Should You Update Before You Sell? Smart Tips for 15+ Year Homeowners

If your home hasn’t had a major update in over 15 years, you might be wondering: Should I update before I sell? The short answer: it depends—but the right updates can make a huge difference in how quickly your home sells (and for how much).

This post walks you through the 15-Year Rule, what’s worth refreshing, and what buyers are willing to overlook. Want a custom opinion? Schedule a pre-listing walkthrough, or explore our seller services designed to maximize ROI.

Updates that Give the Most Return

If you’ve been in your home for 15 years or more—first off, congratulations! That’s a beautiful milestone. You’ve weathered Cincinnati winters, hosted family holidays, and probably repainted at least one room a color you later regretted (been there).

But now you’re thinking about selling. Maybe you’re ready for something smaller, something closer to the grandkids, or something with fewer stairs. And that big question starts to creep in: Should you update before you sell?

The Reality Check: Buyers Aren’t Buying Your Memories

IThat dent in the baseboard? It’s from little Timmy’s tricycle. You smile when you see it. Buyers? They see a repair.

The truth is, today’s buyers walk in with fresh eyes and a Pinterest board full of expectations. Your goal isn’t to erase your home’s story—it’s to help buyers imagine writing their own. And no, this doesn’t mean marble countertops or gutting the kitchen. It means smart, simple upgrades that say, “This home has been loved and well cared for.”

Why Cincinnati Buyers Want You to Update Before You Sell

Here in Cincinnati, buyers crave homes that are fresh, neutral, and move-in ready. You don’t need to be Joanna Gaines, but you do need to show that your home’s been cared for and has good bones underneath those floral curtains from 2002.

Small Changes, Big Results

• Fresh paint in neutral tones? Game changer.

• New cabinet hardware? It's like putting on a pair of snazzy earrings.

• Decluttering? Think of it as staging your home's Instagram feed - just the highlights, no cluttered chaos.

  
  

Don’t Overdo It

This isn’t the time for a $50K kitchen renovation. The reality is, buyers prefer to make big design decisions themselves. Instead, focus on a home that’s clean, bright, and updated just enough to feel fresh—without making your retirement account cry.

Bottom Line: Give Your Home a Spa Day

So, should you update before you sell? In most cases—absolutely. But do it strategically.You’re not renovating, you’re refreshing.

Think of it this way: if you were heading to a big event, you’d show up freshly groomed and dressed to impress. Do the same for your house. A little paint, some polish, a few thoughtful upgrades—and your home will shine one last time before it hands off the keys to its next chapter.

Stay tuned for the next post where I show you exactly how to make your curb appeal work magic — with zero heavy lifting. (And maybe a glass of wine while you watch your landscaper do the hard stuff.)