Look around your home on any given day and you can probably find at least one thing (if not more) you want to change. Yet, not every update on your honey-do list adds value. If you’re considering selling your home in the near future, you might want to narrow your focus on those that do.
Even then, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to make your home look better while simultaneously increasing its value. There are a few simple fixes that make a world of a difference, like a fresh coat of paint, or updating little nooks and crannies throughout the main rooms.
We consulted real estate and design experts to find out what changes you can make—without breaking the bank—to increase the value of your home, whether you’re looking to put it on the market or just want to upgrade smartly.
Make a Good First Impression
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Take on the mindset of a buyer. When you first saw your home, what did you immediately notice when you pulled up?
Real estate coaches Tim and Julie Harris pointed out, “First impressions are crucial, and the exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see.” As such, a simple step like “enhancing curb appeal can make a lasting impact.”
Some suggestions they pointed out that will help make a good first impression include updating your front door and lighting and making sure your exterior paint colors are neutral.
Showcase the Entrance
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One of the simplest things you can do to update your entrance and make it look more modern is to replace your front door or even just its hardware. If your door is sturdy, but looking a bit weathered, a coat of paint can help, per the home improvement experts at Curbio. Bold colors that grab someone’s attention are a popular option. If the entire door needs replacing, choose one with an accent window for added curb appeal.
Tim and Julie Harris say doing this along with updating your outdoor lighting fixtures can help change the way people perceive your home.
Update Your Kitchen Hardware
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Kitchens are one of the main rooms homebuyers look at when considering a home. In fact, a Top Agent Insights survey from 2024 revealed that 88% of real estate agents say kitchen updates matter.
“Swapping out dated cabinet pulls, door handles, and light fixtures for modern, affordable options can give a home an instant facelift without major expense,” says Sage Wealth Group founder and real estate investor Jordan Gilberti. You can shop your local hardware or home goods store to find cost-effective options that won’t break the bank, but will instantly update the look of your kitchen.
Paint Tired-Looking Kitchen Cabinets
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Another quick update is to paint your cabinets a different shade, especially if they’re looking worn. “Paint hides a multitude” of issues, according to interior design expert Janet Lorusso in an article from Homelight.
Stick to neutral colors rather than going bold if you’re planning to sell the house in the near future. It’ll give the kitchen a whole new feel when done and can always be paired with pops of color in the decor.
Don’t Overlook the Bathroom
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Upgrades to the master bathroom are commonly sought after, but it’s best not to go overboard, according to a JLC Online 2024 Cost vs Value report. Luxury updates don’t yield as much return on investment (45.1%) as midrange updates (73.7%) do.
In general, though, “[m]inor bathroom upgrades go a long way,” Gilberti notes, and they won’t set you back a pretty penny either. Simple tasks like “[r]e-caulking tubs, replacing showerheads, and adding new mirrors or towel racks are small changes that make bathrooms feel fresher and more updated.”
Choose a Neutral Color Palette
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You might like bright or bold colors, but if you’re putting your house on the market soon, they can actually be a deterrent. “A fresh coat of neutral paint —especially in high-traffic areas and the kitchen — makes a home feel clean, modern, and move-in ready for a fraction of the price of a remodel,” says Gilberti.
That’s not to say you have to paint the entire house, but at the very least the common areas and hallways to open up the space.
Adjust Your Lighting
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One thing Gilberti points out is harsh light can deter buyers. Instead “replace harsh bulbs with soft white LEDs,” which will make the home more inviting, and “add inexpensive under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen.” When changing out bulbs, you should take a minute and “ensure every room feels bright and welcoming.”
As an added bonus LEDs or compact fluorescent bulbs are both environmentally friendly and cost savers.
Add Storage Solutions
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If you own an older home, which often lacks ample storage space, that could be a negative mark should you decide to sell your home. Fortunately, it’s also quite the easy fix, if you’re willing to invest in some storage solutions.
There are many different home closet systems you can buy and install in your existing closet, or you can install shelves in little-utilized spaces for more vertical storage.
Invest in Smart Technology
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Smart technology can make your life easier and lower your utility costs. According to HomeAdvisor, adding a smart thermostat costs an average of $200 to $500, but can lend to an immediate “return on investment with energy savings.”
The ability to control and monitor your home’s heating and cooling remotely is also an attractive sales feature and can help improve the value when you sell.
Depersonalize Your Space
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This might seem like a weird way to boost your home’s value, but if you’re putting your home on the market, it’s a given. In a Homes and Gardens article, expert Gavin Powell explains, “It’s important that potential buyers can envision your property as their own.”
They can’t do this if your pictures, artwork, or vinyl decor is taking up space around the home. Rather, give them a blank canvas to look at and let their imaginations run wild.
Declutter
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This is another one of those perceived value hacks that are free, but make it a lot easier to sell your home. After all, clutter tends to take up a lot of space and make it look messy, even if it’s not.
Gilberti stresses “[i]t costs nothing but time to clear countertops, store excess furniture, and simplify decor — but the payoff in perceived value is enormous.”
Refinish Hardwood Floors
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Are your floors looking a little worse for the wear? It happens, especially if you have pets. High-traffic areas like the kitchen and hallways tend to take a real beating.
And while it can be tempting to replace them, there’s a certain charm that comes with hardwood floors that make them an attractive feature to a buyer. Instead of replacing (or covering) them, take the time to refinish them. It’s not terribly expensive, depending on the size of your home, but it is a labor of love. One you will be glad you put time into.
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