Personalization vs. Return on Value: Where’s the Middle Ground?
You like your home—but you don’t love it. Maybe you're dreaming of a sleek new kitchen, wide-plank hardwood floors, or even a sparkling backyard pool. You’ve got the budget to make some upgrades, but one question keeps coming up:
Will I get my money back when I sell?
Here’s the honest answer: It depends.
In general, if you can recover 80% of your renovation costs when selling, you’re doing well. But the reality is that most upgrades depreciate over time. Unless you’re selling immediately and your choices align with current buyer trends, a full return on investment (ROI) is rare.
Trying to predict what buyers will want five years from now? Nearly impossible.
That’s why I recommend a balanced approach—one that lets you enjoy your home now while protecting your resale value later.
1. Think Like a Future Buyer When Making Major Design Choices
If you’re planning to move within the next five years, keep big-ticket items neutral and timeless. This includes:
Flooring
Kitchen cabinets and countertops
Major fixtures and appliances
Trendy or ultra-personalized upgrades in these categories can turn off future buyers and drag down your ROI.
Design Tips: White cabinetry rarely goes out of style, especially when paired with warm wood accents like walnut or rift-cut white oak. Add personality later with things like cabinet hardware, a fun backsplash, or a bold accent wall—features that are easy to update or remove if needed.
Don’t underestimate the cost of repainting your home. I recently had a seller quoted $10,000 to repaint the interior of an 1,800 sq. ft. house. That’s a tough pill to swallow right before listing. If you’re painting now, choose a timeless color palette and invest in quality paint brands like Sherwin-Williams, Dunn-Edwards, or Benjamin Moore. These hold up better over time and are easier to touch up.
2. Match Your Upgrades to Your Neighborhood’s Resale Expectations
Not all upgrades offer the same return—especially when they’re out of sync with your local market.
Let’s say you live in a median-priced home in Escondido (around $985,000). Installing a $7,000 Wolf range might seem like a luxury—but if your home doesn’t have air conditioning (a must-have in our summer heat), that investment won’t make sense to most buyers.
Or consider a $10,000 built-in Sub-Zero fridge. It’s a great fit for homes in the $1.5M+ range in North County San Diego, but in more moderately priced neighborhoods, if it’s 7 (+) years old, it can actually scare buyers away—especially when they consider the potential repair costs.
Your upgrades should enhance your home in ways that align with local buyer expectations, not exceed them.
Why Working With an Agent Before You Renovate Makes a Difference
One of the most valuable (and underused) services I provide my clients is pre-renovation guidance. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just moved into a new home you don’t plan to stay in forever, I help you choose updates that reflect your taste and protect your investment.
From fixtures and finishes to layout changes and outdoor upgrades, my goal is to help you avoid costly missteps—and position your home for top-dollar resale when the time comes.
Bottom Line: Personalize with Purpose
At the end of the day, your home should feel like you. If you want to install a pantry bar with bar taps for nitro cold brew (no judgment—I may or may not have done this myself, lol), then go for it! Just don’t expect every buyer to fall in love with the same details—or to pay more for them.
When it comes to personalization vs. return on value, the sweet spot is about finding the balance: making choices that bring you joy now, while keeping resale potential in sight.
Thinking of remodeling or updating with plans to sell in the next few years? Let’s chat. I’m always happy to share insight.
