Selling in Enumclaw: Top 6 High-ROI Home Updates for 2026
Sellers!! As experts predict there will be almost 11% more listings nationally in 2026. While buyer demand is holding strong, increased inventory means more competition. Strategic pricing and strong presentation aren't just optional, they are key to moving your listing for top dollar. Listing strategy and presentation are one of my FAVORITE things to talk about. Here are my top recommendations to affordably update your home to attract more buyers!
1. Decluttering & Cleaning: Decluttering is the most cost-effective investment with the highest ROI. There is a fundamental difference between how we live in a home and how we sell one. To ensure your property shines, all my listing packages include a complimentary professional deep clean. I provide this because a pristine home dramatically shifts buyer perception. Plus, I want to make this transition as easy as possible for you, this is one less thing you have to worry about!
Rules for Decluttering: Less is always more.
The Daily Use Test: If you don't use it everyday, pack it away.
Less is More: We want to show off the square footage, not your stuff. Remove excessive furniture and art to open up walkways and make rooms feel more expansive.
Clear All Flat Surfaces: My favorite rule for photos! Keep kitchen counters, bathroom vanities, and coffee tables 90% clear. Clearing the "surface noise" makes the home look instantly more expensive.
Note: Why is cleaning the #1 ROI for sellers? It’s all about perceived value. While we aren’t trying to trick anyone, a pristine home builds immediate confidence that the property has been maintained. When a space is dirty or cluttered, it can trigger "red flag" thinking. For example, if a seller hasn't kept up with the surface details, a buyer will naturally question the integrity of the furnace, roof, and crawlspace. If the small things are neglected, what else is?
2. Painting: Painting is one of the few updates where you’ll almost always see a dollar-for-dollar return on your investment. If you’re looking to maximize your budget, this is the perfect DIY project. It’s not difficult; it just takes a little patience and a few rolls of tape!
Rules of thumb to follow:
Bright Colors: To a buyer, bright or neon colored walls look like a weekend of hard work. Our goal is to remove every possible "objection" and make it effortless for them to say "yes”. Opt for a neutral color. We want the home to feel like a clean slate.
High-Traffic Areas: If your walls look "well-loved" (think: nose prints from fur babies or handprints from the kids), a fresh coat of paint instantly makes the home feel new again.
Tip: Don't forget the baseboards and door jams! Sometimes a quick scrub or a touch-up on the trim can make a HUGE impact!
3. Lighting: A bright home is a welcoming home! Check that all your bulbs are working so your space looks its best in photos and in person. Replacing dated fixtures can also completely transform a room, making it feel fresh and new without breaking the bank.
Lighting Checklist & Recommendations:
Audit Your Lighting: Make sure everything is working and replace any burnt-out bulbs/defective fixtures. I also recommend to have all lights be the same color temperature.
Optional Upgrades: Focus your budget on high-traffic areas. Swapping a dated chandelier or pendant in the entryway, dining room, or primary bedroom can can transform the space to feel more modern.
Here is a visual example of how a new light fixture can completely transform a space without any other changes!
4. Entry & Front Door Refresh: A home’s exterior sets the stage for the entire tour. First impressions are powerful. If a buyer sees deferred maintenance outside, they immediately begin looking for "hidden" problems inside. By investing a little "sweat equity" into your entryway, you create an emotional connection before the buyer even turns the key.
Curb Appeal Checklist:
Weed & Fresh Mulch: Pull every weed and spread dark mulch for a high-contrast look that makes landscaping pop.
Edge Garden Beds: Crisp edges signal "well maintained." It’s a zero-cost way to make a garden look manicured and cared for.
Power Wash & Clean: Deep clean the siding, porch, windows, and walkway to remove years of grime and make the home feel fresh.
Paint the Front Door: If the paint is faded or chipped, apply a new coat of paint to make the home's focal point stand out in photos and in person.
Take a look at this real-world example from the NWMLS. I used AI to illustrate how minor changes can dramatically elevate a home’s curb appeal and capture a buyer's interest.
5. Bathrooms: Redoing a bathroom doesn't have to be a major project. Even if your bathroom is dated, just a few minor adjustments can completely change a buyer's perception. New hardware and a fresh palette can breathe life into the space. Everything should be clean, fresh, and inviting.
The Dated Bathroom Checklist:
Plush Linens: Replace old towels with bright white ones. (Target and Costco offer great high-quality options.)
Shower Curtain: A stylish shower curtain instantly resets the room’s aesthetic. Check Marshalls or Target for on-trend patterns.
Lighting & Mirrors: A new mirror and an updated light fixture can instantly modernize the entire space.
Decor: Use greenery, candles, and glass soap dispensers to add a sense of luxury.
Maintenance Tip: All grout and caulk must be pristine. Visible mold or staining can instantly derail a buyer's confidence in the overall health of the property. Don't let a simple fix create a negative impression of the entire home.
Take a look at this real-world example from the NWMLS. I used AI to illustrate how minor changes can dramatically elevate a bathroom's aesthetic without breaking the bank.
6. Doors and Hardware: One of the most cost-effective ways to increase your home's ROI (especially in older homes) is by refreshing its hardware. Small details like painted-over hinges or dated outlet covers can subtly signal neglect to a buyer. A cohesive look throughout the house helps create a sense of a “new home”.
Easy hardware updates:
Doors: Swap out old knobs and "painted-shut" hinges. If you have 90s brass, upgrading to a trendier finish like matte black or brushed nickel can make the world of difference.
Kitchen: Modernize your cabinets with sleek new handles or knobs. Don’t forget to ensure the hinges match/are low profile so they do not create a busy or clashing look.
Plates: Replace every single outlet and switch cover that isn’t bright white. It’s a tiny cost that makes a massive visual difference!
