Apr 18 2025

If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling

Some Highlights

Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.
Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation.
The best way to avoid this mistake? Connect with an agent to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away.

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Dr. Jan Duffy, REALTOR® - Las Vegas Fast Home Sale Expert Dr. Jan Duffy leads Cash Offers Home Las Vegas, revolutionizing the local real estate market with expedited, hassle-free home sales. As a licensed REALTOR® and fast-transaction specialist, Dr. Duffy has successfully guided countless homeowners through Las Vegas's unique housing landscape. Key Expertise: • Rapid home sales and competitive cash offers • Deep knowledge of Las Vegas neighborhoods (Summerlin, Henderson, Arts District, Centennial Hills) • Expert market analysis and property valuation • Custom solutions for urgent moves, property issues, and foreclosure prevention Combining sharp real estate acumen with unwavering client focus, Dr. Duffy delivers personalized, efficient solutions for every situation. Whether you need a quick sale or a reliable cash offer, her team ensures a smooth, stress-free process. A trusted voice in Las Vegas real estate, Dr. Duffy regularly shares insights on market trends and investment strategies. Her commitment to integrity and community values has established Cash Offers Home Las Vegas as a pillar in the local real estate scene. Experience a new standard in real estate transactions. Contact Dr. Jan Duffy for your no-obligation cash offer today. DrDuffy@bhhsnv.com | www.californiatovegashomes.com Twitter: @DrJanDuffy | Facebook: SpeedyCashHomeOffers

Planning to sell this spring? While you may be tempted to hold off until the first blooms or the spring showers hit, that’s actually waiting too long to get started by today’s standards.

Buyers have more options than they did a few years ago. So, it’s worth it to tackle repairs now and make sure your house is set up to stand out. Because you don’t want to be caught scrambling right before the spring rush. Or, running out of time to do the work your house really needs.

The key is focusing on updates that actually matter. And that’s exactly where return-on-investment (ROI) data comes in handy.

Which Projects Tend to Pay Off?

Every year, Zonda looks at which home improvements deliver the most bang for the buck when you go to sell the home. And the results can be a little surprising.

The green in the chart below shows the updates where sellers have the biggest potential to add value based on that research:

While there’s a wide range of projects represented in this data, the cool part is, some of the top winners aren’t big to-do’s. They’re just swapping out doors.

Small Updates, Big Visual Impact

This goes to show little projects can have a big impact. So, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And you don’t need to tackle everything on this list. But in today’s market, doing nothing can work against you.

Now that buyers have more homes to choose from, a lot of them are going to opt for what’s move-in ready.

The best advice? Focus on what your house needs, whether it’s listed here or not – like the repairs you’ve been putting off. A front door or shutters in need of a little TLC. Piles of leaves in the yard. Scuffed up paint where your kids play inside. Those details matter too.

Mallory Slesser, Interior designer and Home Stager, explains it to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) this way:

“If you’re looking for affordable updates that pack a punch, dollar for dollar, I would say painting; changing out light fixtures; changing out hardware; maybe new draperies or window treatments. Those are all cost-effective ways to make a big statement. It really changes the space.”

These seemingly small things help buyers focus on the home itself – not the work they think they’ll have to do after moving in. And that’s paying off for other sellers. Buyers are often willing to spend more on homes that feel well cared for, updated, and move-in ready.

This Chart Is a Starting Point, Not a Strategy

Here’s the important thing to remember. National data like this is a guideline. Buyer preferences are going to vary by location, price point, and even neighborhood. That means a project that boosts value in one area might be unnecessary (or even overkill) in yours.

That’s why the first step should always be to talk with a local real estate professional before you start.

An experienced agent can help you answer questions like:

Which updates do buyers in your market expect?
What can you skip without hurting your sale?
Where will a small investment make the biggest difference?
Is it better to update, or sell as-is?

That guidance helps you avoid over-improving and under-preparing.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking to sell this spring, you still have time to make updates that help your home stand out – without taking on a full renovation.

If you’re not sure where to start, talk to a local about what makes sense for your house. A quick conversation can help you prioritize the updates that’ll pack the biggest punch.

What’s one upgrade you’ve been thinking about – and wondering if it’s worth it?

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