10 Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know Before You DIY 

DIY projects can add cozy charm, or total chaos, to your home. A new backsplash or fresh coat of paint might seem like a quick value boost, but the truth is some undertakings don't pay off as intended. Realtors have seen it all - the good, the bad, and the “What were they thinking?” 

This guide is here to help you make strategic choices so that the time, money, and effort you invest adds value. DIY is empowering but when you're preparing to sell, strategy beats sweat. Before you break out the sledgehammer, here’s what your agent really wants you to know. 

1. Not All Upgrades Increase Value 

Some projects may feel like upgrades but won't yield a return. For example, overly personalized features or amateur tiling can hurt resale value more than help. 

● Just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it offers good ROI.

● Cheap materials or DIY plumbing can turn off buyers. 

● Kitchens and bathrooms matter but over-customizing can backfire. 

2. Amateur Repairs Raise Red Flags 

DIY slip-ups are red flags that suggest bigger repairs might be needed. Crooked tiles, uneven floors, and slapdash finishes hint at deeper issues beneath the surface. If the surface work is sloppy, buyers may assume the behind-the-walls work is worse. 

● Visible DIY errors raise concerns about the quality and safety of the rest of the home.  

● Even small imperfections hurt buyer confidence and can lead to low offers or scare buyers away.   

● Honesty is the best policy. There can be legal consequences to misrepresenting work by saying a bathroom was professionally remodeled if it wasn’t.  

3. Unpermitted Work Can Derail a Sale — No Matter the Size 

Check local permit laws. Permits aren’t just for major renovations, small jobs often require some level of compliance. Skipping this critical step could lead to fines or delay your sale. 

● Upgrades including electrical, plumbing, or structural changes require permits. 

● Work done without licensed professionals may raise red flags in inspections.

● Unpermitted work can delay or kill a sale during inspection or appraisal.

4. Bold Colors Turn Heads, Neutrals Close Deals 

What’s hot today might not be tomorrow. Stick with classic designs with broad appeal if you plan to sell a property within a few years. While you may be passionate for pink or love lemon yellow walls, buyers typically prefer neutral, muted tones. 

● Bold accent walls or funky finishes may be your vibe, but buyers need to envision themselves in the space. 

● Avoid trendy designs and choose soft, neutral colors accentuated with timeless decor. 

5. Don’t Overdo It 

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to pre-sale renovations. Focus on the end goal, you’re not flipping a fixer-upper for HGTV. Over-renovating can drain your budget without boosting your return. 

● You don’t have to renovate everything. Focus on fresh, clean, and universally appealing updates. 

● Sometimes a deep clean and fresh paint is more valuable than a full room redo.

● If your upgrades make your home the most expensive on the block, you may not recoup your investment. 

6. Staging Boosts Appeal without the Renovation Price Tag 

Strategic staging often outshines costly renovations. Start with a thorough decluttering and consult with a professional before investing your resources into a remodel. 

● Instead of tearing out a dated kitchen, stage it smartly with fresh paint, modern lighting, and improved organization. 

● Small changes such as updated light fixtures and brighter bulbs can make a big impact.

● Realtors may suggest investing in a staging consultant rather than a risky renovation with unknown ROI.

7. Timing is Everything 

Good intentions don’t sell houses, good timing does. Even the smallest DIY project can throw off your selling timeline if it’s not carefully executed. Don’t let a “weekend warrior project” turn into a “we missed the market window” cautionary tale. 

● That weekend project might turn into a 3-week delay. 

● Coordinate DIY work with your realtor’s timeline and selling strategy. 

8. Know Your Limits 

When it comes to home improvements, knowing what not to DIY is just as valuable as knowing what to tackle. For example, watching a YouTube tutorial doesn’t make you qualified to rewire your house. Some projects are better left to professionals; a well-intentioned fix can turn costly (or even dangerous) if done wrong. 

● Just because you can doesn't mean you should. 

● Plumbing, electrical, roofing, and structural changes are best left to pros. Bad work can be dangerous. 

● While old carpet or mismatched floors can be deal-breakers, poorly installed LVP or hardwood is just as bad. 

● Mistakes often require hiring a professional. Fixes cost more than hiring one to start with. 

9. Details Seal the Deal 

Discerning buyers notice the little things, especially in real estate. From uneven paint lines to mismatched finishes, small imperfections stand out more than you think. Before diving into a renovation, determine if your improvements add or subtract from your home’s appeal. 

● Small details like wobbly fixtures, misaligned cabinet doors, or visible paint drips catch big attention and can cheapen the whole house. 

● It’s better to do a few things well than many things poorly. 

● Tidy landscaping, a freshly painted front door, and clean siding can make just as strong a first impression as a full kitchen remodel. 

10. Ask Before You Act 

Before you break out the paint swatches or power tools, pick up the phone and tap into one of your best resources: your realtor. A quick conversation might just save you a weekend and a headache. 

● Your realtor is a resource, use them!

● Agents know what sells in your area and can help prioritize which updates are actually worth your time and money. 

● Trust your realtor’s experience and use your energy where it counts most.