Should You Renovate Before Selling? A St. Paul Seller’s Guide to Smart Upgrades

The Big Question Every St. Paul Seller Asks

So, you’re thinking about selling your home in St. Paul. It’s a big decision, and right alongside “Where should we move next?” often comes another pressing question: “Should we renovate before listing?” It’s tempting to imagine a freshly remodelled kitchen or a spa-like bathroom instantly adding thousands to your sale price. But in a unique, affordable rural market like ours here in St. Paul, Alberta, the renovation game plays by slightly different rules.

As of Spring 2025, the Town of St. Paul is seeing some interesting market dynamics. According to this market report on Century 21 Poirier for houses and condos, the median price for active listings is $229,900. The median days on site for active listings is 68. There are 54 active listings and 16 new listings. Recent listing examples include properties priced at $525,000, $399,900, and $284,900. While low inventory can mean a seller’s market, it doesn’t automatically mean every renovation will pay off.

This guide is here to cut through the noise. 

We’ll break down which upgrades offer real value for St. Paul and Lakeland-area homes, which ones are likely a waste of money, and how to make smart, cost-effective choices that actually help you sell faster and for a better price, without the stress of over-improving.

Why Renovate at All? Understanding the ROI in the St. Paul Context

Before you even pick up a paintbrush or browse countertop samples, let’s talk about the “why.” The ultimate goal of any pre-sale renovation is to get a positive Return on Investment (ROI). This means the money you spend should ideally come back to you, either by helping your home sell faster, or by increasing its final sale price – preferably both!

But here’s the crucial part for St. Paul sellers: ROI isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. What works in a booming major city market might not fly here. In smaller, affordable rural markets such as St. Paul, buyer priorities frequently shift towards practicality, durability, and overall value. With an average St. Paul home priced under $300,000, renovation budgets must be proportionally modest.

Think of it like this: you want your home to shine and stand out, but not be so over-improved that it prices itself out of the local market or makes buyers feel they’re paying for upgrades they don’t value as much as you do. The aim is to appeal to what St. Paul buyers are looking for.

Staging vs. Renovating—Know the Difference

It’s also important to distinguish between staging and renovating.

• Staging is about presentation. It involves decluttering, depersonalizing, arranging furniture to maximize space and flow, and adding appealing decorative touches. Home staging is key to an easier sale. This is almost always a worthwhile investment with a high impact for a relatively low cost.
• Renovating involves making physical changes or upgrades to the property, like installing new flooring, painting, or updating kitchens and bathrooms.

Sometimes, fantastic staging is all you need, especially if your home is already in good condition. Other times, targeted, smart renovations can give you that extra edge. We’re here to help you figure out that sweet spot.

The Top 5 Value-Boosting Renos in Rural Alberta (Specifically for St. Paul Sensibilities)

When you’re selling in St. Paul, you want to make smart choices that appeal to local buyers without breaking the bank. Forget the over-the-top luxury flips you see on TV. Here, practicality, cleanliness, and a well-maintained feel are king. Based on insights from Canadian market data and an understanding of our rural Alberta context, here are five types of renovations that consistently offer good value:

1. Fresh Interior & Exterior Paint: The ROI Champion

• The Impact: Never underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint! It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades with a massive impact on buyer perception.
• The Numbers: The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) consistently ranks interior and exterior painting as top performers for return on investment. Alberta-specific data from Harrison Bowker Valuation Group indicated a potential ROI of 80-110% for interior paint. Cuisines Rochon, also referencing AIC data, suggests a 50-100% ROI for painting projects generally.
• St. Paul Smart Tip: Stick to neutral colours. Think warm greys, soft beiges, or classic off-whites. These create a blank canvas, making rooms look larger, brighter, and allowing buyers to easily envision their own belongings in the space. For exteriors, ensure it looks clean and tidy. A freshly painted front door in a classic colour can also do wonders.

2. Kitchen Touch-Ups (Not Full Remodels!)

• The Impact: Kitchens are deal-makers or deal-breakers. But you don’t need a full gut job. Smart, cosmetic updates can make a huge difference.
• The Numbers: The AIC identifies kitchen renovations as a prime ROI generator, with potential returns between 75% and 100%. Alberta-specific data from Harrison Bowker Valuation Group suggested a 75-95% ROI for kitchen renovations. Even just painting kitchen cabinets can yield a 75-80% ROI.
• St. Paul Smart Tip:
  • Cabinets: If they’re structurally sound, consider painting or refacing them instead of replacing. An even more budget-friendly way to instantly modernize their appearance is by installing new hardware, such as pulls and knobs. According to Angie’s List, the average cost to install new cabinet hardware is around $300. While the hardware itself can range from $2 to $50 per piece, for a typical kitchen, the material cost can fall within the $40 to $2000 range. Homeowners can often achieve a refreshed look within the $200-$500 range, especially by selecting more affordable hardware options and undertaking the installation themselves, potentially saving on labor costs.
  • Countertops: If yours are very dated, consider an upgrade to a clean, modern laminate or, if the budget allows and it fits the home’s overall value, an entry-level quartz.
  • Fixtures: A new faucet can make a surprising difference.

3. Bathroom Refresh: Cleanliness & Modern Touches

• The Impact: Like kitchens, bathrooms get a lot of scrutiny. Buyers want to see clean, functional, and reasonably modern spaces.
• The Numbers: Bathroom renovations are ranked highly for ROI by the AIC, with potential returns of 50-100%. Alberta-specific data from Harrison Bowker suggested a 50-75% ROI.
• St. Paul Smart Tip:
  • Clean is Key: Deep clean everything. Re-grout tiles and re-caulk tubs and showers.
  • Fixtures & Vanity: Update old faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures. A new vanity or even just a new top can be a worthwhile investment if the current one is in poor shape. These updates can be inexpensive, with faucets/showerheads potentially costing only $100-$500.
  • Paint: A fresh coat of paint in a light, spa-like colour can work wonders.

4. Curb Appeal Essentials: First Impressions Count!

• The Impact: You only get one chance to make a first impression. What buyers see when they first drive up to your St. Paul home sets the tone for everything else.
• The Numbers: While US data indicates strong returns for certain exterior upgrades, the Canadian market shows similar trends. The Door Centre, reports that replacing a front door can yield a return of 70-90% on investment when selling a home in Canada. Similarly, Dodds Garage Doors, notes that garage door replacement offers a high ROI due to enhanced curb appeal. For outdoor appeal, strategic landscaping can boost property in value by up to 150% of the investment.
• St. Paul Smart Tip:
  • Landscaping: Keep the lawn mowed, flower beds weeded, and shrubs trimmed. Add fresh mulch.
  • Front Entry: A freshly painted or new front door, new house numbers, a clean mailbox, and a welcoming porch (even a small one) make a big difference.
  • Exterior Cleanliness: Power wash siding if needed. Ensure windows are sparkling.
  • Rural Appeal: It pays off to keep your land properly manicured and the outside appearance of the house clean. Appeal to those city dwellers looking to make that move into the country!

5. Flooring & Lighting: Affordable Fixes, Big Impact

• The Impact: Worn, stained, or dated flooring can make an entire house feel old. Similarly, poor or dated lighting can make spaces feel dark and uninviting.
• The Numbers: New flooring can offer a 60-80% ROI in Alberta, according to Harrison Bowker, though material choice is key. Updated light fixtures, while part of broader ROI, significantly improve appeal; Fairstone data suggests a whole house update could be $500-$2,500.
• St. Paul Smart Tip:
  • Flooring: If carpets are worn, consider replacing them with budget-friendly yet modern options like quality Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Consistent flooring in main living areas can also make spaces feel larger.
  • Lighting: Replace dated light fixtures with modern, brighter alternatives. This is a relatively inexpensive fix that can dramatically change the feel of a room. Ensure good lighting in all areas.

Renovations That Rarely Pay Off (Especially in St. Paul)

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of renovating, but not all upgrades are created equal, particularly in a market like St. Paul where value and practicality are paramount. Investing heavily in certain projects can mean you’re unlikely to see that money back when you sell. Here’s what to be wary of:

Over-the-Top Luxury Kitchens & Bathrooms

Why it’s a risk: While minor kitchen and bath updates offer great ROI, installing commercial-grade appliances (which Fairstone notes can range from $5,000 to over $25,000 alone), imported marble, or ultra-luxurious spa features in a home where the neighborhood standard doesn’t support it will likely lead to a poor return. High-end luxury additions can exceed local market expectations and price ceilings. Buyers in St. Paul are generally looking for good value, not paying a premium for your dream kitchen that pushes the home price well above local comparables.

Think Smart: Focus on clean, functional, and pleasantly modern, not extravagant.

Highly Personalized or Niche Changes

Why it’s a risk: That awesome home theatre, climate-controlled wine cellar, or elaborate home gym you love? It might actually deter buyers. These specialized rooms often recoup only 30-50%. 

Think Broad Appeal: The more unique and taste-specific the renovation, the smaller your pool of potential buyers.

Swimming Pools

Why it’s a risk: In Alberta’s climate, a swimming pool has limited seasonal usability. They are expensive to install and maintain, which is a significant deterrent for many buyers, especially in an affordable market. ROI is often low, around 40-50%.

Think Practical: For many, a pool is seen as a costly upkeep item rather than an asset.

Elaborate, High-Maintenance Landscaping

Why it’s a risk: While basic curb appeal is vital, complex, water-guzzling gardens or intricate hardscaping can be a turn-off. Buyers, especially in rural areas, might appreciate outdoor space but not the burden of excessive upkeep. These typically offer a low ROI, potentially only 30-60%.

Think Low-Maintenance: Neat, tidy, and easy to care for is the way to go. Low-maintenance landscaping is often seen as a plus.

Garage Conversions (to living space)

Why it’s a risk: Be very careful with this one in St. Paul! Garages are highly valued for vehicle protection (hello, Alberta winters!), storage, and workshop space. Converting a garage might offer an ROI of around 40-50% on paper but losing that functional garage space could actually devalue your property for many local buyers. Heated garages are desirable according to a Zolo.ca national survey found 48% of Canadian buyers view a garage as a “must-have”.

Think Local Needs: That sheltered parking and storage is often prized more than an extra bit of living area.

Specific Low ROI Items in Alberta 

• Outdoor hot tubs/jacuzzis
• Gas fireplaces (if not standard or if overly ornate)
• Senior-specific walk-in tubs
• Non-essential tree removal
• Skylights (can be seen as a luxury or potential leak point)

The key takeaway here is the “affordability ceiling“. No matter how much you spend on renovations, there’s a practical limit to what your home will sell for in its St. Paul neighborhood. Aim to be the most attractive option within the expected price range, not to create a new, higher one.

Local Case Study: A Tale of Two St. Paul Sellers (Illustrative)

To really bring this home, let’s imagine two fictional sellers in St. Paul, both with similar 1980s-style bungalows valued initially around $280,000 in the current Spring 2025 market. Both want to sell and are wondering about renovations.

Seller A: Sarah the Strategic Spender

• The Home: A solid, but dated, 3-bedroom bungalow. Kitchen has older oak cabinets, laminate counters, and vinyl flooring. Bathrooms are functional but tired. Carpet is worn in living areas.
• The Approach: Sarah consults with her Century 21 Poirier agent and decides on smart, targeted upgrades based on local buyer expectations.
• Renovation Budget & Scope: $12,000
  • Kitchen ($5,000): Paints existing oak cabinets a modern light grey, installs new brushed nickel hardware, puts in a new durable laminate countertop that mimics stone, and a new stylish faucet. Replaces the old vinyl with new LVP flooring.
  • Bathrooms ($2,500): In the main bath, installs a new vanity top with integrated sink, new faucet, new light fixture, and re-caulks the tub. Paints both bathrooms.
  • Paint & Flooring ($4,000): Fresh coat of neutral paint (a warm off-white) throughout the entire house. Replaces worn carpet in the living room and hallway with the same LVP used in the kitchen for a cohesive look.
  • Curb Appeal ($500): Freshens up the front landscaping with new mulch and some colourful perennials, paints the front door a welcoming dark blue, and installs new, modern house numbers.
• Listing Strategy: Lists her home for $319,900.
• The Outcome: Sarah’s home looks fresh, modern, clean, and move-in ready. It appeals to buyers looking for a well-maintained property that doesn’t require immediate work. Thanks to the smart updates and the current low inventory, she receives multiple offers and sells her home in 18 days for $322,000.
• Sarah’s ROI:
  • Sale Price: $322,000
  • Initial Value (est.): $280,000
  • Gain Before Reno Costs: $42,000
  • Reno Cost: $12,000
  • Net Gain (approx.): $30,000 (plus a quick, relatively stress-free sale)

Seller B: Gary the Grand Renovator

• The Home: Similar 1980s bungalow, also initially valued around $280,000.
• The Approach: Gary decides he wants top dollar and believes a full high-end renovation is the way to get it, inspired by big-city flipping shows. He doesn’t consult much on local market ceilings.
• Renovation Budget & Scope: $55,000
  • Kitchen ($35,000): Complete gut job. Installs custom cherry cabinets, high-end granite countertops, a commercial-style gas range (in an area where electric is more common), and imported tile backsplash.
  • Bathroom ($15,000): Fully remodels the main bathroom into a luxury “spa retreat” with a deep soaker tub (removing the tub/shower combo), marble tiles floor-to-ceiling, and expensive fixtures.
  • Other ($5,000): Adds crown moulding throughout, and a few other high-end touches. He leaves the old carpet as he ran out of budget.
• Listing Strategy: Lists his home for $375,000, trying to recoup all renovation costs and then some.
• The Outcome: Gary’s kitchen and bathroom are undeniably beautiful. However, the rest of the house (with its old carpet and original windows) doesn’t quite match the opulence of the renovated areas. More importantly, the price is significantly higher than comparable homes in St. Paul. Buyers admire the high-end finishes but are hesitant about the price and the mismatched feel. The home sits on the market for 95 days. After several price reductions, it finally sells for $330,000.
• Gary’s ROI:
  • Sale Price: $330,000
  • Initial Value (est.): $280,000
  • Gain Before Reno Costs: $50,000
  • Reno Cost: $55,000
  • Net Loss (approx.): -$5,000 (plus a much longer, more stressful selling period and carrying costs)

The Message for St. Paul Sellers: Sarah’s approach demonstrates the power of smart, market-appropriate renovations. She focused on cosmetic improvements that freshened the home and addressed what local buyers value, leading to a quicker sale and a solid return. Gary, while creating beautiful spaces, over-improved for the St. Paul market, spent significantly more, and ultimately didn’t recoup his investment, illustrating the “affordability ceiling” warned about.

When to Skip Renovations Entirely (Or Do the Bare Minimum)

While smart renos can boost your St. Paul home’s appeal, there are definitely situations where diving into even minor projects might not be necessary or wise. Before you call a contractor or start pricing out materials, consider these scenarios:

• It’s a Blazing Hot Seller’s Market with Extremely Low Inventory:
  • The Situation: Data from Spring 2025 indicates that St. Paul has experienced periods of very tight inventory. If there are significantly more buyers than available homes, properties can sell quickly, sometimes even with multiple offers, regardless of minor imperfections.
  • The Strategy: In a market with tight inventory, the main strategy should be to declutter, deep clean, and ensure the home is presentable and safe. As real estate experts often advise in strong seller’s markets, over-improving can be a significant risk to avoid, making major renovations likely unnecessary. However, a quick paint refresh in key areas might still be beneficial if they are showing wear and tear.
• The Buyer is Likely to Renovate Anyway (e.g., Fixer-Upper Buyers, Investors):
  • The Situation: If your home is older and clearly needs substantial updates, or if it’s priced to attract investors or buyers specifically looking for a “project,” then sinking money into your own cosmetic choices might be pointless. They’ll likely want to put their own stamp on it or will be doing a full gut job.
  • The Strategy: Price the home accordingly, reflecting its current condition. Ensure it’s clean and safe, and all essential systems (plumbing, electrical, heating) are functional. Disclose known issues. Trying to do a partial, cosmetic reno can sometimes be worse if it looks like you’re just covering up bigger problems. 
• You Need to Sell FAST (Relocation, Financial Reasons):
  • The Situation: Renovations take time – from planning and hiring contractors to dealing with unexpected delays and completing the work. If you’re on a tight timeline due to a job relocation, financial necessity, or other urgent personal reasons, lengthy renovations are probably off the table.
  • The Strategy: Focus on the absolute essentials: decluttering, cleaning, and perhaps very quick fixes like replacing a broken doorknob or ensuring all lightbulbs work. Price it competitively for a quick sale in its current condition.
• Your Home Already Meets Local Market Standards:
  • The Situation: If your St. Paul home is relatively updated, well-maintained, and compares favorably to other homes recently sold in your immediate neighborhood, then significant renovations may not provide much additional ROI.
  • The Strategy: Again, focus on presentation – make it sparkle! Ensure it’s impeccably clean and beautifully staged. Small touches, like fresh flowers or ensuring the entryway is welcoming, can go a long way.
• The Cost of Renovation Outweighs Any Potential Return (Negative ROI):
  • The Situation: Sometimes, even minor renovations might not be financially sensible. If the expenses, particularly with increasing costs for materials and labor, would inflate your home’s potential sale price beyond the realistic limits of the local market, or if the renovations you’re considering are known for their low return on investment, it’s often wiser to refrain from undertaking them before selling.
  • The Strategy: Consult with your Century 21 Poirier real estate agent. They can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand your home’s current value and what improvements, if any, would be worthwhile.

The Bottom Line: Before renovating, always do a cost-benefit analysis with a realistic understanding of St. Paul’s local market conditions and buyer expectations. Sometimes, the smartest renovation is no renovation at all.

How Century 21 Poirier Helps You Decide

Navigating the “to renovate or not to renovate” question can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice out there. That’s where tapping into genuine local expertise becomes invaluable. At Century 21 Poirier, we’re not just real estate agents; we’re your St. Paul and Bonnyville neighbours, deeply rooted in these communities since 1967. We understand the nuances of our local market – what buyers here really want and what they’re willing to pay for.

Here’s how we help you make the smartest renovation decisions for your St. Paul home:

• Honest, No-Obligation Pre-Listing Walk-Through:
  • One of our experienced local agents will walk through your home with you, offering personalized, practical advice. We’ll give you an honest assessment of what upgrades could genuinely enhance your home’s marketability and value, and just as importantly, which ones you can likely skip.
• Understanding Current St. Paul Market Conditions:
  • The St. Paul housing market in mid-May 2025 is characterized as a seller’s market with competitive conditions. Recent data from April 2025 indicates that the median sold price in St. Paul was $296,232, a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Homes are also selling relatively quickly, with an average listing age of around 30 days. While the number of homes for sale saw a 17.9% increase from March to April 2025, suggesting a slight loosening of inventory, the overall market still favors sellers, with 51.9% of homes selling above the asking price in April.

This indicates that while there might be slightly more options for buyers compared to the very tight conditions reported in earlier Spring 2025 data, demand remains strong. Buyers are still actively competing for available properties. Therefore, move-in ready homes that are well-maintained and thoughtfully updated are likely to be highly attractive to a significant portion of the buyer pool. The cost to build new construction, such as a modest bi-level estimated around $355,000 (including land), often makes appealing resale homes a more accessible option for many buyers.

• Connecting You with Trusted Local Contractors (If Needed):
  • If you do decide to undertake some budget-conscious upgrades, we can often point you towards reputable local tradespeople who do quality work at fair prices. This can save you the headache of finding reliable help.
• Focusing on What Sells in Your Specific Neighbourhood:
  • Real estate is hyper-local. What’s a hot ticket in one part of St. Paul or the surrounding Lakeland area might be different elsewhere. We analyze comparable sales (“comps”) and buyer trends right in your neighbourhood to ensure any advice is relevant to your home and your potential buyers.
• Strategic Pricing, No Matter Your Renovation Choice:
  • Whether you renovate extensively, do minor touch-ups, or sell as-is, we’ll help you develop a pricing strategy that accurately reflects your home’s condition and the current market, aiming to get you the best possible outcome.

Our goal is to help you sell your property successfully, aligning with our longstanding commitment to honesty, integrity, and deep community involvement. We don’t want you to waste money on unnecessary projects; we want you to make informed choices that lead to a smooth and profitable sale.

Conclusion: Don’t Overthink It—Strategize It!

Deciding whether to renovate before selling your St. Paul home doesn’t have to be a source of stress. The key isn’t to spend the most money or to follow every fleeting trend; it’s to renovate smart, not hard.

For most homeowners in our unique rural market, focusing on:

• Essential repairs
• Fresh, neutral paint
• Cleanliness and decluttering
• Minor, cost-effective kitchen and bathroom touch-ups
• Appealing curb appeal

…will yield the best results. These are the kinds of improvements that make your home feel welcoming, well-maintained, and move-in ready for prospective buyers – without pushing your budget or your home’s price into unrealistic territory.

Remember Sarah the Strategic Spender? Her $12,000 investment in smart, targeted upgrades helped her sell quickly and achieve a net gain of approximately $30,000. That’s the power of understanding your local market and making informed choices.

The Spring 2025 market in St. Paul, with its potentially tight inventory and the high cost of new construction, means that a well-presented, fairly priced existing home is a very attractive option. Your strategic, affordable improvements can make all the difference.

Ready to figure out the best approach for your home?

Don’t leave it to guesswork. Let the local experts at Century 21 Poirier provide you with a personalized consultation. We’ll help you weigh your options and develop a plan that’s right for you, your budget, and the St. Paul market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for St. Paul Home Sellers

1. Should I do major renovations before selling my house in St. Paul?

Answer: Generally, no. In the St. Paul market, major, high-end renovations often don’t provide a full return on investment due to the local “affordability ceiling.” Focus on smart, cosmetic upgrades like fresh paint, minor kitchen and bathroom touch-ups, and enhancing curb appeal. These tend to offer better ROI and appeal to local buyer expectations for practicality and value.

2. What renovations add the most value to a home in an affordable rural market like St. Paul?

Answer: Based on Canadian and Alberta-specific data:

• Fresh Interior Paint: Often yields 80-110% ROI.
• Minor Kitchen Updates (painting cabinets, new hardware, modern countertops): Can return 75-95%.
• Bathroom Refreshes (new fixtures, paint, clean grout): Typically 50-75% ROI.
• Curb Appeal (landscaping, fresh front door): Creates a strong first impression.
• Updated Flooring & Lighting: Can significantly modernize a home’s feel.

3. Is it better to sell my St. Paul house “as-is” or make some repairs?

Answer: It depends on your home’s current condition, the market, and your timeline. If major systems are failing, addressing those is wise. For cosmetic issues, if the market is very hot with low inventory (as seen in St. Paul in Spring 2025), you might get away with fewer updates. However, a clean, well-maintained home requiring only minor, predictable work is generally more attractive and can sell faster, even if you don’t do full renovations. Always address essential repairs before listing.

4. How much should I budget for pre-sale renovations in St. Paul?

Answer: This is very specific to your home and situation. However, think proportionally to your home’s value (e.g., if average homes are around $300,000, a $50,000 kitchen renovation is likely an over-improvement). Focus on cost-effective upgrades. Our illustrative case study showed a $12,000 strategic spend yielded a good return, while a $55,000 major overhaul did not. A Century 21 Poirier agent can help you determine a sensible budget.

5. Do I need to renovate if it’s a strong seller’s market in St. Paul?

Answer: In a strong seller’s market with low inventory, there’s less pressure to do extensive renovations. Your primary focus should be on decluttering, deep cleaning, essential repairs, and ensuring the home is presentable. Even small cosmetic touches can help you maximize your sale price and sell quicker, but major projects are likely unnecessary.

6. What are some renovations to avoid when selling in St. Paul?

Answer: Avoid:

• Over-the-top luxury kitchen or bathroom remodels.
• Highly personalized or niche changes (e.g., home theatres, elaborate gyms).
• Swimming pools (high maintenance, limited seasonal use in Alberta).
• Elaborate, high-maintenance landscaping.
• Garage conversions, as garage space is highly valued in St. Paul.
• Specific low ROI items like outdoor hot tubs or non-standard ornate fireplaces.

7. How can I know which specific renos are right for my St. Paul home?

Answer: The best way is to get personalized advice from a local real estate expert. A Century 21 Poirier agent can provide a no-obligation walk-through, assess your home’s current condition against local market expectations, and recommend specific, cost-effective improvements that will make the biggest impact for St. Paul buyers.

8. Will buyers in St. Paul pay more for an energy-efficient home?

Answer: Energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers. While a full energy retrofit might be costly, highlighting existing energy-efficient features (like newer windows or a high-efficiency furnace) is a plus. If you are doing other renovations (e.g., replacing appliances), choosing energy-efficient models can be a valuable selling point, potentially appealing to buyers looking for lower utility bills.

9. What’s more important in St. Paul: trendy designs or a well-maintained home?

Answer: For the St. Paul market, a well-maintained, clean, and functional home generally trumps trendy designs that might quickly become dated or not appeal to a broad range of rural buyers. Buyers here often prioritize practicality, durability, and a home that doesn’t signal immediate, costly work. Neutral, fresh updates are usually your safest and best bet.