I get this question a lot, especially from sellers who want to freshen up their home before listing: “Should I remodel now, or just price accordingly?” And honestly, the current data gives us some really helpful context.

According to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, annual spending on home improvements across the country is expected to slow down gradually throughout 2026. Growth was around 2.9% at the start of this year, but it’s projected to taper to about 1.6% by year end. Still positive growth, just slower than we’ve seen in recent years.

Even with that slowdown, total homeowner spending on improvements is still expected to hit over $520 billion for the year. So people aren’t stopping, they’re just being a little more intentional.

The researchers at Harvard noted something that really resonates with what I see in the market every day: remodeling trends closely track the health of the broader housing market. When interest rates ease and more people are buying and selling, renovation activity follows. Right now, rates are still creating some headwinds, which explains the slowdown in remodeling spending.

So what does this mean for you as a homeowner or seller? A few things. If you’re planning to sell in the next 6-12 months, it’s worth having a conversation about which updates are actually going to move the needle for buyers in your price range, and which ones you can skip. Not every renovation is worth the investment before a sale.

If you’re staying put and want to invest in your home for personal enjoyment (and future equity), now can still be a great time to get projects done, especially before costs potentially shift.

I love helping my clients think through the “is it worth it” question before they start swinging a hammer. Let’s talk strategy before you spend a dime!