If you are planning to list your home this spring, you might be tempted to wait for the first blooms or warmer weather to get started. That is a mistake.
In today’s market, buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. They can afford to be picky. If you want to stand out in Tacoma, Puyallup, or Auburn, you need to tackle the right updates now so you aren't scrambling when the "Spring Rush" hits.
Don't waste time guessing which repairs matter. Call Kim at 206-225-8325 for a unique marketing plan for getting your home sold. I will tell you exactly what you need to fix—and what you can ignore.
Which Projects Actually Pay Off?
You don't need a full renovation. According to Zonda’s latest Cost vs. Value data, the projects with the highest Return on Investment (ROI) are often the simplest.
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#1 ROI Winner: Garage Door Replacement (recouping up to ~268% of cost).
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#2 ROI Winner: Steel Entry Door Replacement (recouping up to ~216% of cost).
That’s right—some of the best ways to add value aren't big "to-do's." They are just swapping out doors.
Before you buy a new door or start a renovation, Call Kim for a market analysis. Let's see if your home value supports the renovation before you spend a dime.
Small Updates, Big Impact
In the Pacific Northwest, where curb appeal often fights against gray skies, these small details matter. But you don't have to spend a fortune. As interior designer Mallory Slesser explains to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement.”
Simple fixes—like fresh paint in the hallway or clearing piles of wet leaves from the yard in Sumner or Lake Tapps—help buyers focus on the home itself, not the work they’ll have to do after moving in.
Data is a Guide, Not a Rule
Here is the catch: National data is just a starting point. Buyer preferences vary by neighborhood.
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A "minor kitchen remodel" might be essential in Bonney Lake, but unnecessary in a different price point in SeaTac.
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Buyers in Normandy Park might prioritize landscaping over a new front door.
That is why you need a local strategy. Call Kim for a free buyer consultation if you are planning to sell and buy simultaneously. We can map out a timeline that works for your goals.
Stop Guessing, Start Planning
As Kim Morgan Storey, the Top #1 Real Estate Agent, I know exactly what buyers in our specific area are looking for right now. I can help you answer the tough questions:
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What can I skip without hurting my sale?
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Is it better to update or sell as-is?
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Where will $1,000 make the biggest difference?
Proudly serving: Tacoma, Puyallup, Auburn, Sumner, SeaTac, Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Lake Tapps, and Bonney Lake.
The Bottom Line
Don't over-improve or under-prepare. Let’s make a plan that maximizes your profit without wasting your time.
Get your home market-ready today. Call Kim at 206-225-8325!
Serving the Greater Seattle Area: King, Pierce & Snohomish Counties
98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98422, 98444, 98445, 98465, 98466, 98371, 98372, 98373, 98374, 98375, 98390, 98188, 98148, 98158, 98168, 98198, 98146, 98166, 98391, 98092