WORST Upgrades for Resale Value

Home Upgrades That Might Not Pay Off at Resale

Making Smart Renovation Choices in the Rochester & Finger Lakes Market

Every homeowner loves a good upgrade — but not every project adds the value you might expect.
On this week’s Fridays with Friends, Mandy and Abbey are diving into the home improvements that may not give you the strongest return on investment when it’s time to sell.

What to Think About Before You Renovate

In our local Rochester and Finger Lakes housing market, we’ve seen time and again that bigger isn’t always better.

Projects like:

• 🛁 Large, high-end kitchen or bathroom remodels

• ☀️ Solar panel installations

• 🏊 Backyard pools or elaborate outdoor living areas

• 🚗 Converting your garage into a living space

These can absolutely make your home more comfortable and unique for you, but they often don’t deliver top-dollar returns at resale — especially when compared to mid-range improvements that appeal to a broader buyer pool.

What’s Worth It Instead?

Mid-level updates — like a refreshed kitchen backsplash, modern light fixtures, new flooring, or a clean, neutral paint palette — often bring a stronger return for a fraction of the cost.

These updates help your home stand out in photos and showings, while keeping you aligned with what today’s Rochester and Finger Lakes buyers are actually looking for.

Do It for You — But Know the ROI

If adding a pool or installing solar panels makes your home feel perfect for your lifestyle, go for it! ❤️
But if your primary goal is to boost value before selling, consider where you’ll see the biggest payoff.

✨ At The Friend Team, we believe education is key. The more you understand how upgrades affect resale, the more confident you can be in every home decision.

Whether you’re planning a remodel or preparing to list your property, our team is here to guide you through what’s worth your investment — and what’s best saved for your next dream home.

Ready to talk strategy?
Reach out to The Friend Team at Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester today — your trusted partners in all things real estate throughout Monroe and Ontario Counties.

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