🔨 Should You Fix It Before Selling? The Real ROI on Home Repairs in Central Illinois

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Peoria, Tazewell, or Woodford County, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably:

“Should I fix things before I list—or just sell as-is?”

The answer? It depends. Some repairs are worth every penny. Others are better left for the next owner.

After selling more than 1,000 homes in Central Illinois, here’s my breakdown of which repairs typically deliver a solid return on investment (ROI)—and which ones don’t.

🏡 Repairs That Pay Off

✅ Fresh Paint (High ROI)

If there’s one thing that delivers bang for your buck, it’s paint. Neutral, light shades make rooms feel larger and more modern. Skip bold colors—buyers want a blank canvas.

Pro tip: Stick with light grays, off-whites, or warm neutrals.

✅ Carpet & Flooring Updates

Buyers notice floors instantly. If your carpet is stained or outdated, replacing it is usually worth the cost. For hardwood, a professional cleaning or light refinish can make a huge difference.

ROI: High, especially in main living spaces.

✅ Kitchen & Bathroom Touch-Ups

You don’t need a full remodel, but small upgrades pay off big:

New cabinet hardware
Updated faucets or fixtures
Re-caulking around tubs and sinks
Fresh grout in tile areas

These quick wins make the most-used rooms feel fresher and cleaner.

✅ Curb Appeal Upgrades

First impressions matter. Power washing, fresh mulch, trimmed bushes, and a tidy lawn can make buyers fall in love before they walk inside.

ROI: High—often adds thousands in perceived value.

🚫 Repairs That Don’t Always Pay Off

❌ Full Kitchen Remodel

Tempting, but risky. A $25,000 remodel might not add $25,000 in value. Most buyers would rather choose their own finishes.

Better bet: Focus on cosmetic updates like paint, lighting, or hardware.

❌ High-End Luxury Upgrades

Heated bathroom floors sound great—but in Central Illinois, they don’t always add resale value. Same goes for gourmet appliances or custom built-ins if the rest of the home doesn’t match that level.

❌ Swimming Pools

In our area, pools are polarizing. Some buyers love them; others see maintenance and safety concerns. Rarely do they add enough value to justify the cost.

🧐 What About “As-Is” Sales?

Selling as-is works for some situations:

You don’t have time or funds for updates
You’re selling an inherited property
The home needs major renovations

But keep in mind: as-is homes typically attract investors and bring lower offers. If you want top dollar, even a few minor updates can pay off big.

🔑 The Bottom Line

Every home is different. Before you start swinging a hammer or writing checks, talk to a local expert (👋 that’s me). I’ll give you an honest assessment of: