Minor repairs: yes, always. Major renovations: rarely. Fix anything a home inspector will flag — leaky faucets, broken fixtures, damaged caulking, non-functioning GFCI outlets, missing handrails. These become negotiating leverage for buyers during the inspection period, so fixing them first is usually cheaper than the credit you’d have to offer.
What typically pays off: fresh interior paint in neutral colors, refinishing scratched hardwood floors, updating light fixtures, landscaping cleanup. What rarely pays off: kitchen remodels, bathroom additions, finishing a basement speculatively. Remodeling Magazine’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report shows most major renovations return 50-70 cents per dollar spent in the Denver market.