Is Your Home Working for You – or Just Adding to Your To-Do List?
Homeownership is a journey – and whether you plan to sell in six months or stay for six years, being intentional about the projects you tackle today can make life easier tomorrow. We see it all the time here in Westlake Village, North Ranch, Oak Park, and Lake Sherwood: homeowners pour time and money into renovations… only to find out those choices didn’t add as much value as they’d hoped when it came time to sell.
Before you break out the paintbrush or call a contractor, pause and ask: Will this update matter to future buyers? Will it boost my home’s value in this market?
Here’s what U.S. News Real Estate has to say about that:
“. . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell.”
And they’re absolutely right — especially in a competitive, discerning market like ours.
If an update you're already thinking about overlaps with those high-ROI upgrades, great. Odds are it'll improve your quality of life now and your home’s value later.
But don’t take this list as law. This is based on national data and is the sort of thing that's going to vary based on what’s most sought-after where you live. That’s where your agent comes in. As an article from Ramsey Solutions says:
“The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvements—especially if you’re planning to sell soon—is to talk to a real estate agent who is an expert in your market. They’re sure to know the local trends, and they can show you how other homes with the features you want to add are selling. That way, you can make an educated decision before you start ordering lumber and knocking down walls.”
You'll just want to make sure you don't overdo it. Too many high-end updates can make your home the priciest in the neighborhood. That might sound great, but it can actually turn buyers away if it's outside their expected price range for the area. The right agent will help you make smart updates that buyers will love, without going overboard.
Local Insight: Why Planning Ahead Pays Off
In real estate, timing and preparation go hand-in-hand. Even if a move isn’t in the immediate cards, life has a way of shifting quickly — a new job, downsizing, family changes, or simply wanting a fresh chapter.
That’s why I always advise our clients:
Smart updates now = fewer headaches later.
By pacing your improvements over time, you relieve financial pressure and avoid last-minute chaos. Even better? You get to enjoy the upgrades yourself while knowing your home is ready to shine when it hits the market.
The Upgrades That Actually Matter
So, which projects pay off here in Ventura County and the northwest LA County corridor?
According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), these are some of the top performers when it comes to ROI:
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Refinishing or replacing hardwood floors – Clean, updated flooring is a buyer favorite, especially in homes around Westlake Island and North Ranch.
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Insulation upgrades – Energy efficiency appeals to buyers across all ages, particularly in older homes.
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Kitchen and bath refreshes – Not full remodels, but modern touches like hardware swaps, painting cabinetry, or updating lighting.
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Exterior enhancements – Think curb appeal. Fresh landscaping, a new front door, or even a pressure wash can go a long way.
Keep in mind, in our micro-markets, certain features (like a well-designed outdoor space or turnkey move-in readiness) can tip the scales in a buyer’s decision — especially in luxury pockets like Calabasas and Lake Sherwood.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That’s where we come in. At Avant ONE Real Estate, we don’t just sell homes — we prepare them for success. Whether you're months away from listing or just starting to consider a move, we offer guidance every step of the way, including:
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Contractor and designer referrals
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Strategic pre-listing upgrades with no upfront cost (ask about our Sell 360 and Renovate to Sell programs)
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Market insight specific to your neighborhood
Let’s talk before you tackle that next project.
Whether you live in Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, or on the water at Westlake Island — the right upgrades make all the difference. We're local, we’re experienced, and at Avant ONE, we do real estate differently. It’s not just about listing a property. It’s about positioning your home for success.
Whether the project is big or small, it pays to be strategic. And an agent is a key piece of that strategy.
Bottom Line
It doesn’t matter whether you plan to move soon or not, it can still pay off to make strategic updates that’ll help you love your home now and stand out later.
What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it? Let’s make sure it’ll pay off when the time comes.
