Repair Before Selling vs. Offering a Buyer Credit
Small, visible repairs like a garage door or minor kitchen refresh typically return 110–270% of cost at resale, while large renovations like a full kitchen gut typically return under 60%. Repairs affecting insurability aren't an ROI decision at all — they're often required regardless, or a buyer credit can cover them instead.
| Project | Typical Cost | Typical ROI ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| Garage door replacement | ~$4,300 | ~190–270% |
| Manufactured stone veneer | Varies | ~150–210% |
| Steel entry door | Varies | ~90–215% |
| Minor kitchen remodel | ~$28,000 | ~110–115% |
| Deck addition | Varies | ~89–95% |
| Minor bathroom refresh | ~$4,500–$8,500 | ~60–75% |
| Roof replacement (asphalt) | ~$8,000–$20,000 | ~60–68% |
| Major kitchen remodel | $80,000+ | ~40–60% |
What home improvements have the best ROI before selling?
Small, visible, exterior-facing projects consistently beat large interior renovations. Garage door replacement typically returns 190–270% of its roughly $4,300 cost. A minor kitchen refresh (cabinet refacing, new counters, mid-grade appliances, ~$28,000) typically returns 110–115%. Major kitchen remodels ($80,000+) typically return well under 60%.
How much can a seller contribute toward a buyer's closing costs?
It depends on the buyer's loan type. Conventional loans allow 3–9% depending on down payment, FHA allows up to 6% regardless of down payment, VA allows 4% for concessions with normal closing costs paid separately, and USDA allows up to 6%. The credit can't exceed the buyer's actual closing costs.
Should I repair or offer a credit for a dated kitchen or bathroom?
High-ROI, low-cost projects like a garage door or minor kitchen refresh are worth doing yourself before listing. Larger or more personal choices are often better handled as a buyer credit. A reasonable ceiling: keep post-renovation value under roughly 110–120% of the median comparable sale nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
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