Every seller wants to know the same thing: How can I get the most money for my home?
And almost every seller thinks the answer is the same: Renovations. Upgrades. New countertops. Fresh floors.
But here’s the truth I’ve learned through experience—it’s not always what you do to the house that increases value. Sometimes it’s how you present it.
In this post, I want to walk you through a real story—a listing where the seller walked away with $75,000 more than similar homes in their area. And we didn’t change a single tile or buy a single can of paint.
We changed the strategy.
The Property: Good Bones, Basic Finish
This particular home was in a great neighborhood—great schools, good walkability, solid layout. But it wasn’t flashy. It had builder-grade finishes, neutral walls, and no recent updates.
Normally, it would have blended into the MLS like every other cookie-cutter listing. And most agents would’ve told the seller to “spend $15k on updates to get top dollar.”
We didn’t do that.
What We Did Instead
1. We Told a Story—Not Just a Spec Sheet
Instead of leading with square footage or granite counters (which it didn’t have), we crafted a listing that focused on lifestyle.
-
“Wake up to morning sun in your private backyard.”
-
“A home where game nights, weekend grilling, and backyard soccer are just part of your everyday.”
We wrote the copy with emotion, not just facts. The goal? To help buyers see themselves living there.
And it worked. Showings doubled compared to similar listings nearby.
2. We Rented (Not Renovated)
Rather than spending on permanent upgrades, we brought in professional staging pieces—rented for a few weeks. A modern sofa, light curtains, a few green plants, and stylish dining chairs.
That’s it.
The total staging cost was under $1,200. The perceived value it created? Far more than a $15,000 kitchen overhaul.
The photos came out looking like a Pinterest dream, and the listing stood out on every platform it was shared on.
3. We Used Instagram, Not Open Houses
Here’s the part most sellers overlook: open houses aren’t always the golden ticket anymore. We hosted one, yes—but it didn’t bring the buyer.
What worked? Behind-the-scenes Instagram stories, video walkthroughs, and teaser reels posted to our local audience.
We created urgency. We built buzz. By the time the home hit the market, we already had pre-showing interest—and it was shared in private DMs before the listing was live.
4. We Didn’t Panic on Pricing
After three days on the market, we had good foot traffic—but no offers. Most sellers would have started thinking price drop.
We held firm.
The home had been positioned right. We knew it would take the right buyer—not just the first one. On day six, we had two strong offers and a third by day eight.
The winning bid came in $75,000 over nearby comps. No upgrades. No renovations. Just smart marketing and a clear message.
What This Means for You
Selling for more doesn’t always mean spending more. In fact, many times, the money you save by not renovating can be invested in smarter presentation—staging, photography, strategy, and storytelling.
It’s easy to think your home has to be perfect to perform. It doesn’t.
It has to be positioned well. That’s what creates perceived value. That’s what gets you more attention. And ultimately, that’s what gets you more money.
Final Thoughts
If you’re getting ready to sell and your instinct is to head straight to Home Depot, pause. Let’s have a conversation first.
Sometimes the smartest investment you can make isn’t in materials—it’s in how you frame the opportunity.
Want to talk strategy for your property? I’d be happy to share what worked here—and what might work for you.
