From the kitchen to the bedroom to the backyard, Arizona homeowners can make strategic upgrades that increase their home’s value while leaving an unforgettable first impression on buyers. Sindy Ready, the 2025 president of Arizona REALTORS® – the largest trade association in Arizona – has seen firsthand how improvements can elevate a home among buyers, leveraging over 25 years of experience serving as a Valley REALTOR®.
As market conditions shift in Arizona and new opportunities arise, Ready shares the small but impactful upgrades that could give your home the edge.
Interior Upgrades
While the home upgrades that offer the most significant return may have changed with trends over time, the combination of the open kitchen and family room, as well as the primary bedroom and bathroom, has long made the biggest impression on prospective buyers overall as these are where buyers most envision how they would live in the current property.
Upgrading interior light fixtures and ceiling fans to a more modern option is a simple yet highly effective change that won’t go unnoticed. Plus, modern fixtures often use energy-efficient LED lights, which can create a more eye-catching space while using less electricity.
While a new flooring upgrade can turn heads, this investment is costly and not the most budget-friendly option to prepare a home for the market. If you decide to enhance home flooring, be consistent, as multiple types of flooring can segment the home and make it feel smaller. Should you opt for an update with current trends in mind, upgrade to neutral tones and hard surface options, such as luxury vinyl, wood, or tile, instead of carpet.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen is a big difference-maker in a home search. Modernizing the cabinets for a fresh look with new hardware and paint, such as a neutral or off-white color, can brighten the space and make it feel bigger without a complete replacement.
Open floor plans remain a significant request among today’s buyers. While many kitchens with 90s and 2000s floor plans offer a more open concept, these homes often feature an island with a raised bar that separates the kitchen from the living room. Lowering the bar height to match the kitchen countertop can help open the area and better align with the open space buyers crave, providing impactful fixes at a lower cost.
With many now working fully remotely or splitting time between home and the office, buyers are increasingly searching for private home spaces, aside from the kitchen table, where they can work without distractions. Homeowners can transform a spare room or underused area into a designated workspace that meets the demands of prospective homebuyers, featuring natural lighting, a door, built-in shelving units, and other cost-effective improvements that provide all the essentials for a home office.
Outdoor Spaces
With nearly 300 sunny days in Phoenix on average each year, many buyers of homes are looking for an oasis-like backyard that offers more than the traditional outdoor space. Consider installing a covered patio, creating a garden, or bringing a television into the yard so guests can watch from the patio or the pool. An outdoor furniture setup with couches, ottomans, and tables can enhance the space for entertaining guests.
Buyers today often consider their pets’ needs when purchasing a home. A designated backyard space for a buyer’s four-legged friend to play or be washed can be a unique selling point for a property.
Curb Appeal
A home’s curb appeal is the first sight a prospective buyer will see – make it a welcoming one. Cacti or vibrant flowers make the perfect splash of color to a home’s entryway while requiring little upkeep and clean landscaping is a nice touch to greet visitors. Don’t overlook the exterior details that might need attention, such as outside light fixtures, house numbers and the front door.
Home upgrades don’t need to happen all at once. By taking small steps over time, homeowners can stay on top of improvement costs while enhancing the space for themselves and future buyers. A local REALTOR® can provide guidance to those who are considering selling by suggesting the next home upgrades in line with the current market and buyer preferences so you are ready to sell when the time comes.
For more information, visit aaronline.com.
