AriZona Real Estate insider!

When prepping your casa for sale, the temptation is real: tear out the kitchen, throw in quartz countertops, new cabinets, maybe a farmhouse sink — and for the record, I f*ckin’ hate farmhouse sinks — because buyers love a fresh kitchen, right?
Well, not so fast.

According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors, the renovation that actually delivers the highest return on investment (ROI) might surprise you — it’s replacing your front door with a steel one.

Yep. Not a full kitchen redo. Not a bathroom overhaul. A steel front door!

Let’s break down the numbers and help you decide whether to splurge on the showstoppers — or invest in the projects that really pay off.

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📈 Renovation Spending Is Up — But ROI Still Rules

Homeowners spent a staggering $603 billion on renovations in 2024, up $183 billion since 2020. But only 4% of homeowners reported doing those projects specifically to get their home ready for resale. Most were chasing better functionality (28%) or aesthetics and durability (23% each).

That’s all great for enjoying your space — but if you’re thinking about selling, it’s smart to know which upgrades actually move the needle with buyers.

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💡 What Buyers Want in 2025

The report highlighted the most attractive upgrades from a buyer’s perspective:

• 48% love kitchen upgrades
• 43% appreciate new roofing
• 35% are drawn to bathroom renovations
• 32% favor new interior paint
• 26% like complete kitchen overhauls

But buyer preference doesn’t always translate into profit. That’s where ROI comes in.

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🥇 The Renovations With the Best ROI

Here’s how some of the top projects performed in terms of cost recovery:

• Steel front door replacement – 100% ROI
• Closet renovation – 83% ROI
• Vinyl window replacement – 74% ROI
• Wood window replacement – 71% ROI

These aren’t flashy. They won’t get you thousands of likes on Instagram. But they do make your home more marketable, energy-efficient, and secure — which buyers are clearly willing to pay for.

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😬 The Lower ROI Projects

Now, let’s talk about the heavy-hitters that often come with a heavy price tag — and sometimes, lighter returns:

• Complete or minor kitchen renovations – 60% ROI
• Bathroom renovations – 50% ROI
• Adding a new bathroom – 56% ROI

Does that mean don’t do them? Not necessarily. These upgrades still matter, especially in competitive markets — but know going in that you might not get back every dollar you spend.

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❤️ The “Joy Score” Factor

Interestingly, homeowners reported high levels of personal satisfaction after completing big renovations, even if the ROI wasn’t stellar. So, if you’re planning to stay in your home a while, that joy might be worth it.

But if you’re thinking resale? Keep it simple. Focus on what buyers notice first — curb appeal, comfort, cost-efficiency… and yes, a steel front door that means business.

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✨ Final Takeaway: ROI Over Reno-FOMO

Before you gut the kitchen or tile that second bathroom, take a step back. Ask yourself:

• Will this upgrade wow buyers and pay off financially?
• Or is there a more strategic project — like swapping in a steel front door so solid and heavy that Nana Soci and the rugrats might need backup just to open it — that gives you a better bang for your buck?

In today’s market, smart renovations are about return, not just renovation. And sometimes, the best investment is just a steel door away.