Your Return on Home Improvement Investments (2007 HomeGain Survey of 2,000 real estate agents nationwide) | Improvement | Typical Cost | Increase in Sales Price | Average Return | Agents Who Recommend | | HOME STAGING | $403-584 | $1938-2431 | 343% | 91% | | Lighten & Brighten | $233-370 | $1,178-1,566 | 355% | 97% | | Clean & De-clutter | $190-318 | $1,505-1,937 | 578% | 97% | | Fix Plumbing, Electrical | $436-621 | $1,205-1,590 | 164% | 93% | | Landscape & Trim | $378-546 | $1,718-2,158 | 319% | 97% | | Kitchen/Bath Upgrades | $1,404-1,828 | $3,216-3,934 | 121% | 87% | | Repair Flooring | $628-878 | $1,633-2,061 | 145% | 94% | | Paint Exterior Walls | $663-938 | $1,757-2,205 | 147% | 88% | | Replace or Shampoo Carpeting | $562-808 | $1,532-1,950 | 154% | 98% |
2007 HomeGain survey of 2,000 real estate agents nationwide found that moderately priced home improvements, ranging from $80-2,800, made in preparation for sale actually yield the highest returns when a house is sold. |