The Macon Seller’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Renovation Regrets: 5 Smart Strategies to Save Money and Time
Lesley Myrick, Award-winning Designer
Selling your home in Macon? You might wonder if it’s worth tackling a few upgrades before listing. The truth is strategic renovations can help you sell faster and for more money—if you invest in the right areas.
But not all upgrades are created equal, and sinking money into the wrong projects could leave you regretting it. That’s where these tips come in. By focusing on updates that deliver the most bang for your buck, you’ll not only attract more buyers but also keep more of that hard-earned profit in your pocket. Let’s dive into five smart renovation strategies every Macon home seller needs to know.
1. Prioritize High-Impact Areas
Kitchens and bathrooms are where it’s at when it comes to selling a home. These spaces are not just functional—they’re emotional. Buyers want to envision themselves cooking dinner or enjoying a spa-like retreat.
- What works: Updating countertops, refinishing cabinets, or swapping outdated light fixtures and cabinet hardware.
- What to avoid: Full gut jobs or overly trendy designs that may not appeal to everyone.
(Remember, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a big impact. Sometimes, a coat of paint or new hardware is all it takes to refresh the space. Buyers want to see fresh, clean kitchens and bathrooms.)
2. Avoid Over-Customization
Sure, you might love that bold wallpaper or quirky light fixture (I’m all about personality-driven interior design!), but will the next owner? When prepping your home for sale, think broadly about what appeals to most buyers.
- Stick to neutral: Classic finishes like white subway tile or wood-look flooring resonate with a wide audience. When renovating your home for sale, think of it as creating a clean, neutral canvas for the buyer.
- Save the bold moves: Personal touches are best kept for your next home. Focus on upgrades that enhance the home’s value without making it overly specific.
3. Understand the Regional Market
What’s seen as valuable in one city might not be appealing in another. Macon’s buyers tend to prioritize classic Southern charm and functional upgrades over flashy tech or niche design trends.
- Do this: Invest in energy-efficient windows, fresh landscaping (curb appeal is a big part of the Southern aesthetic!), and transitional-style lighting and finishes.
- Skip this: Over-the-top smart home systems or luxury upgrades that don’t align with Macon’s buyer base.
4. Plan for Hidden Costs
Even small renovation projects can reveal big surprises, like plumbing issues or wiring that’s not up to code.
Without a cushion in your budget, these hidden costs can quickly derail your plans and eat up any renovation profit from the sale of your home.
- Pro Tip: Always add a 15–20% contingency budget to any renovation project.
- Why it matters: Sellers who handle these problems upfront are more likely to avoid haggling over repairs after the inspection.
5. Consult Experts Before You Start
Selling your home is a major task —don’t go it alone. Collaborating with experienced professionals, like Joanna “JoJo Jones, and an interior designer, can save you time, stress, and money.
- Designers bring perspective: We can guide you on cost-effective updates that make the biggest impact and help stage your home for sale using what you already own.
- Realtors know buyers: A local expert like JoJo can help you prioritize improvements that matter most to buyers in the Macon area.
Renovating before selling doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or terribly expensive. By focusing on these five smart strategies, you’ll create a home that buyers love and are prepared to pay top dollar for. (There’s a lot of value in listing a move-in ready home that a buyer can see themselves and their family living in!)
Ready to sell your home for top dollar? Partner with JoJo today to start your selling journey, and if you’d like professional guidance on impactful, profitable design updates to your home, let’s connect at Lesley Myrick Interior Design.
Just purchased a home in Macon? Congratulations and welcome! You’ll want to check out The Macon Buyer’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Renovation Regrets. Visit Website
About Lesley Myrick
Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes” in Macon, Georgia. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven, and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.
At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Lesley’s high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. Learn more about full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.
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Call JoJo at 478-731-1302