Published June 12, 2026

Renovations That Can Actually Hurt Your Home’s Value

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Written by Robert Neely

Robert Neely Real Estate Team

Most homeowners assume that if they spend money improving their home, they'll get that money back when they sell.

Unfortunately, that's not always how it works.

Some of the most common home projects cost thousands of dollars but add surprisingly little value. In some cases, they can even make a home harder to sell.

Before you start your next renovation, here are five projects worth thinking twice about as well as a few simple improvements that often provide a stronger return instead.

The renovations that typically add the most value aren't always the most expensive ones. More often than not, buyers are looking for a home that feels well cared for, functional, and move-in ready.

Some of the best returns come from simple improvements like:

✔ Fresh paint in neutral, modern colors that brighten a space and appeal to a wider range of buyers

✔ Updated lighting, hardware, and fixtures that give a home a more current look without a major investment

✔ Landscaping and curb appeal improvements such as fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and a welcoming front entry

✔ Minor kitchen and bathroom updates like new countertops, faucets, mirrors, or cabinet hardware

✔ Staying on top of maintenance and repairs by addressing leaky faucets, cracked caulk, worn grout, or other small issues before they become bigger problems

✔ Deep cleaning, decluttering, and organization to help a home feel larger, brighter, and move-in ready

Sometimes the least flashy projects are the ones that make the biggest difference.

If you're considering a renovation this year, we've put together a simple Home Improvement ROI Cheat Sheet outlining projects that tend to provide the strongest return—and a few that don't always pay off the way homeowners expect.

Download the ROI Cheat Sheet

Searching for Homes Just Got a Makeover

We’ve officially launched our new website and it was built to make searching for a home simple, efficient, and enjoyable.

Whether you’re casually browsing, keeping tabs on the market, or actively planning a move, the site gives you an easy way to explore homes, save favorites, track new listings, and stay connected with what’s happening locally.

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Investor Closing Spotlight

Congratulations to our partner, Jason, on the successful sale of his Inkster investment property!

One of the greatest compliments we can receive is the opportunity to earn a client's trust more than once. This marks the second transaction we've completed with Jason, and we're grateful for the continued confidence he places in our team.

Working with real estate investors is a meaningful part of our business, and we understand that every property plays a role in a larger strategy. That's why we're committed to providing the communication, guidance, and results our clients need to make confident decisions.

Thank you, Jason, for your continued trust and partnership. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of your success and look forward to helping with the next one.

Thinking about buying or selling? Reach out to our team. We're always happy to help.

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Robert Neely

Founder | Team Leader | Visionary | Robert Neely Real Estate Team | Keller Williams Legacy

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