9 Small (But Mighty) Home Updates Agents Recommend Before Listing

Recommending pre-listing home repairs and updates has always been, and will continue to be, a critical part of the home-selling process. As the housing market evolves, so do buyer preferences. With a notable shift toward move-in ready homes—particularly among millennials and first-time buyers—it’s more important than ever that every listing is in tip-top shape before hitting the market. According to the Census Bureau, the median age of homes in the U.S. is now 40 years, with about 60% of owner-occupied homes built before 1980. This means that every home—regardless of age—could benefit from pre-listing repairs and updates before hitting the market.

Curbio has completed over 5,000 projects and has supported thousands of respected agents and brokerages nationwide, equipping us with valuable insights into what resonates with today’s buyers. Drawing on our extensive experience in preparing homes for sale, here are nine small but mighty updates that can significantly enhance a listing’s appeal in today’s competitive landscape.

De-clutter and deep-clean

Before anything else, a thorough deep cleaning is essential. This not only removes dirt and grime but also helps depersonalize the space. When potential buyers walk through the listing, they should be able to envision themselves living there—not be distracted by family photos or clutter. A clean home welcomes offers and creates a lasting first impression.

Cue in the curb appeal

Curb appeal is the listing’s first impression—make it count! Whether it’s sprucing up landscaping, power washing the driveway, or giving the front door a fresh coat of paint, small exterior improvements can significantly enhance the home’s appeal. Don’t forget about digital curb appeal; stunning photos showcasing the home’s exterior can draw buyers in before they even step foot inside.

Freshen up the floors

Floors can easily show their age. If the listing has hardwood floors, consider recommending refinishing to bring back their luster. If there’s outdated carpet, particularly in areas like bathrooms or kitchens, replacing it with modern flooring options can make a world of difference.

Another excellent choice is luxury vinyl tile (LVT). LVT is a waterproof flooring material, making it a popular option for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It mimics the look of hardwood but is much easier to maintain and costs less to install. This makes it a great option, especially for families looking for a cost-effective and durable solution.

Painting Touch-Ups

From scratches caused by moving furniture to evidence of kids expressing their creativity, most walls don’t make it a year without some marks. Painting is one of the most common updates recommended by real estate agents to get a listing move-in ready, and it can have a tremendous visual impact.

The condition of the walls can significantly influence a buyer’s lasting impression. If the paint is chipped, peeling, or otherwise damaged, it can leave a negative taste that overshadows the home’s many positives. A fresh coat of paint can revitalize the space, creating a clean, polished look that invites buyers in. While some may say wallpaper is making a comeback, our recommendation is to let the buyers choose it. Instead, focus on light, solid, neutral-colored walls that create a blank slate, making it easier for a broad spectrum of buyers to envision their belongings and personal style within the home.

Keep up with the kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, making it a focal point for buyers. An extremely outdated or dysfunctional kitchen can be an immediate turn-off. Fortunately, most kitchens can be updated to meet buyer preferences with simple refreshes, rather than full-on remodels (which is a Curbio specialty).

Refacing cabinets is one way to modernize and brighten the appearance of the kitchen while keeping costs low and timelines short. Additionally, installing new appliances, a simple tile backsplash, or modern stone countertops are smaller projects that can have a sizable impact on the overall look and feel of the kitchen.

Beautify the bathrooms

Self-care is on-trend, leaving many homeowners and buyers craving updated bathrooms with clean, modern finishes. Replacing tile surrounds, installing new tubs and showers, and swapping out vanities can positively impact the bathroom’s appeal. However, there are also smaller updates that can be made without breaking the bank.

Reglazing, rather than replacing, the tile surround can bring modern color schemes to a dated bathroom. Painting the existing vanity instead of swapping it for a new one is another fast and easy update that makes a big difference. For resale, focus on the visuals: nice tile, appealing colors, and attractive fixtures—and avoid overspending on high-end utilities, as most buyers can’t tell the difference. Aim for a spa-like atmosphere that makes buyers feel relaxed and at home.

Hardware and fixture upgrades

Swapping hardware is an easy and impactful way to modernize a home’s appearance. Brushed gold, muted brass, brushed nickel, and chrome are currently on-trend, giving homeowners several options to refresh the home’s look. While swapping light fixtures can be a bit more challenging, it’s a worthwhile update. Dated light fixtures can age even the most updated homes.

At Curbio, our materials catalog features a wide range of materials and finishes suitable for any type of listing, at any price point. Our materials are ready to ship to your project and align with what buyers want. We know what’s trending and what appeals to buyers in your market, and we’ve curated this selection to streamline decision-making and condense project timelines.

Repair minor issues

Take the time to address minor repairs—like leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped tiles. The overwhelming majority of today’s home buyers are looking for move-in ready homes, and the top reason buyers choose to purchase a new build over a previously owned home is to steer clear of home improvement projects. According to NAR research, 45% purchase a new home specifically to avoid renovations or problems with plumbing or electricity.

If you’re aware of any problems with the electrical or plumbing systems, it’s best to tackle them before listing rather than waiting for the shoe to drop during the inspection. The Curbio app converts lengthy inspection reports into a detailed breakdown with free inspection repair pricing. Simply upload a home inspection report and you’ll receive a detailed breakdown with associated repair pricing within 24 hours.

Staging

Finally, consider professional staging to highlight the home’s best features. Curbio offers professional staging services with packages tailored to the number of rooms that need attention. Proper staging, inside and out, can help potential buyers visualize how they would use the space, making it feel more inviting and enhancing its overall appeal.

Your Go-To Contractor

At Curbio, we believe home improvement shouldn’t be a hassle. Our mission is to help real estate agents and their clients get ready for sale with a reliable, stress-free, and turnkey experience from the initial estimate to final completion. Curbio is your go-to contractor for pre-listing home repairs and updates for projects of any size, for any type of listing.