Are you getting ready to sell your home and wondering which updates will actually pay off? You're not alone. Every week, I get messages from homeowners asking things like: Should I paint my cabinets? Should I replace my floors? Do I need to update my bathroom before listing?

If you're asking those same questions, this article is for you.

Let’s get one thing clear: Not every update adds value when it’s time to sell. And too often, sellers spend way too much money on renovations that won’t give them a return.

I’m going to walk you through real questions from homeowners, share my honest advice, and help you make smart, profitable decisions—because that’s what I care about most: helping you become a profitable homeowner.

Trending Question: Should You Paint Oak Cabinets Before Selling?

One of the most common questions I get is:
"Should I paint my oak cabinets white to modernize my home?"

Here’s the truth: Not always.

Painting oak cabinets may seem like an easy way to update a kitchen or bathroom, but it doesn't always lead to a higher sale price—especially when the cabinetry is dated. You may just end up with old cabinets that are painted white, which still signals to buyers that a full kitchen update is needed.

If your cabinets are solid, your layout works, and your countertops are neutral—leave them. Put that money into something that matters more, like light staging or deep cleaning.

Pro Tip: Buyers often prefer doing updates themselves. A fresh coat of white paint won’t convince them your 1980s cabinets are brand new.

What Actually Does Help? Replace the Hollow-Core Doors.

If you're going to spend a little, upgrading your interior doors can make a huge difference. Hollow-core doors (you know, the flat, flimsy kind) cheapen the feel of your home. Swapping them out for solid-core or paneled doors can make your house feel newer and more substantial—without breaking the bank.

Should You Fix an Outdated Bathroom?

Short answer: Only if you’re fixing the small stuff.

For example, if your bathroom has:

• Peeling wallpaper, remove it.

• A cheap cabinet that’s falling apart, replace it with a budget-friendly one.

• Dated tile and flooring, don’t waste your money—buyers will want to gut it anyway.

The key is to fix what’s broken and leave the rest. Don’t start a full bathroom renovation if you won’t see the ROI.

Replace broken pieces.
Don’t remodel the whole room just before selling. 

What About Carpet?

One homeowner asked if she should clean, replace, or pull up old carpet with a burn mark. My advice?

Do NOT cover it up with a rug.
Buyers will see it at the final walk-through and you may risk the deal—or a last-minute credit request.

If you suspect wood floors are underneath, pull up a corner and take a peek. If the floors are in decent shape, show them off. Buyers love original hardwoods. If it’s just plywood underneath and you don’t want to replace the carpet, leave it—but price the home accordingly.

Don’t Spend $10,000+ on a Kitchen Renovation Right Before Listing

If you’re thinking of redoing your countertops, floors, backsplash, lighting, and painting cabinets just to sell—stop. That’s a major investment that may not bring you any return.

You’re not renovating for you anymore—you’re prepping to sell.

In one case, a homeowner planned to do all of the above. But their kitchen still had 1980s cabinets and the oak grain would show through any paint job. My advice? Don’t spend a dime until your agent walks through and compares your home to your local market.

What’s the Best Time to Sell?

The best time to sell is simple: when you’re ready.

Yes, some markets are seasonal. Yes, there’s less inventory in winter. But the most successful sellers don’t wait—they plan ahead.

If you're in the suburbs with school-aged buyers, listing in spring (March–May) is ideal. But don't let the calendar stop you—a well-prepped home priced right can sell in any season.

And if you’re selling in Chicago or Florida, my team can help you plan your timing with precision.

Stop Listening to Old Advice (Looking at You, Super Bowl Myth…)

One last thing: putting your home on the market "right after the Super Bowl" is outdated advice. Today’s buyers are online 24/7. Timing matters less than preparation and pricing.

Don’t Spend Before You Ask

The biggest mistake I see? Sellers spend thousands on updates before calling an agent.

They paint cabinets, rip out tile, replace fixtures—and then I walk in and have to say, “This won’t help your sale price.”

That’s a hard conversation.

So here’s what I want you to do instead:
Call your agent first.
Show photos of your home.
 Let a professional guide your update decisions.

If you’re not sure who to call, my team and I can help. Whether you’re local to Northbrook, Chicago, or Naples, Florida, or anywhere in between—we have a network of top-producing, experienced agents who will tell you what actually matters in your market.

Let’s Make You a Profitable Homeowner

If you found this advice helpful, subscribe to my YouTube channel or fill out the contact form below. I’m now offering free seller consultations on camera (anonymously, if you prefer) to help homeowners like you make smart decisions before selling.

Don't waste money. Let's make a plan together.