If you're thinking about remodeling, whether to enjoy your home now or to prepare it for sale, one question matters most: Will I get my money back? According to the 2025 Remodeling Impact Report conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, some projects deliver significantly better resale value than others. Here are the 10 remodeling projects with the highest estimated cost recovery at resale , plus insights on why they matter. 1️⃣ New Steel Front Door — 100% Cost Recovery 🚪 Estimated Return: 100% This is the only project on the list that fully recovers its cost. Why it works: Immediate curb appeal boost Improved security Energy efficiency Relatively low upfront investment First impressions matter. When buyers walk up to a home, the front door sets the tone. 2️⃣ Closet Renovation — 83% Cost Recovery 👗 Estimated Return: 83% Storage is a top priority for today’s buyers. Why it works: Maximizes usable space Feels luxu...
A Step-by-Step Guide for Adult Children Losing a parent is emotional, overwhelming, and deeply personal. 💔 And while you’re grieving, practical decisions still have to be made — especially about the house. I know this not just as a REALTOR®, but as a daughter. I am living this right now. My brother and I are walking through the estate process, handling paperwork, coordinating next steps, and sorting through a lifetime of memories. It is both sacred and exhausting. If you are facing this season — or know you will someday — here is a clear, steady guide to help you understand what happens next. 📜 Step 1: Determine How the Home Is Titled Before anything else, you need to know: Is the home in a trust ? Is it going through probate ? Is there a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed ? Was it jointly owned? If the home is in a trust: The trustee (often an adult child) has the authority to manage or sell the property once proper documentation is obtained. If there is no trust: The home will like...