Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Indianapolis Home?
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house in Indy—but now you’re staring at that dated kitchen backsplash or scuffed-up flooring wondering, should I fix this before listing?
The truth: not every update pays off equally. Knowing where to invest (and where not to) can make a big difference in how fast your home sells—and how much profit you keep.
This guide breaks down which home updates bring the best return on investment (ROI) for Indianapolis sellers in 2025, which projects to skip, and how to decide if remodeling before selling is really worth it.
What Indianapolis Buyers Value Most in 2025
The Indy market has cooled a bit from the wild 2021–2022 frenzy, but demand for move-in-ready homes remains strong. According to Redfin Indianapolis, median home prices were up about 3.2% year-over-year as of Fall 2025, with well-maintained homes in neighborhoods like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and Irvington selling faster than average.
So what do today’s buyers actually care about?
Functional, updated kitchens (but not necessarily luxury makeovers)
Neutral paint and flooring that feel fresh and easy to personalize
Curb appeal — clean landscaping and a modern front door still go a long way
Energy efficiency — small upgrades like LED lighting or smart thermostats appeal to younger buyers
In short: buyers are willing to pay more for homes that look cared for without feeling like they’re paying a premium for someone else’s taste.
The Top ROI Home Updates for Indianapolis Sellers
If your goal is to get the best price in the least amount of time, start with these high-impact, moderate-cost updates:
1. Fresh Paint (ROI: ~150%)
A $2,000–$3,000 paint job can often add over $4,000 in perceived value. Stick to neutral, modern tones like soft gray or warm white to brighten spaces.
2. Curb Appeal Updates (ROI: ~100%)
New mulch, trimmed bushes, and a power-washed driveway make a huge first impression. Even replacing your front door can return up to 110% of its cost, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
3. Minor Kitchen Refresh (ROI: ~80%)
Instead of a full gut, think:
Replacing outdated cabinet hardware
Swapping old lighting for modern fixtures
Upgrading countertops to affordable quartz or butcher block
Repainting cabinets
In Indy, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and can recoup around $12,000 at resale.
4. Bathroom Refresh (ROI: ~70%)
You don’t need marble floors. Simple fixes—like re-grouting tile, updating faucets, or adding new mirrors—make the bathroom feel brand new.
5. Flooring Replacement (ROI: ~70–80%)
If your carpet’s seen better days, new flooring instantly boosts appeal. LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is popular in Indy because it’s affordable, durable, and looks high-end.
Cosmetic vs. Major Remodels: Where’s the Line?
Here’s the rule of thumb: If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s outdated, refresh it.
Major remodels (like room additions or full structural overhauls) rarely deliver the ROI you want right before selling. For example:
A full kitchen remodel averaging $65,000 in Indianapolis typically returns only 60–65%.
Bathroom additions often return less than 55%, depending on the neighborhood.
That means unless your home has major functionality issues (like a leaking roof or failing HVAC), you’re usually better off focusing on cosmetic improvements.
When Remodeling Does Make Sense Before Selling
There are a few scenarios where remodeling pays off big for Indy sellers:
Your home lags behind comps.
If nearby homes have updated kitchens and yours looks like 2005, a light refresh could close that gap and help you compete.You’re selling in a high-demand area.
In hot neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Bates-Hendricks, small upgrades can create big bidding wars.You can DIY smartly.
Simple projects—like painting, swapping fixtures, or replacing door handles—offer high ROI when you keep labor costs low.
When to Skip the Remodel
Sometimes, less is more.
Skip big remodels if:
The market is slowing and you’d rather sell quickly
You don’t have time for contractor delays
Your home’s biggest value is in the lot or location (common in parts of SoBro or Meridian-Kessler)
In these cases, pricing strategically and focusing on clean, staged presentation often beats sinking money into a remodel.
Bonus: Timing Your Remodel for Maximum Value
If you decide to do updates, timing matters. Contractors are busiest in spring and early summer—so plan winter updates to avoid delays and list early in the year when buyer demand peaks.
And if you’re prepping for a fall sale, check out our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Boost Value) to make sure your home shines for showings.
Local Case Study: Indy Seller ROI in Action
A recent Roots Realty Co. seller in Irvington invested around $9,000 in light updates—new flooring, fresh paint, and refinished cabinets. The home sold for $18,000 more than comparable unrenovated listings and went under contract in just four days.
Compare that to a seller who poured $40K into a full kitchen remodel—beautiful, yes, but the home only appraised $15K higher.
The takeaway: modest updates tend to pay off more than major remodels.
Related: Selling a Historic Home in Irvington
If your home has character features like original woodwork or stained glass, your update strategy should be more preservation-minded. Check out our post on Selling a Historic Home in Irvington for tips on balancing charm with buyer-ready improvements.
Quick Q&A: Remodeling Before Selling in Indianapolis
What’s the average ROI for home updates in Indy?
Most minor updates in Indianapolis return 70–120% of their cost, depending on the neighborhood and market conditions.
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Only if it’s severely outdated or nonfunctional. A light refresh usually offers a better ROI than a full remodel.
What if my house needs major repairs?
Fix anything that affects inspection—roof leaks, HVAC issues, or foundation cracks—but skip cosmetic overhauls unless you have time and budget.
Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes in Indy?
Yes. Especially among younger buyers, “turnkey” homes get more attention and faster offers.
Can I sell as-is and still get good offers?
Absolutely. Many investors in Indy look for as-is properties. It depends on your timeline and financial goals.
Final Thoughts: Small Updates, Big Impact
In Indianapolis, the best pre-sale remodels are the ones that make your home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready—without overpersonalizing.
Focus on:
✅ Paint, flooring, and curb appeal
✅ Fixing anything broken
✅ Making your home feel fresh and functional
Skip the full remodels unless there’s a clear ROI case.
Ready to figure out which updates make sense for your home?
👉 Explore our Seller Resources or connect with Roots Realty Co. today—we’ll help you decide what’s really worth doing before you list.
Related Reads:
Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Indianapolis Home?
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house in Indy—but now you’re staring at that dated kitchen backsplash or scuffed-up flooring wondering, should I fix this before listing?
The truth: not every update pays off equally. Knowing where to invest (and where not to) can make a big difference in how fast your home sells—and how much profit you keep.
This guide breaks down which home updates bring the best return on investment (ROI) for Indianapolis sellers in 2025, which projects to skip, and how to decide if remodeling before selling is really worth it.
What Indianapolis Buyers Value Most in 2025
The Indy market has cooled a bit from the wild 2021–2022 frenzy, but demand for move-in-ready homes remains strong. According to Redfin Indianapolis, median home prices were up about 3.2% year-over-year as of Fall 2025, with well-maintained homes in neighborhoods like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and Irvington selling faster than average.
So what do today’s buyers actually care about?
Functional, updated kitchens (but not necessarily luxury makeovers)
Neutral paint and flooring that feel fresh and easy to personalize
Curb appeal — clean landscaping and a modern front door still go a long way
Energy efficiency — small upgrades like LED lighting or smart thermostats appeal to younger buyers
In short: buyers are willing to pay more for homes that look cared for without feeling like they’re paying a premium for someone else’s taste.
The Top ROI Home Updates for Indianapolis Sellers
If your goal is to get the best price in the least amount of time, start with these high-impact, moderate-cost updates:
1. Fresh Paint (ROI: ~150%)
A $2,000–$3,000 paint job can often add over $4,000 in perceived value. Stick to neutral, modern tones like soft gray or warm white to brighten spaces.
2. Curb Appeal Updates (ROI: ~100%)
New mulch, trimmed bushes, and a power-washed driveway make a huge first impression. Even replacing your front door can return up to 110% of its cost, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
3. Minor Kitchen Refresh (ROI: ~80%)
Instead of a full gut, think:
Replacing outdated cabinet hardware
Swapping old lighting for modern fixtures
Upgrading countertops to affordable quartz or butcher block
Repainting cabinets
In Indy, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and can recoup around $12,000 at resale.
4. Bathroom Refresh (ROI: ~70%)
You don’t need marble floors. Simple fixes—like re-grouting tile, updating faucets, or adding new mirrors—make the bathroom feel brand new.
5. Flooring Replacement (ROI: ~70–80%)
If your carpet’s seen better days, new flooring instantly boosts appeal. LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is popular in Indy because it’s affordable, durable, and looks high-end.
Cosmetic vs. Major Remodels: Where’s the Line?
Here’s the rule of thumb: If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s outdated, refresh it.
Major remodels (like room additions or full structural overhauls) rarely deliver the ROI you want right before selling. For example:
A full kitchen remodel averaging $65,000 in Indianapolis typically returns only 60–65%.
Bathroom additions often return less than 55%, depending on the neighborhood.
That means unless your home has major functionality issues (like a leaking roof or failing HVAC), you’re usually better off focusing on cosmetic improvements.
When Remodeling Does Make Sense Before Selling
There are a few scenarios where remodeling pays off big for Indy sellers:
Your home lags behind comps.
If nearby homes have updated kitchens and yours looks like 2005, a light refresh could close that gap and help you compete.You’re selling in a high-demand area.
In hot neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Bates-Hendricks, small upgrades can create big bidding wars.You can DIY smartly.
Simple projects—like painting, swapping fixtures, or replacing door handles—offer high ROI when you keep labor costs low.
When to Skip the Remodel
Sometimes, less is more.
Skip big remodels if:
The market is slowing and you’d rather sell quickly
You don’t have time for contractor delays
Your home’s biggest value is in the lot or location (common in parts of SoBro or Meridian-Kessler)
In these cases, pricing strategically and focusing on clean, staged presentation often beats sinking money into a remodel.
Bonus: Timing Your Remodel for Maximum Value
If you decide to do updates, timing matters. Contractors are busiest in spring and early summer—so plan winter updates to avoid delays and list early in the year when buyer demand peaks.
And if you’re prepping for a fall sale, check out our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Boost Value) to make sure your home shines for showings.
Local Case Study: Indy Seller ROI in Action
A recent Roots Realty Co. seller in Irvington invested around $9,000 in light updates—new flooring, fresh paint, and refinished cabinets. The home sold for $18,000 more than comparable unrenovated listings and went under contract in just four days.
Compare that to a seller who poured $40K into a full kitchen remodel—beautiful, yes, but the home only appraised $15K higher.
The takeaway: modest updates tend to pay off more than major remodels.
Related: Selling a Historic Home in Irvington
If your home has character features like original woodwork or stained glass, your update strategy should be more preservation-minded. Check out our post on Selling a Historic Home in Irvington for tips on balancing charm with buyer-ready improvements.
Quick Q&A: Remodeling Before Selling in Indianapolis
What’s the average ROI for home updates in Indy?
Most minor updates in Indianapolis return 70–120% of their cost, depending on the neighborhood and market conditions.
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Only if it’s severely outdated or nonfunctional. A light refresh usually offers a better ROI than a full remodel.
What if my house needs major repairs?
Fix anything that affects inspection—roof leaks, HVAC issues, or foundation cracks—but skip cosmetic overhauls unless you have time and budget.
Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes in Indy?
Yes. Especially among younger buyers, “turnkey” homes get more attention and faster offers.
Can I sell as-is and still get good offers?
Absolutely. Many investors in Indy look for as-is properties. It depends on your timeline and financial goals.
Final Thoughts: Small Updates, Big Impact
In Indianapolis, the best pre-sale remodels are the ones that make your home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready—without overpersonalizing.
Focus on:
✅ Paint, flooring, and curb appeal
✅ Fixing anything broken
✅ Making your home feel fresh and functional
Skip the full remodels unless there’s a clear ROI case.
Ready to figure out which updates make sense for your home?
👉 Explore our Seller Resources or connect with Roots Realty Co. today—we’ll help you decide what’s really worth doing before you list.
Related Reads:
Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Indianapolis Home?
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house in Indy—but now you’re staring at that dated kitchen backsplash or scuffed-up flooring wondering, should I fix this before listing?
The truth: not every update pays off equally. Knowing where to invest (and where not to) can make a big difference in how fast your home sells—and how much profit you keep.
This guide breaks down which home updates bring the best return on investment (ROI) for Indianapolis sellers in 2025, which projects to skip, and how to decide if remodeling before selling is really worth it.
What Indianapolis Buyers Value Most in 2025
The Indy market has cooled a bit from the wild 2021–2022 frenzy, but demand for move-in-ready homes remains strong. According to Redfin Indianapolis, median home prices were up about 3.2% year-over-year as of Fall 2025, with well-maintained homes in neighborhoods like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and Irvington selling faster than average.
So what do today’s buyers actually care about?
Functional, updated kitchens (but not necessarily luxury makeovers)
Neutral paint and flooring that feel fresh and easy to personalize
Curb appeal — clean landscaping and a modern front door still go a long way
Energy efficiency — small upgrades like LED lighting or smart thermostats appeal to younger buyers
In short: buyers are willing to pay more for homes that look cared for without feeling like they’re paying a premium for someone else’s taste.
The Top ROI Home Updates for Indianapolis Sellers
If your goal is to get the best price in the least amount of time, start with these high-impact, moderate-cost updates:
1. Fresh Paint (ROI: ~150%)
A $2,000–$3,000 paint job can often add over $4,000 in perceived value. Stick to neutral, modern tones like soft gray or warm white to brighten spaces.
2. Curb Appeal Updates (ROI: ~100%)
New mulch, trimmed bushes, and a power-washed driveway make a huge first impression. Even replacing your front door can return up to 110% of its cost, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
3. Minor Kitchen Refresh (ROI: ~80%)
Instead of a full gut, think:
Replacing outdated cabinet hardware
Swapping old lighting for modern fixtures
Upgrading countertops to affordable quartz or butcher block
Repainting cabinets
In Indy, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and can recoup around $12,000 at resale.
4. Bathroom Refresh (ROI: ~70%)
You don’t need marble floors. Simple fixes—like re-grouting tile, updating faucets, or adding new mirrors—make the bathroom feel brand new.
5. Flooring Replacement (ROI: ~70–80%)
If your carpet’s seen better days, new flooring instantly boosts appeal. LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is popular in Indy because it’s affordable, durable, and looks high-end.
Cosmetic vs. Major Remodels: Where’s the Line?
Here’s the rule of thumb: If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s outdated, refresh it.
Major remodels (like room additions or full structural overhauls) rarely deliver the ROI you want right before selling. For example:
A full kitchen remodel averaging $65,000 in Indianapolis typically returns only 60–65%.
Bathroom additions often return less than 55%, depending on the neighborhood.
That means unless your home has major functionality issues (like a leaking roof or failing HVAC), you’re usually better off focusing on cosmetic improvements.
When Remodeling Does Make Sense Before Selling
There are a few scenarios where remodeling pays off big for Indy sellers:
Your home lags behind comps.
If nearby homes have updated kitchens and yours looks like 2005, a light refresh could close that gap and help you compete.You’re selling in a high-demand area.
In hot neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Bates-Hendricks, small upgrades can create big bidding wars.You can DIY smartly.
Simple projects—like painting, swapping fixtures, or replacing door handles—offer high ROI when you keep labor costs low.
When to Skip the Remodel
Sometimes, less is more.
Skip big remodels if:
The market is slowing and you’d rather sell quickly
You don’t have time for contractor delays
Your home’s biggest value is in the lot or location (common in parts of SoBro or Meridian-Kessler)
In these cases, pricing strategically and focusing on clean, staged presentation often beats sinking money into a remodel.
Bonus: Timing Your Remodel for Maximum Value
If you decide to do updates, timing matters. Contractors are busiest in spring and early summer—so plan winter updates to avoid delays and list early in the year when buyer demand peaks.
And if you’re prepping for a fall sale, check out our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Boost Value) to make sure your home shines for showings.
Local Case Study: Indy Seller ROI in Action
A recent Roots Realty Co. seller in Irvington invested around $9,000 in light updates—new flooring, fresh paint, and refinished cabinets. The home sold for $18,000 more than comparable unrenovated listings and went under contract in just four days.
Compare that to a seller who poured $40K into a full kitchen remodel—beautiful, yes, but the home only appraised $15K higher.
The takeaway: modest updates tend to pay off more than major remodels.
Related: Selling a Historic Home in Irvington
If your home has character features like original woodwork or stained glass, your update strategy should be more preservation-minded. Check out our post on Selling a Historic Home in Irvington for tips on balancing charm with buyer-ready improvements.
Quick Q&A: Remodeling Before Selling in Indianapolis
What’s the average ROI for home updates in Indy?
Most minor updates in Indianapolis return 70–120% of their cost, depending on the neighborhood and market conditions.
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Only if it’s severely outdated or nonfunctional. A light refresh usually offers a better ROI than a full remodel.
What if my house needs major repairs?
Fix anything that affects inspection—roof leaks, HVAC issues, or foundation cracks—but skip cosmetic overhauls unless you have time and budget.
Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes in Indy?
Yes. Especially among younger buyers, “turnkey” homes get more attention and faster offers.
Can I sell as-is and still get good offers?
Absolutely. Many investors in Indy look for as-is properties. It depends on your timeline and financial goals.
Final Thoughts: Small Updates, Big Impact
In Indianapolis, the best pre-sale remodels are the ones that make your home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready—without overpersonalizing.
Focus on:
✅ Paint, flooring, and curb appeal
✅ Fixing anything broken
✅ Making your home feel fresh and functional
Skip the full remodels unless there’s a clear ROI case.
Ready to figure out which updates make sense for your home?
👉 Explore our Seller Resources or connect with Roots Realty Co. today—we’ll help you decide what’s really worth doing before you list.
Related Reads:
Should You Remodel Before Selling Your Indianapolis Home?
You’ve decided it’s time to sell your house in Indy—but now you’re staring at that dated kitchen backsplash or scuffed-up flooring wondering, should I fix this before listing?
The truth: not every update pays off equally. Knowing where to invest (and where not to) can make a big difference in how fast your home sells—and how much profit you keep.
This guide breaks down which home updates bring the best return on investment (ROI) for Indianapolis sellers in 2025, which projects to skip, and how to decide if remodeling before selling is really worth it.
What Indianapolis Buyers Value Most in 2025
The Indy market has cooled a bit from the wild 2021–2022 frenzy, but demand for move-in-ready homes remains strong. According to Redfin Indianapolis, median home prices were up about 3.2% year-over-year as of Fall 2025, with well-maintained homes in neighborhoods like Fountain Square, Broad Ripple, and Irvington selling faster than average.
So what do today’s buyers actually care about?
Functional, updated kitchens (but not necessarily luxury makeovers)
Neutral paint and flooring that feel fresh and easy to personalize
Curb appeal — clean landscaping and a modern front door still go a long way
Energy efficiency — small upgrades like LED lighting or smart thermostats appeal to younger buyers
In short: buyers are willing to pay more for homes that look cared for without feeling like they’re paying a premium for someone else’s taste.
The Top ROI Home Updates for Indianapolis Sellers
If your goal is to get the best price in the least amount of time, start with these high-impact, moderate-cost updates:
1. Fresh Paint (ROI: ~150%)
A $2,000–$3,000 paint job can often add over $4,000 in perceived value. Stick to neutral, modern tones like soft gray or warm white to brighten spaces.
2. Curb Appeal Updates (ROI: ~100%)
New mulch, trimmed bushes, and a power-washed driveway make a huge first impression. Even replacing your front door can return up to 110% of its cost, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
3. Minor Kitchen Refresh (ROI: ~80%)
Instead of a full gut, think:
Replacing outdated cabinet hardware
Swapping old lighting for modern fixtures
Upgrading countertops to affordable quartz or butcher block
Repainting cabinets
In Indy, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and can recoup around $12,000 at resale.
4. Bathroom Refresh (ROI: ~70%)
You don’t need marble floors. Simple fixes—like re-grouting tile, updating faucets, or adding new mirrors—make the bathroom feel brand new.
5. Flooring Replacement (ROI: ~70–80%)
If your carpet’s seen better days, new flooring instantly boosts appeal. LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is popular in Indy because it’s affordable, durable, and looks high-end.
Cosmetic vs. Major Remodels: Where’s the Line?
Here’s the rule of thumb: If it’s broken, fix it. If it’s outdated, refresh it.
Major remodels (like room additions or full structural overhauls) rarely deliver the ROI you want right before selling. For example:
A full kitchen remodel averaging $65,000 in Indianapolis typically returns only 60–65%.
Bathroom additions often return less than 55%, depending on the neighborhood.
That means unless your home has major functionality issues (like a leaking roof or failing HVAC), you’re usually better off focusing on cosmetic improvements.
When Remodeling Does Make Sense Before Selling
There are a few scenarios where remodeling pays off big for Indy sellers:
Your home lags behind comps.
If nearby homes have updated kitchens and yours looks like 2005, a light refresh could close that gap and help you compete.You’re selling in a high-demand area.
In hot neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Bates-Hendricks, small upgrades can create big bidding wars.You can DIY smartly.
Simple projects—like painting, swapping fixtures, or replacing door handles—offer high ROI when you keep labor costs low.
When to Skip the Remodel
Sometimes, less is more.
Skip big remodels if:
The market is slowing and you’d rather sell quickly
You don’t have time for contractor delays
Your home’s biggest value is in the lot or location (common in parts of SoBro or Meridian-Kessler)
In these cases, pricing strategically and focusing on clean, staged presentation often beats sinking money into a remodel.
Bonus: Timing Your Remodel for Maximum Value
If you decide to do updates, timing matters. Contractors are busiest in spring and early summer—so plan winter updates to avoid delays and list early in the year when buyer demand peaks.
And if you’re prepping for a fall sale, check out our Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Boost Value) to make sure your home shines for showings.
Local Case Study: Indy Seller ROI in Action
A recent Roots Realty Co. seller in Irvington invested around $9,000 in light updates—new flooring, fresh paint, and refinished cabinets. The home sold for $18,000 more than comparable unrenovated listings and went under contract in just four days.
Compare that to a seller who poured $40K into a full kitchen remodel—beautiful, yes, but the home only appraised $15K higher.
The takeaway: modest updates tend to pay off more than major remodels.
Related: Selling a Historic Home in Irvington
If your home has character features like original woodwork or stained glass, your update strategy should be more preservation-minded. Check out our post on Selling a Historic Home in Irvington for tips on balancing charm with buyer-ready improvements.
Quick Q&A: Remodeling Before Selling in Indianapolis
What’s the average ROI for home updates in Indy?
Most minor updates in Indianapolis return 70–120% of their cost, depending on the neighborhood and market conditions.
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Only if it’s severely outdated or nonfunctional. A light refresh usually offers a better ROI than a full remodel.
What if my house needs major repairs?
Fix anything that affects inspection—roof leaks, HVAC issues, or foundation cracks—but skip cosmetic overhauls unless you have time and budget.
Do buyers prefer move-in ready homes in Indy?
Yes. Especially among younger buyers, “turnkey” homes get more attention and faster offers.
Can I sell as-is and still get good offers?
Absolutely. Many investors in Indy look for as-is properties. It depends on your timeline and financial goals.
Final Thoughts: Small Updates, Big Impact
In Indianapolis, the best pre-sale remodels are the ones that make your home feel clean, updated, and move-in ready—without overpersonalizing.
Focus on:
✅ Paint, flooring, and curb appeal
✅ Fixing anything broken
✅ Making your home feel fresh and functional
Skip the full remodels unless there’s a clear ROI case.
Ready to figure out which updates make sense for your home?
👉 Explore our Seller Resources or connect with Roots Realty Co. today—we’ll help you decide what’s really worth doing before you list.
Related Reads: