Reno or Regret? Renovations Worth the Investment

Introducing: Reno or Regret

Helping homeowners renovate smarter—not just spend more.

Thinking about updating your home before putting it on the market?

Before you pick up a paintbrush, order new cabinets, or start knocking down walls, there’s one thing you should do first…

Talk to a Realtor.

Over the years, we’ve seen homeowners spend thousands of dollars on renovations that add very little value—and sometimes even make it harder to sell. On the flip side, we’ve also seen simple, strategic updates lead to quicker sales and stronger offers.

That’s exactly why we’re launching Reno or Regret, a new educational series from Gateway Realty Group.

As Realtors and experienced home renovators, we’ll walk you room by room through the renovations that are worth your money—and the ones you may want to skip.

We’ll cover topics like:

  • Kitchen updates that actually pay off
  • Paint colors buyers love (and colors to avoid)
  • Bathroom renovations with the best ROI
  • Exterior improvements that boost curb appeal
  • Where to spend your renovation budget—and where to save it
  • Current design trends vs. timeless finishes
  • Real renovation mistakes we’ve made (yes… including the expensive ones!)

One of our first episodes shares a lesson from one of my own flips. I chose a clay-colored limewash that looked gorgeous in the inspiration photos… but after it fully cured, it turned pale yellow. The result? A $5,000 repaint.

Sometimes the best lessons come from our own mistakes, and if we can save someone else from making the same one, it’s worth sharing.

Our goal with this series isn’t to tell you what we like—it’s to help you make decisions that maximize your home’s value and appeal to today’s buyers.

Whether you’re preparing to sell in a few months, planning a renovation for your forever home, or just love home design, Reno or Regret is for you.

New episodes will be shared on our Gateway Realty Group YouTube channel and across our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Follow along, ask your renovation questions, and let us know what room you’d like us to tackle next!

Because the best renovations aren’t always the most expensive—they’re the ones that give you the greatest return on your investment.

— Sarah, Cori & the Gateway Realty Group Team

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About the Author
Sarah 2026 WEB-5

Sarah Corn is a real estate broker based in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. This area is not only where she works, but also where she proudly calls home. She feels truly honored to be part of this community, where she lives with her husband and son.

When it comes to helping clients buy and sell real estate, Sarah focuses on providing expert guidance every step of the way. She works closely with her clients to fully understand their needs and goals. On the selling side, she assists with pricing homes competitively, preparing them for the market to maximize value, implementing effective marketing strategies, handling negotiations, and managing every detail throughout the process.

Sarah loves all aspects of real estate, but she has a special passion for real estate investing. She has been flipping houses since 2018, gaining valuable experience and insight along the way. One of her greatest joys is sharing that knowledge and teaching others how to build wealth through real estate. Helping people achieve their dreams is the foundation of her business.

She takes the trust her clients place in her very seriously and believes in going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. Hard work and dedication are at the core of her approach, and she is always willing to put in the extra effort to make sure her clients are well cared for.

Another cause close to Sarah’s heart is helping children in foster care. As a foster parent in Haywood County, she has had the privilege of making a positive impact in the lives of many incredible children. She feels blessed beyond measure and strongly believes in giving back to her community in a meaningful way.

For those looking for a real estate agent who is passionate, knowledgeable, and committed to working tirelessly on their behalf, Sarah is the go-to professional. Whether buying, selling, relocating, or investing, she is ready to help make real estate dreams a reality.