Renovation Realities: What Sellers Should Know Before Listing

Renovation Realities

Helping sellers prepare their home for market is one of the most important parts of your job as an agent—and one of the most valuable. A well-presented home can sell faster, attract more offers, and command a higher price. But that doesn’t mean every renovation or project will pay off the way your clients might expect.

To help navigate the pre-listing prep process, Jon Grishpul, co-CEO of GreatBuildz.com, shares four of the most common home renovation myths—and the realities agents and sellers should keep in mind.

Myth 1: Every Remodel Boosts Home Value

While many updates can improve a home’s appeal and final sale price, not all renovations result in a high return on investment. Over-personalizing a home or making luxury upgrades that don’t fit the neighborhood can hurt your client’s bottom line. Instead, encourage functional improvements that offer broad appeal—think refreshed kitchens, updated bathrooms, or safety-related fixes like new wiring or flooring repairs.

Myth 2: DIY Projects Are Always Cheaper

The allure of saving money with DIY is strong—but the reality often falls short. Most homeowners underestimate the true cost of materials, tools, and time (not to mention the frustration of learning on the fly). Worse, a DIY project gone wrong could lead to expensive fixes down the road or turn off potential buyers. For more complex work, licensed professionals are usually the smartest—and safest—investment.

Myth 3: The Lowest Contractor Quote Is the Best Deal

It’s tempting to go with the cheapest bid, especially with tight budgets, but too-good-to-be-true pricing can be a red flag. Low quotes can come from inexperienced, unlicensed, or unreliable contractors who may cut corners, use subpar materials, or skip necessary permits. Help your clients choose wisely by recommending trusted vendors or helping them vet contractor credentials and references.

Myth 4: A Good Plan Guarantees an On-Time, On-Budget Project

Even the best-laid plans can go sideways when you start opening walls. From surprise mold or outdated wiring to material delays or mid-project change requests, unexpected costs and timing shifts are common in renovation work. Always advise your sellers to build in a contingency buffer—both financially and emotionally!

Final Thoughts

Home prep is more than just a to-do list—it’s a strategy. As an agent, you bring clarity and calm to what can be an overwhelming process. By setting realistic expectations and guiding sellers toward smart, effective choices, you help them make the most of their sale—without falling into costly renovation traps.