Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Home in Los Angeles?

Let’s Be Honest About Remodeling Before a Sale

One of the biggest questions I get from sellers is:

“Should I remodel before putting my home on the market?”

My honest answer: Not usually.

No one’s buying your home because you installed a fancy stove or imported tile. Buyers just want something that feels clean, updated, and move-in ready. Beyond that, you’re usually spending money that won’t come back to you at closing.

In Los Angeles especially, buyers love to put their own stamp on a property. They’ll often pay top dollar for good bones and a blank canvas, but not necessarily for your brand-new kitchen backsplash.

The Smarter Starting Point: Market Reality

Before doing anything, look at what homes in your neighborhood are actually selling for.

In places like Valley Village or Mar Vista, buyers will happily take on a house that just looks cared for. In Beverly Grove or Studio City, fresh flooring and modern lighting help, but a full remodel won’t suddenly push your home above the market ceiling.

When I do a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for my sellers, I pinpoint what’s actually driving value in their specific ZIP code so we can focus spending where it matters.

What’s Worth Doing (and What’s Not)

Here’s where you’ll usually get the most bang for your buck before listing:

• Fresh paint in neutral tones makes the home feel newer and brighter.

• Curb appeal get clicks. Clean landscaping, new house numbers, and modern light fixtures sets the tone before buyers even step inside.

• Minor kitchen or bath refreshes like updated hardware or mirrors give a fresh look without a full remodel.

• Flooring and lighting updates always get noticed.

These are the projects that make a buyer walk in and say, “This feels nice.” They sell homes faster and for stronger prices without draining your budget.

What Usually Doesn’t Pay Off

• Full kitchen or bathroom remodels: You’ll rarely recoup the cost, especially when buyers prefer to pick their own finishes.

• Additions or second stories: Great for long-term owners, not for pre-sale ROI.

• High-end appliances and fixtures: They photograph beautifully, but no one decides to buy a home because it has a six-burner range.

Buyers fall in love with space, light, and layout, not stainless steel.

The Repairs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some things aren’t optional because they can derail escrow later. If there are active leaks, electrical or plumbing issues, or visible damage, fix them before listing or be prepared to lower your price. These aren’t value-add projects, they protect the value you already have.

How I Advise My Clients

When I walk through a property with a seller, I break it down simply:

• What absolutely needs to be done

• What would help market appeal

• And what’s just throwing money away

Every neighborhood in LA has its own rhythm and buyer psychology. What works in Silver Lake doesn’t necessarily work in Sherman Oaks. That’s why local knowledge is everything.

My Thoughts on Remodeling Before You Sell

In most cases, the sweet spot is clean, neutral, functional, and priced right.If you wouldn’t live through a remodel just to sell, your buyer probably doesn’t need you to either.

Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re planning to sell, I’d love to walk through your home and show you exactly which updates are worth tackling, and which ones you can skip entirely.

Contact me, Elizabeth Deo, Los Angeles Realtor with Legacy Locale, for a pre-listing consultation that focuses on profit, not guesswork.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, construction, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making property improvements or financial decisions. Brokered by Legacy Locale | DRE # 02141644