When preparing to sell your home in the competitive Puget Sound real estate market, strategic renovations can significantly increase your home’s resale value. But not all upgrades are created equal. Homeowners in Snohomish and King Counties—from Seattle and Kirkland to Lynnwood and Marysville—want to ensure their renovation dollars bring strong returns.
Here’s a closer look at the top high-ROI home improvements based on local trends and recent sales activity. Whether your home is in Everett, Mukilteo, Bothell, or Shoreline, these updates can help you attract more buyers and command a better sale price.
1. Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count
ROI Estimate: Up to 300%
Buyers form opinions within seconds of pulling up to a property. In the Seattle area, well-maintained landscaping, a clean exterior, and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way.
- Trim overgrown hedges and trees
- Add seasonal color with low-maintenance native plants
- Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways
- Replace or repaint the front door
In neighborhoods like Lake Forest Park or Edmonds, buyers love homes that look cared for before they even step inside.
2. New Flooring
ROI Estimate: 200-400%
Old carpet, stained vinyl, or mismatched flooring can be a major turnoff. Flooring is also a relatively modest outlay in real estate dollars, and that paired with its outsized impact, makes it one of the highest returning investments a home seller can make. In modern Puget Sound homes, buyers love continuous, low-maintenance flooring:
- Replace worn carpet with engineered hardwood or quality laminate
- Add new baseboards for a finished look
- Remove outdated tile or linoleum
A seamless look from room to room, especially in open-concept homes in Everett and Marysville, makes a strong impression.
3. Interior & Exterior Paint
ROI Estimate: 100-300%
Paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into a home. Neutral colors like warm grays, soft whites, and taupe appeal to the widest buyer audience.
- Touch up walls, trim, and doors
- Consider repainting the exterior if it’s faded or peeling
- Use paint to lighten darker rooms, making them feel larger
Seattle and Shoreline buyers tend to favor move-in-ready homes with a fresh, modern feel.
4. Kitchen Refresh
ROI Estimate: 60-80%
You don’t have to gut your kitchen to see a boost in value. In fact, a major remodel of a functional space is often hard to recoup. Simple updates can have a big impact:
- Replace outdated cabinet hardware
- Paint or reface cabinets
- Upgrade lighting fixtures
- Swap out old faucets for modern ones
- Replace worn countertops with cost-effective quartz or butcher block
Homes in Kirkland and Shoreline with clean, functional kitchens tend to receive more offers and spend less time on the market.
5. Bathroom Updates
ROI Estimate: 60-70%
A clean, updated bathroom is high on buyers’ wish lists. Similar to kitchens, it typically isn’t a good investment to remodel a functional bathroom for the sale of your home. Focus on small but impactful changes:
- Replace old mirrors and vanity lights
- Re-grout tile or install peel-and-stick options for a refreshed look
- Upgrade faucets and towel bars
- Add a new shower curtain or glass enclosure
Even a modest investment in a Lynnwood or Bothell bathroom can dramatically improve buyer interest.
6. Lighting & Fixtures
ROI Estimate: 50-75%
Good lighting enhances the perception of space and style. In cities like Mukilteo and Lake Forest Park, buyers often expect energy-efficient upgrades and updated aesthetics.
- Install brighter LED bulbs
- Swap out outdated light fixtures for clean, modern styles
- Add under-cabinet lighting in kitchens
- Consider smart lighting where budget allows
7. Smart Home Features
ROI Estimate: 40-60% (but big appeal)
While not always recouped dollar for dollar, tech-savvy upgrades can differentiate your listing. Consider:
- Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee)
- Video doorbells
- Smart locks
- Security systems
In tech-forward areas like Seattle and Kirkland, buyers may favor homes already outfitted with modern convenience.
8. Energy Efficiency Improvements
ROI Estimate: 50-80% depending on the upgrade
With increasing energy costs and eco-conscious buyers, energy-efficient improvements are gaining traction:
- Install double-pane windows
- Upgrade insulation in attics or crawlspaces
- Seal air leaks and improve HVAC performance
Many Snohomish County homes, especially older ones in Marysville or Everett, benefit greatly from these upgrades.
9. Garage Door & Front Door Replacement
ROI Estimate: Up to 100%
According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, these two simple upgrades consistently offer some of the best ROI across all home improvement categories.
- A new garage door instantly modernizes a home’s look
- A bold, welcoming front door can set your listing apart
These improvements are particularly impactful in traditional neighborhoods like Edmonds or Lynnwood.
Final Thoughts: Choose Upgrades That Sell
The key to smart renovation before selling is balancing cost with buyer appeal. Not every home needs every improvement, and that’s where local expertise is essential. An experienced real estate professional can help you determine what projects make sense for your home, your market, and your timeline.
At Grant Team Properties at RE/MAX Elite, we don’t just list your home—we help you maximize its potential. From smart pre-sale renovations to strategic pricing and staging, we help Snohomish and King County homeowners get top dollar.
Thinking of selling in 2025 or 2026? Call or text us today at 425.483.4200 for expert advice and personalized support.