Let’s be blunt:
Most New York homeowners lose money on pre-sale renovations.
That sounds harsh, but it’s true. Every week, we see listings across Brooklyn, Westchester, Long Island, and upstate NY where sellers dump $50K+ into the wrong updates—only to sit on the market or settle for less than they expected.
Here are the 5 biggest renovation mistakes we see sellers make (and how to avoid them):
Granite counters. Busy tile backsplashes. Dark cherry cabinets.These used to scream “luxury.” Now they scream, “I haven’t read a design blog in a decade.”
What to do instead:
Go for light, clean, modern. Think quartz, matte finishes, and flat-panel cabinetry.Your buyer scrolls Zillow daily—they know what a $1M home should look like.
We get it—you want top dollar. But if homes in your ZIP code cap out at $600K, your $80K kitchen won’t magically make yours worth $750K.
What to do instead:
Know your local comps. If buyers aren’t paying for it nearby, you won’t get credit either. PropIQ shows you exactly what buyers value in your neighborhood—before you spend a dime.
Bad paint jobs. Crooked tile. Home Depot vanities installed on the weekend.Nothing kills perceived value faster than DIY that looks DIY.
What to do instead:
If you’re going to do it yourself, keep it simple: paint, hardware, landscaping.For anything permanent or visible, hire a pro—or don't do it at all.
In the suburbs, outdoor updates are expected.But in Brooklyn, Queens, or Harlem? A clean deck or landscaped patio can make the deal.
What to do instead:
Power wash the pavers. Add string lights. Trim back anything overgrown.Outdoor space is luxury in NYC—don’t forget it.
Most homeowners go with gut feel—or their realtor’s generic advice.The result? Wasted money, delayed sales, and renovations that don’t get a return.
What to do instead:
Run the numbers. Use PropIQ to see which renovations actually increase resale value on your block. We analyze layout changes, ADUs, energy efficiency, curb appeal, and more—customized to your home.
Renovating before you sell can be a smart move—but only if it’s backed by real data.Skip the guesswork. Get clarity on what buyers will pay for in your ZIP code.
🛠️ Explore PropIQ and unlock a smarter pre-sale renovation plan.
