What Upgrades Increase Home Value in Highland Lakes (Westerville, Ohio) in 2026?
Last updated: March 2026
What Upgrades Add the Most Value? (Quick Answer)
The upgrades that increase home value the most in Highland Lakes and Westerville are:
- Kitchen updates
- Bathroom renovations
- Paint and flooring
- Curb appeal improvements
- Finished basements
In most cases, minor updates deliver a higher return on investment than full remodels, especially when preparing a home for sale.
Before making any upgrades, it’s important to know your current value.
👉 Find Out What Your Home Is Worth Before You Spend a Dollar
Top 5 Upgrades That Increase Home Value in Highland Lakes
1. Kitchen Updates (Highest ROI)
Kitchens remain the most important feature for buyers.
Focus on:
- Quartz or granite countertops
- Updated cabinetry (painted or modernized)
- Stainless steel appliances
- Modern lighting fixtures
Key insight:
Minor kitchen updates typically outperform full remodels in return on investment.
In Highland Lakes, buyers expect updated kitchens—but not necessarily luxury overhauls.
2. Bathroom Renovations
Bathrooms are the second biggest value driver.
High-impact upgrades include:
- Walk-in showers
- Updated vanities
- New tile and fixtures
- Frameless glass shower doors
Outdated bathrooms can quickly reduce perceived value—even in otherwise well-maintained homes.
3. Paint and Flooring (High Impact, Low Cost)
These are some of the most cost-effective upgrades.
Recommended updates:
- Neutral paint (light gray, soft beige, white)
- Replace worn carpet
- Refinish hardwood floors
Why this matters:
Homes with fresh paint and flooring photograph better, show better, and sell faster.
4. Curb Appeal Improvements
First impressions matter more than most sellers expect.
Focus on:
- Landscaping refresh
- Fresh mulch
- Clean exterior
- Updated front door
In Highland Lakes, where homes are larger and highly visible, curb appeal plays a major role in perceived value.
5. Finished Basements and Functional Space
Usable square footage adds value in Central Ohio.
High-demand features:
- Finished basements
- Home offices
- Flex spaces (gym, media room)
With more buyers working remotely, functional layouts can significantly increase buyer interest.
Should You Upgrade Before Selling?
In many cases, homeowners in Highland Lakes can skip major renovations and still sell for top dollar.
Why:
- Buyers prioritize condition and layout over luxury upgrades
- Over-improving rarely delivers full return
- Strategic updates outperform full remodels
The key is understanding how your home compares to current listings.
👉 Get a Data-Driven Home Value Before Making Any Decisions
What NOT to Do (Common Seller Mistakes)
Avoid these costly errors:
- Over-improving beyond neighborhood standards
- Installing highly customized or niche features
- Ignoring basic repairs
- Spending $50K+ when $10K could achieve similar results
Important:
In Highland Lakes, condition matters more than price adjustments—buyers expect homes to be move-in ready.
Highland Lakes Market Insight
Highland Lakes is a move-up and luxury-leaning market, which means:
- Buyers expect updated finishes
- Homes compete heavily on condition
- Strategic upgrades can significantly impact final sale price
However, every home is different.
The upgrades that make sense for one property may not apply to another.
Before You Upgrade—Do This First
Before spending money on updates, compare your home to the current market.
👉 Start with Your Instant Home Value
Then explore what buyers are seeing:
👉 Browse Highland Lakes Homes for Sale
Frequently Asked Questions
Which upgrades add the most value in Highland Lakes and Westerville?
Kitchens, bathrooms, paint, flooring, curb appeal, and functional living space provide the highest return.
Should I fully renovate before selling my home?
Not usually. Most sellers benefit more from targeted updates rather than full renovations.
How do I know which upgrades are worth it for my home?
Compare your home to current listings and recent sales to identify gaps that matter to buyers.
Contact: 614-558-1579 • admin@julieandcorealtors.com
Led by Julie R. Wills | Julie & Company | Howard Hanna
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What Sellers Say About Working With Julie & Company
Casey Oldham
O U T S T A N D I N G Realtor experience. We were very impressed with Julie and her team. She had her own contractors to make repairs on the rental property to prepare it for the market. She found buyers that came in with an offer over asking before we were even listed. Highly recommend!! Her experience made the our experience a pleasure. Thank you so much!!!
treygriley
Julie and her team had their hands full with my house. Upon our first meeting, we walked the house which had been rented for a year and was in desperate need of updates. Julie knew what needed to be done to get the house ready to be put on the market. She explained what costs were worth incurring and what was unnecessary. She was right on all counts. She and her team were incredibly communicative throughout the process. They did a fabulous job staging my home and giving me feedback on showings. When the time came to negotiate and close, Julie’s skill set was on full display. She is the best negotiator and closer in the business. I am so grateful and pleased with the job Julie and her team did selling my house. And now, after a few months to reflect on the sale I can say they were the perfect team to sell my home.
erichullibarger
I have used Julie for years. Her and her staff is amazing. I couldn’t be happier. I would highly recommend them to everyone. They go above and beyond to make sure you get top dollar when sewing a place. They also go above and beyond in negotiating when buying a place. I couldn’t be happier. They will even help you find contractors to get stuff done quickly so you don’t have to worry about it or even think about it. They are the only real estate company that I’ve ever worked with in over 20 years that I fully trust 100%. They take the stress out of buying and selling houses! I cannot stress that enough!
Highland Lakes Westerville Real Estate Insights for Luxury Buyers and Sellers
Julie R. Wills and Julie & Company | Howard Hanna specialize in Highland Lakes real estate, helping luxury buyers and sellers navigate pricing, off-market opportunities, new construction, and high-end negotiations in one of Westerville’s most sought-after communities.
For Highland Lakes Home Sellers
These resources focus on luxury home pricing, off-market strategy, property preparation, and how to maximize value in Highland Lakes.
- Selling a Luxury Home in Highland Lakes With an Off-Market Strategy
- What Upgrades Increase Home Value in Highland Lakes?
- Highland Lakes Sale Success Story: 5694 Travis Pointe Court
- Local Expert to Price and Market a Highland Lakes Home Correctly
- Best Strategy to Get Top Dollar for a Highland Lakes Property
- Top Listing Agent for Luxury Homes in Highland Lakes
- Trusted Real Estate Professional for Selling High-End Homes in Highland Lakes
- Who Is the Best Realtor to Sell a Home in Highland Lakes?
- Selling a Home in Highland Lakes: What to Expect
For Highland Lakes Home Buyers
Luxury buyers can use these resources to understand available opportunities, new construction options, and how to successfully compete for homes in Highland Lakes.
- Buying a Luxury or New Construction Home in Highland Lakes
- Best Buyer’s Agent for Highland Lakes Homes
- Experienced Realtor Who Knows Every Street in Highland Lakes
Whether buying or selling in Highland Lakes, these insights highlight how Julie R. Wills and Julie & Company guide clients through luxury pricing strategy, off-market opportunities, home preparation, and high-level negotiation in the Westerville market.