Top 3 Renovations That Boost Resale Value This Summer

By Gregg Tepper

I have been married to my wonderful wife Letha for 29 years. We have 3 children: Max, Alexander and Charlotte. I have been a licensed Realtor in the New Orleans area for 20 years and am the Operator of The Tepper Group with Keller Williams Realty in Mandeville. Our team services the entire New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro areas. Our team of partners has well over 40 years of experience. In 2024 we helped 132 families buy, sell and lease homes, land and commercial investments.

Which home improvement projects bring the best return on investment?

That question comes up every summer when the real estate market gets busy, and homeowners start thinking about upgrades. Some are preparing to sell this season. Others just want to improve their home and make smart financial decisions.

That’s where smart planning comes in. The goal isn’t to spend more. It’s to spend wisely. Visible updates, finished projects, and quality workmanship almost always outperform expensive upgrades buyers don’t notice during a showing. A brand-new HVAC system might be important, but fresh paint, updated hardware, and modern fixtures are what create immediate impact.

Today, we’ll walk you through the three principles that drive the best return on investment, real examples of upgrades that pay off, and the common mistakes that cost sellers money. Whether you’re selling this season or just thinking ahead, these insights can help you make confident decisions.

For the full breakdown on which home improvements bring the best ROI and what upgrades to avoid, watch the video above or use the timestamps below to skip to the topics that matter most to you:

00:00 - Intro
00:41 - Why over-improving hurts ROI
02:01 - Why unfinished projects reduce value
02:23 - Loan and appraisal concerns
03:12 - Kitchen improvements that pay off
05:23 - Bedroom walkthrough
06:00 - Bathroom remodel decisions
07:49 - Hiring the right contractor
09:42 - Reach out for guidance

If you’re thinking about making improvements and want to know which projects will actually bring the strongest return in your price range and neighborhood, feel free to call or text us at (985) 218-5445 or email TGroup@kw.com. We’d be happy to answer your questions, review your home, and help you prioritize upgrades that make financial sense. Even if you’re not selling right now, smart planning today protects your value tomorrow.