absolutely. Today’s buyers are more selective than ever and prefer move-in-ready homes over fixer-uppers. While some buyers still see potential in a property that needs work, the majority are looking for a turnkey home that requires little to no immediate improvements. Here’s why—and what that means for sellers.

1. Buyers Have Less Cash for Renovations. In the past, purchasing a home that needed work was a common strategy. Buyers could invest in a lower-priced property and use extra cash to remodel over time. But in today’s market, affordability is a major concern. With higher home prices and interest rates stretching budgets, many buyers simply don’t have the extra funds for immediate renovations. Instead, they want a home that’s already updated, allowing them to move in and enjoy it without additional expenses.

2. Rising Renovation Costs. The cost of materials and labor for home renovations has increased significantly in recent years. What used to be a reasonably priced kitchen or bathroom remodel now comes with a much steeper price tag. Many buyers don’t want to take on these rising costs, especially when they’re already making one of the biggest financial investments of their lives.

3. Convenience is King. In today’s fast-paced world, most buyers don’t want to spend months coordinating contractors, dealing with delays, and living in a construction zone. They want the convenience of a home that’s move-in ready, allowing them to focus on their daily lives without the added stress of renovations.

4. Changing Buyer Expectations. With the rise of home renovation shows and social media, buyers have a clear vision of what they want in a home. They expect modern kitchens, updated bathrooms, fresh paint, and stylish finishes. If a home doesn’t meet their expectations, they may simply move on to the next listing that does.

5. First Impressions Matter More Than Ever. Buyers are scrolling through listings online before they ever step foot in a home. If your home looks outdated in photos, it may not even make it onto a buyer’s shortlist for showings. Updated homes with modern finishes and neutral colors tend to attract more interest, leading to quicker sales and better offers.

How Sellers Can Compete. If you’re planning to sell your home, consider making strategic updates to appeal to today’s buyers. You don’t necessarily need a full remodel, but small improvements—such as fresh paint, updated fixtures, and modern flooring—can make a big impact. If your kitchen or bathrooms are significantly outdated, investing in upgrades could help you sell faster and at a higher price.

This home in Fort Collins, CO was on the market for over 250 days and then was sold under list price at $1.26m. The new owners freshened it up with new kitchen configuration, paint and other updates and sold 4 months later for $1.699m CASH, which is $439,000 more and it only took 21 days total list to closing!

In today’s competitive market, buyers want a home that feels fresh, modern, and move-in ready. Updating your home before selling isn’t just a good idea—it’s often a necessity to attract the right buyers and secure the best possible price. If you’re considering selling and aren’t sure where to start, let’s chat! I’d be happy to help you determine which updates will give you the best return on investment.