One of the biggest questions sellers have is: “What should I fix before listing my home?”

The answer is not “everything.”

As a St. Louis real estate expert, I help sellers focus on improvements that actually impact buyer perception — not just what feels important.

The most valuable updates are usually:

• Paint (neutral, fresh colors)
• Minor repairs (leaky faucets, loose handles, etc.)
• Lighting updates
• Deep cleaning

These relatively simple improvements can make a home feel well-maintained and move-in ready.

On the other hand, major renovations are not always necessary. Sellers often don’t get a full return on large projects like complete kitchen remodels right before listing.

In the St. Louis real estate market, buyers are often willing to update certain features themselves — they just don’t want to deal with obvious maintenance issues.

When I work with sellers, I walk through the home and create a targeted plan so they know exactly where to spend money and where to save it.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in St. Louis and want a clear plan that maximizes value without overspending, I’d be happy to help.

— Krista Hartmann