Whether you’re getting ready to list your home next week or just starting to think about selling in the future, one thing is sure: thoughtful home improvements can make a major difference at the closing table.

As a Hawaii Life Top Performer and someone who has walked hundreds of sellers through the preparation process, I’ve seen firsthand which home projects attract buyers and lead to stronger offers. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home shine—sometimes it’s the small, strategic updates that bring the biggest returns.

Today I’m sharing 7 home projects that can help you sell faster—and potentially put more money in your pocket. Most of them are low-cost, high-impact, and totally doable whether you live in a condo in Waikoloa Village, a beach house in Puako, or a hillside home in Waimea.

Let’s dive in.

Clean, Clean, Clean (Top to Bottom)

This might seem obvious, but let me tell you—a clean home speaks volumes. Buyers often equate cleanliness with good maintenance, and when your home sparkles, it suggests that you’ve taken care of every detail.

We’re not just talking about a quick sweep and vacuum. I mean a true deep clean:

• Dusting ceiling fans and baseboards

• Washing windows and screens

• Scrubbing grout lines and bathroom tile

• Cleaning kitchen appliances inside and out

• Shampooing carpets and polishing wood floors

• Removing pet hair and odors

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Pro Tip: Consider hiring a professional cleaning crew, especially if it’s a large home or you’ve lived there for years. Local cleaning runs about $25-$50 an hour, a deep clean is a little expensive....Trust me—it’s worth every penny.

ROI: Immeasurable peace of mind and buyer confidence

Realtor Recommendation Rate: 85%

Remove All Extraneous Clutter

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve collected quite a bit over the years—books, decor, kids’ art projects, maybe even a lava lamp from the '90s.

But buyers need space to imagine their own life in your home. Clutter makes rooms feel smaller and distracts from the home’s best features. That’s why 93% of realtors recommend decluttering before listing.

Decluttering doesn’t mean your home should feel empty—but it should feel open and intentional. Remove excess furniture, streamline shelves, and pack away personal photos.

This is a great time to gift items to family and friends, as it helps you and makes people feel special and important to you.

Pro Tip: A professional de-clutter service costs starting around $450-$650. If the idea of parting with sentimental items overwhelms you, bring in a neutral third party—it can make the process smoother and faster.

You can contact second-hand dealers and possibly make some $$$.

ROI: Huge impact on buyer perception

Realtor Recommendation Rate: 93%

Fresh Paint (Inside and Out)

This is one of my favorite upgrades because it delivers massive impact for relatively little investment. A fresh coat of paint instantly brightens a home, covers wear and tear, and gives the whole space a clean, modern look.

Stick to neutral colors like warm whites, soft grays, or beige tones. Bright colors may reflect your personality, but they can be polarizing to potential buyers.

Don’t forget to:

• Paint the front door for a quick curb appeal boost

• Touch up trim, baseboards, and high-traffic areas

• Address any water stains or scuffs on the ceiling

  
  

Cost Range: $400 & up (for touch-ups) to $18,000 (full home interior/exterior repaint, but this will depend on the deferred maintenance and prep work, of course size makes a difference.)

Hawaii Note: Coastal sun and salt air can accelerate the weathering of exterior paint. If it’s been five years or more, consider an update.

ROI: 100%+

Realtor Recommendation Rate: 63%

Weed and Add Colorful Plants Near the Entry

First impressions matter—and the front yard is your welcome mat. Whether you’re on the Kohala Coast or upcountry in Waimea, a tidy and colorful entryway can make a buyer fall in love before they even walk inside.

Here’s how to create irresistible curb appeal:

• Trim bushes and trees

• Remove weeds and dead plants

• Add potted flowers or native Hawaiian plants near the entrance

• Refresh mulch or lava rock

• Clean the walkway and consider a new welcome mat

  
  

Big Island Favorites: Croton, plumeria, hibiscus, ti plants—just make sure they’re healthy and maintained.

A painted front door and updated house numbers are affordable ways to complete the look.

ROI: 100%+

Average Cost: $100 to $5,000 (depending on extent of work)

Realtor Recommendation Rate: 78%

Minor Kitchen Remodel

Kitchens sell homes, but you don’t have to do a complete gut renovation to win over buyers. A minor kitchen update can provide a beautiful, functional space that feels modern and fresh.

Here’s what you can update on a reasonable budget:

• Paint or reface cabinets

• Swap old hardware for modern knobs and pulls

• Install a new backsplash

• Replace laminate countertops with quartz or butcher block

• Update lighting and faucets

• Consider mid-range stainless steel appliances if yours are outdated

  
  

Stick to neutral finishes and simple lines for the broadest appeal.

Hawaii Pro Tip: If you’re selling a vacation home, a sleek and low-maintenance kitchen is especially attractive to buyers considering rental potential.

ROI: 80-85%

Starting Cost: ~$1,200

Bathroom Refresh

After the kitchen, the bathroom is the next space buyers scrutinize. A bathroom refresh can deliver a dramatic improvement without blowing your budget.

Ideas to update without a total reno:

• Paint the walls a crisp, neutral color

• Replace dated mirrors, faucets, and lighting

• Regrout tiles and recaulk tubs

• Add a new vanity or reglaze the existing one

• Install open shelving for a spa-like touch

  
  

Pro Tip: Reglazing tile or a tub costs far less than replacing them but delivers a nearly new look.

Don't forget fluffy new towels and a simple plant for staging!

ROI: 70–80%

Starting Cost: ~$275

Flooring Upgrade

Nothing dates a home faster than worn-out carpet, scratched hardwood, or cracked tiles. Replacing flooring—especially in main living areas—can completely transform the space and improve air quality by removing trapped odors and allergens.

Here are some great options:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): Durable, affordable, and looks like hardwood

• Ceramic or porcelain tile: Great for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens

• New carpet in bedrooms (only if it’s neutral and high-quality)

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Hawaii Insight: Buyers often prefer tile or LVP in island homes due to humidity and sand.

Flooring costs can range from $1400 to $10,000+, depending on material and area size.

ROI: 70–80%

BONUS PROJECTS That Really Pay Off

These additional home improvements can also help boost your return:

Updated Lighting and Fixtures

Old brass chandeliers or fluorescent lights can date your home instantly. Swap them out for simple, modern fixtures:

• Matte black or brushed nickel finishes

• Energy-efficient LED lighting

• Sleek ceiling fans with remotes

Also, update faucets and cabinet hardware to match your new lighting scheme.

ROI: 60–75%

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Today’s buyers are eco-conscious, and energy savings are a bonus. Consider:

• LED lighting

• Ceiling fans

• Smart thermostats

• Solar water heaters or PV panels (Hawaii buyers love solar!)

• Better insulation

Pro Tip: Look into Hawaii-specific rebates for solar installations or energy upgrades.

ROI: 50–75% (and rising)

Appeal: Huge among remote workers and second-home buyers

Routine Maintenance & Repairs

Loose doorknobs, chipped tiles, flickering lights—these little things can raise red flags. To a buyer, deferred maintenance = potential problems.

Walk through your home and:

• Fix squeaky doors

• Replace burnt-out bulbs

• Patch small holes or dings in the wall

• Secure wobbly handrails

Even if it only costs a few hundred dollars, these fixes can ease buyer concerns and speed up negotiations.

Prepping your home for sale doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. A clean, decluttered, freshly painted home with thoughtful updates shows pride of ownership—and gives buyers the confidence to make a strong offer.

You don’t have to do it alone. As a lifelong learner and trusted real estate advisor, I work closely with my sellers to prioritize the right projects for their budget and timeline. Whether you’re ready to list now or six months from now, I’m here to help you make a smart, strategic plan.

Mahalo for reading, and I wish you success, abundance, and joy on your home-selling journey!

Need help figuring out where to start? Let’s chat. I’d be happy to recommend local vendors for painting, cleaning, landscaping, and more. Just reach out!

Ta Da!

Aloha,

Jan