Selling A House with Original Kitchen & Bathrooms

• Remodel First or Sell As-Is •

Buyers drool over HGTV-style renovations, but an outdated kitchen or original bathrooms don’t mean your sale is doomed. It just means you need a solid game plan. Most Buyers love move-in-ready homes because renovations are a headache. Hunting down contractors, managing ballooning costs, and living in a construction zone can be a total slog.

Are outdated kitchens and bathrooms the kiss of death for selling your San Diego home? Not necessarily. You don’t have to go all fixer-upper to make your home more attractive to Buyers. Your property can still stand out with an outdated kitchen or original bathroom.

Here’s how to decide whether to remodel or skip it and sell as-is.

Sell As-Is or Update Kitchen & Baths First

Deciding whether to update your kitchen and bathrooms before selling is one of the most common choices you’ll face as a homeowner. While renovations can boost appeal, they’re not always necessary to get top dollar for your house.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 37th Annual Cost vs. Value Report from 2024, a mid-range kitchen remodel costs about $80,000, and if you’re aiming for high-end luxury, that number jumps past $160,000. By comparison, a mid-range bathroom remodel comes in at around $25,000, while an upscale version can cost closer to $78,000.

The good news is that you don’t need to drop six figures to sell a house with an original kitchen or bathroom. A handful of solid options exist to make your home shine without torching your wallet.

The decision to renovate before selling is personal and mostly depends on your priorities, budget, and timeline.

It might be worth the investment if you plan to stay put for a few more years. You’ll enjoy the new upgrades while your home continues to appreciate, and you can list it later when market conditions are right. But if you’re already mentally packing boxes and eyeing your next move, sinking serious money into a space you won’t enjoy for much longer starts to feel like lighting cash on fire. In that case, strategic pricing and a few simple cosmetic updates can go a long way.

Make Smart High-Impact Surface Updates

This is where small upgrades pack a big punch. If you’re not ready for a full-blown remodel, focus on the surface finishes. These easy surface-level updates help your home feel refreshed without a massive investment, and they give Buyers a sense that your home has been cared for, even if the kitchen or bathroom still has its original tile.

Forget gutting the entire space, minor upgrades can work wonders. Fresh paint, new flooring, updated light fixtures, and modern hardware upgrades boost appeal without breaking the bank. Want an easy interior win? Swap out worn faucets, install new mirrors, upgrade cabinet pulls, or add fresh caulk around sinks and tubs. These fast and easy tweaks help Buyers picture themselves living there without tackling a to-do list. It’s an easy and cost-effective way to enhance an original kitchen or bathroom.

Set the Right Listing Price for Your Property

Pricing your home correctly is one of the most powerful tools you have, and when done well, it can attract the right Buyers who are willing to roll up their sleeves. Buyers tend to act fast when they see potential and a bit of wiggle room in their budget.

An attractive listing price can make your home stand out in a competitive market, so it gets attention from Buyers who want a house they can personalize and will see the upside in your property. Some Buyers are happy to take on renovation projects at their own pace if it means scoring a better price for the property. They’ll factor in renovation costs, compare with move-in-ready listings, and come prepared to invest in upgrades.

A well-priced property in a great location, even with original finishes, can still create buzz and draw serious Offers. Outdated doesn’t mean undesirable. If your kitchen or bathrooms look a little retro, price your home based on recent home sales nearby in similar condition — versus glossy, highly upgraded listings that may not reflect your home features or layout.

The key is working with a REALTOR® who understands how to price San Diego properties strategically, present your home honestly, and showcase the bones as a solid layout with fresh opportunity. You’ll attract the biggest Buyer pool when the price matches the potential.

Use Compass Concierge Cash for Pre-Sale Updates

Compass Concierge is a lifesaver when you want to make updates but don’t have the cash upfront. This program covers the cost of strategic pre-sale updates and deducts those costs from your sale proceeds at closing. Think fresh paint, new flooring, landscaping, or minor kitchen updates. It can even cover the cost of moving, storage, junk removal, and more. You don’t pay a dime until closing.

By making a few cost-effective changes like refinishing cabinets or upgrading countertops, you can position your home as almost move-in ready without going full-on renovation mode. Even a few small updates can dramatically increase the perceived value of your home and final sale price.

If your home has been in the same family for years, lean into that history. “Lovingly owned with good bones” sounds better than “hasn’t been touched in decades.” Market it as a blank slate for the next owner’s dream kitchen or bathroom, while highlighting the solid bones and untapped potential.

The Bottom Line: Be Realistic

Yes, a stunning modern kitchen and stylish spa-like bathrooms will inevitably sell your San Diego home faster and for more money. But if you’re not ready to drop big bucks on a costly remodel, there are plenty of other ways to market your home successfully. Whether you opt to sell as-is, make targeted updates, or use Compass Concierge cash to fund pre-sale improvements, choose a strategy that works best for your household priorities, budget, and timeline.

Thinking about selling but unsure where to start? Let’s talk strategy. We’ll help you position your property in a way that plays to its strengths and gets it sold for the highest possible return. No fluff, just real results that make your next move a smart one.

Sources: 

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/home-sellers-renovation-tips-81ac00d1

https://www.jlconline.com/cost-vs-value/2024/

https://www.builderonline.com/data-analysis/the-2024-cost-vs-value-report-proves-curb-appeal-drives-highest-value-for-remodeling-projects_s

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/should-you-sell-your-house-as-is-or-upgrade/

https://www.rockethomes.com/blog/home-selling/love-it-or-list-it-should-you-renovate-or-buy-a-new-home

https://portia.realtor/portfolio/pricing-strategy-advisor-psa-certification/

https://www.compass.com/concierge/portia-green/

https://www.zillow.com/learn/quiz-renovate-or-sell/

https://brik.co.uk/how-to-strategically-price-your-property/