The Complete Guide to Downsizing
Moving to a smaller space can be incredibly freeing, but it also requires thoughtful planning and emotional preparation that goes well beyond a typical move.
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When our clients ask about making changes to their homes, we tell them to do whatever brings them the most joy. If painting your cabinets pink makes you happy, do it!
Homeowners should understand, though, that some changes can hurt the resale value of a home while others can pay big dividends when you sell.
The more interest there is in your home, the more offers you’re likely to receive. The more offers you get, the faster you’re likely to sell. You’re also likely to earn more money.
Americans poured a staggering $603 billion into home remodeling in 2024, according to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Remodeling Impact Report. But which projects deliver the most bang for your buck—and your happiness? Here’s what homeowners and sellers need to know.
Forget return on investment for a moment. The report introduces a “Joy Score” (1-10 scale) measuring homeowner happiness after completion. Three projects earned perfect 10s:
Close runners-up scoring 9.7-9.8 included bathroom renovations and complete kitchen renovations. The takeaway? Major living space improvements deliver serious satisfaction.
When it’s time to sell, these improvements recoup the most:
Notice a pattern? Security, storage, and energy efficiency upgrades tend to pay back handsomely.
Contrary to popular belief, 89% of homeowners said housing affordability wasn’t a factor in their decision to remodel. Instead, the top motivations were:
Translation: Most people remodel because they want to, not because they’re stuck.
The report reveals a nearly even three-way split:
Interestingly, 31% of projects took more time than planned, while another 31% took less time—proving that project timelines are anyone’s guess.
If you’re selling soon, REALTORS® most frequently recommend:
These aren’t necessarily the highest ROI projects, but they’re what make homes sell faster in today’s market.
Beyond dollars and cents, remodeling delivers serious lifestyle benefits:
REALTORS® report surging buyer interest in:
These areas represent smart investment opportunities for homeowners planning to sell in the next few years.
Today’s remodeling landscape reveals homeowners investing in quality of life as much as resale value. The sweetest spot? Projects that deliver both personal satisfaction and financial return—think kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, and smart exterior improvements like new doors and roofing.
Whether you’re settling in for the long haul or prepping to sell, the data is clear: strategic remodeling remains one of the best investments you can make in both your happiness and your home’s value.
Source: 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS® and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), based on surveys of 806 homeowners, 177 NARI members, and 4,005 REALTORS®.
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Remodeling can bring more joy and more money when you sell.