Is It Worth Updating the Kitchen or Bathrooms Before Listing?

This is one of the most expensive—and emotionally charged—decisions sellers face. Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, but that doesn’t mean remodeling them before listing is usually worth it.

Josh Finigan & The Finigan Group help sellers avoid over-improving for the market.

When updating makes sense

Updating can be worth it if:

The kitchen or bath is severely dated and hurting showings
Simple cosmetic updates can dramatically improve perception
The home is in a competitive price range where buyers expect move-in-ready condition

Josh often recommends targeted updates, not full renovations:

Painting cabinets instead of replacing them
Swapping hardware, faucets, and light fixtures
Updating mirrors, lighting, and vanity tops
Replacing worn countertops selectively

These changes can modernize a space without six-figure costs.

When remodeling does NOT make sense

Full remodels rarely pay off before selling when:

The existing layout is functional
The home already fits neighborhood expectations
Buyers are likely to renovate anyway
You won’t live there long enough to enjoy the upgrade

Josh is blunt about this: most sellers never recover the full cost of a major kitchen or bath renovation at resale.

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for Top Dollar, Today!

With over 720+ homes sold and 250+ 5-star reviews, The Finigan Group delivers the results others promise — and gets you Top Dollar without the stress.

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The real goal: buyer confidence

Buyers don’t need perfection—they need reassurance. A clean, neutral, well-maintained kitchen and bath reduce fear and resistance.

Josh’s upgrade philosophy

The Finigan Group asks one question:
👉 Does this change increase buyer confidence enough to justify the cost?

Before you start tearing things out, talk to Josh Finigan. He’ll tell you whether updating makes sense—or whether your money is better left in your pocket.