Douglas Hoven’s Guide to Renovations That Matter for Virginia Resale in 2025
Homeowners across Virginia are heading into 2025 with the same question: which renovations actually help when it comes time to sell?
According to REALTOR Douglas Hoven of RE/MAX PRIME, The Ron Sawyer Real Estate Team, buyers in today’s market are gravitating toward improvements that signal lower future maintenance, better day-to-day comfort, and modern functionality. While every neighborhood behaves a little differently, several upgrade categories continue to show strong influence on buyer interest statewide.
Energy Efficiency Moves Up the Priority List
Rising utility awareness has made energy-saving features a larger part of buyer decision-making. Hoven says homes with updated insulation, efficient windows, smart thermostats, and modern heating or cooling systems tend to feel “ready” to buyers. In coastal and high-sun areas, solar installations also stand out, largely because they reduce uncertainty about long-term operating costs.
Kitchens Still Set the Tone
Even in a slower market, kitchens remain a focal point. The updates buyers respond to most often aren’t necessarily full rebuilds, Hoven notes, but practical refreshes: durable countertops, neutral cabinetry, improved lighting, updated fixtures, and newer appliances. Clean lines and simple finishes tend to appeal across the broadest range of buyers.
Bathrooms Influence First Impressions
Bathrooms fall into the same category as kitchens: high-visibility spaces that shape how the home is judged overall. Common buyer-friendly improvements include replacing dated tile, upgrading vanities, improving lighting, and shifting toward walk-in showers with glass. In colder parts of the state, comfort-oriented features such as warmer flooring or better ventilation can also help a home feel more current.
Outdoor Space and Curb Appeal Remain Reliable
Virginia buyers continue to favor homes with usable outdoor areas, especially since remote work and hybrid schedules reshaped how people use their homes. Decks, patios, fresh landscaping, and visible entry upgrades (doors, lighting, walkways) tend to translate directly into stronger showing performance. Low-maintenance enhancements, like irrigation upgrades, are also increasingly viewed as practical rather than luxury items.
Finished Attics and Flex Rooms Draw Interest
As floor plans become more multipurpose, finished attics and adaptable rooms are gaining traction. Hoven points to steady demand for spaces that can shift between home office, guest suite, gym, or playroom. Homes that offer this flexibility are often easier to position to a wider range of buyers.
Flooring Sends a Signal About Overall Care
Old flooring can drag down buyer perception quickly, especially during walkthroughs and photos. Updated surfaces — including refinished hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or new bedroom carpet — are among the most noticeable “reset” renovations buyers associate with move-in readiness.
Smart Home Features Are Becoming Standard
Once considered optional, smart home basics are now common buyer expectations in many Virginia markets. Affordable upgrades like smart locks, doorbells, lighting controls, leak detectors, and modern garage systems tend to help listings feel current, especially to younger buyers comparing properties online.
About Douglas Hoven
Douglas Hoven is a licensed real estate agent with the Ron Sawyer Team at RE/MAX PRIME. A U.S. Navy veteran, he served eight years on submarines before working as a Lead Test Engineer in government service. He later moved into the automotive industry as a General Manager, where he focused on customer service and operations. Today, Hoven applies that technical and people-first background to helping Virginia clients buy, sell, and plan renovations with resale in mind.