Should I Remodel My Home Before Selling in Manhasset?

If you're thinking about selling your home in Manhasset, it’s natural to wonder whether remodeling will help you get a higher price or sell faster. The truth is that not every upgrade pays off — but the right improvements, chosen with the Manhasset buyer in mind, can make a meaningful difference.

Why Manhasset Sellers Often Consider Remodeling

Manhasset attracts buyers looking for quality, convenience, and updated living — particularly in neighborhoods like Munsey Park, Strathmore, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Flower Hill, and North Strathmore.

These buyers are often:

• Moving from NYC for more space

• Seeking top-rated local schools

• Prioritizing move-in-ready homes

• Willing to pay a premium for updated features

But that doesn’t mean every remodel is worth doing. Your goal isn’t to overhaul the house — it’s to remove objections and showcase value.

What Manhasset Buyers Look For

Across Manhasset’s submarkets, buyer preferences tend to be consistent:

• Updated kitchens

• Renovated bathrooms

• Fresh paint throughout

• Clean, well-maintained mechanicals

• Bright spaces with strong natural light

• Good curb appeal

Homes offering these features typically attract more showings and stronger offers.

Which Upgrades Offer the Best Return?

1. Painting (High ROI, Low Cost)

Fresh neutral paint is a top return-on-investment improvement.

Why it works:

• Brightens rooms

• Makes the home feel newer

• Photographs beautifully

• Helps buyers imagine themselves living there

2. Minor Kitchen Updates

Full kitchen remodels are rarely necessary; instead, consider:

• New hardware

• Updated lighting

• Fresh backsplash

• Refinished cabinets

These small changes can modernize the space without major spending.

3. Bathroom Refreshes

Simple upgrades often go a long way:

• New vanity

• Updated fixtures

• Fresh grout or caulking

• Modern mirrors and lighting

4. Flooring Improvements

Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors can dramatically improve first impressions.

If flooring is worn or mismatched, buyers may mentally subtract value. A refresh prevents that.

5. Curb Appeal Enhancements

Buyers form opinions before they even enter the home.

Consider:

• Mulch and fresh landscaping

• Power washing

• Painting the front door

• Updating exterior lighting

Upgrades That Usually Don’t Pay Off

Major Kitchen Renovations

In Manhasset’s price points, buyers often prefer choosing their own aesthetic. A $75,000 renovation may not yield higher offers.

High-End Custom Features

Built-ins, specialty lighting, or luxury add-ons rarely return their cost.

Basement Overhauls

Finishing an entire basement is expensive. Often unnecessary unless there's a significant deficiency.

Outdoor Kitchens or Large Deck Projects

Nice extras — but not typically high ROI for resale unless the home is ultra-luxury.

Consider Your Home’s Condition and Competition

Before remodeling, step back and compare your home to:

• Recent sales in your neighborhood

• Active listings competing for the same buyers

If your home feels noticeably dated compared to others in Munsey Park or the Plandomes, small improvements help reduce the gap. If your home is already updated, additional remodeling may not add value.

Eric Berman REALTOR reviews your home and neighborhood to help you choose which upgrades matter — and which don’t.

How Timing Influences Remodeling Decisions

If you want to list:

• In the next 30–60 days: Stick to fast updates like paint, lighting, and landscaping.

• 90+ days out: You may have bandwidth for larger cosmetic improvements.

• Immediately: Avoid major projects and focus on presentation and pricing.

Eric helps build a timeline that aligns with your listing strategy.

Should You Sell “As-Is”?

Sometimes the answer is yes — especially if:

• You prefer a quick sale

• Your home’s layout is strong

• The buyer pool includes renovators

• The updates needed don’t justify the cost

Homes in prime Manhasset locations (Plandome, Munsey Park, North Strathmore) often attract strong offers even without extensive upgrades, depending on market conditions.

When Remodeling Really Does Help in Manhasset

Improvements tend to matter most when:

• The home hasn’t been updated in 15+ years

• Competing homes are recently renovated

• Buyers may struggle to visualize potential

• Photos need better visual appeal online

Strong listing photos are crucial in today’s market — and light remodeling can dramatically improve them.

When In Doubt, Ask Eric Berman REALTOR

Eric provides:

• A room-by-room improvement plan

• Guidance on which projects provide ROI

• Vendor connections for quick updates

• Market-specific insights based on neighborhood and price point

• A timeline aligned with your target listing date

You’ll know exactly where to invest — and where to save.

You don’t need to remodel your entire home before selling in Manhasset. Instead, focus on cost-effective improvements that help buyers see value and imagine themselves living there. With the right strategy and guidance from Eric Berman REALTOR, you can prepare your home in a way that maximizes your outcome without overspending.

FAQs

Do I need to fully renovate my kitchen before selling in Manhasset?
Usually no. Minor upgrades often have a better return. Ask Eric Berman REALTOR which improvements matter most.

Are bathroom upgrades worth it for Manhasset buyers?
Light updates can help, but full renovations aren’t always needed. Get personalized advice from Eric.

Should I replace my floors before selling?
Refinishing often pays off more than replacing. Eric can assess your flooring.

Is it better to sell as-is or make updates?
It depends on your home and neighborhood. Request a home prep walkthrough.

Which upgrades add the most value in Manhasset?
Painting, lighting, and minor kitchen/bath updates typically perform best. Ask Eric for a tailored prep plan.

Eric Berman, REALTOR®
Compass Greater NY
917-225-8596
eric@ericbermanteam.com
www.theericbermanteam.com